She Strengthens

Healthy Habits Meet Happy Hour: 11 Low-Calorie Cocktails to Enjoy

When it comes to losing weight, it’s all about finding balance. You don’t have to give up your social life or your favorite drinks to reach your goals. In fact, with a little creativity, you can enjoy a night out with friends while still staying on track.

The Science Behind Drinking and Weight Loss

Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s talk about how alcohol affects weight loss. It’s not just about calories, carbs, and sugar – alcohol is an inflammatory toxin that your body can’t store. It goes straight to your liver, where it’s burned off first, delaying weight loss. Additionally, alcohol can increase your appetite and inhibit dietary fat oxidation, making it harder to lose weight.

The 11 Best Alcoholic Drinks for Weight Loss

But don’t worry, you can still enjoy a drink or two while staying healthy. Here are our top picks for low-calorie cocktails:

1. Fruity Seltzer Champagne

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Carbs: 3g
• Sugar: 1g

Mix 4 oz of champagne with seltzer and add your favorite fruits and herbs for a refreshing twist on a classic.

2. Skinny Gin and Cranberry

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Combine 1 shot of gin with 50-50 cranberry juice and seltzer, and squeeze in a fresh lime wedge for a tangy treat.

3. Gin Martini

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Chill a glass, add 2 shots of gin and a teaspoon of dry vermouth, and garnish with an olive for a sophisticated sipper.

4. Manhattan

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Carbs: 0.06g
• Sugar: 0.06g

Mix 2 shots of bourbon, a teaspoon each of sweet and extra dry vermouth, and 2 dashes of bitters for a classic cocktail.

5. Margarita Over Ice

• Calories: 105 kcal
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, then mix 1 shot of tequila, 25 ml of lime juice, and 20 ml of triple sec for a tangy twist on a classic.

6. Paloma

• Calories: 105 kcal
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Combine 1 shot of tequila, 10 ml of agave syrup, 10 ml of lime juice, and 60 ml of grapefruit juice, then top with soda water for a fruity and refreshing drink.

7. Rum and Diet Lemonade

• Calories: 97 kcal
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Mix 1 shot of rum with diet lemonade and add your favorite fruits for a sweet and tangy treat.

8. Rum with Black Tea

• Calories: 97 kcal
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Pour 1 shot of dark rum over ice, top with unsweetened black tea, and garnish with muddled mint and a slice of fresh lime for a refreshing summer drink.

9. Tequila Lime and Seltzer

• Calories: 105 kcal
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Mix 1 shot of tequila with fresh lime juice and seltzer for a light and refreshing drink.

10. Vodka Seltzer

• Calories: 97 kcal
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Pour 1 shot of vodka over ice, top with seltzer, and garnish with a slice of lemon and lime for a simple yet satisfying drink.

11. Vodka with Muddled Mint and Cucumber

• Calories: 97 kcal
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Combine 1 shot of vodka with fresh lime juice, muddled mint, and cucumber for a refreshing twist on a classic.

Drinks to Avoid When Trying to Lose Weight

While these low-calorie cocktails can help you stay on track, there are some drinks that are better left on the shelf:

• Beer (153 kcal, 13g carbs, 0g sugar per 12-ounce bottle)
• Baileys (123 kcal, 4g carbs, 1g sugar per shot)
• Wine (123 kcal, 4g carbs, 1g sugar per 5-ounce glass)

Tips for Enjoying Drinks While Losing Weight

Remember, moderation is key. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your drinks while staying healthy:

• Opt for diet sodas, tonics, and sugar-free mixers
• Steer clear of fruit juices and syrups
• Interspace your drinks with water or soft drinks
• Add seltzer to cocktails to bulk them out
• Use ice to supplement your drink with refreshing water

The Bottom Line

Alcohol may not be the best for your long-term health, but with a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a drink or two while still pursuing your ideal weight. Cheers to that!