One of our fabulous contributing writers, Maren, and I were out at a bar recently for a work meeting. I wanted a drink, but didn’t want to break the calorie bank. However, all Maren and I could think of on the fly was any type of alcohol with soda and lime. While the soda and lime trick will totally work to get you a lower-calorie drink, you will
typically end up with a drink that is lacking flavor and enjoyment.
This realization set us on the hunt for a better list of low-calorie drinks for our Fall and Winter adventures.
One of my favorite holiday drinks is a Hot Buttered Rum, but if you know anything about this recipe, you know that this is the farthest thing from a low-cal drink…until now! Check out this amazing recipe variation by Lemon Tree Dwelling that I’ll be making all winter:
Ingredients
Directions:
Next up, is our featured image drink Dutch Tea from Shape.com:
138 calories, 8 grams sugar without light whipped cream; 221 calories, 8 grams sugar with light whipped cream
This unique recipe is a liquid fusion of two decadent drinks—antioxidant-rich chocolate tea, which contains real cocoa nibs, orange peel, and spices, and chocolate vodka.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Steep 1 Numi Chocolate Puerh tea bag at normal strength with freshly boiled water for 3 minutes, then remove bag. Add vodka and stir. Place light whipped cream to float on top (optional). Dust with powdered cocoa to garnish.
For a lighter, cooler option, we are excited about what mixologist Jan Warren at New York City’s Pegu Club has created!
214 calories, 21.36 grams sugar
A creamy, full-bodied Scotch whiskey is infused with lemon juice and swaps out sugary juices in favor of pure coconut water and agave nectar.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Dry shake (no ice) and pour ice in a highball glass. Garnish with lemon slice.
For a classic and easy drink order that will keep you under 200 calories, try this Mad Men favorite by Garnish with Lemon:
193 calories
Ingredients
Directions:
Recipe Notes:
In sticking with the tradition and history of the drink, the Manhattan Cocktail should always be stirred, but shaking and serving it in the martini glass is a good option as well.
Leave your comments below for some of your favorite low-calorie or healthier versions of drinks, so we can all feel a little more confident at our drink ordering skills!
Founder of Shoulders With Freckles and SUMMERSKIN, as well as a Pharmacist, Melanoma Survivor & Mom.
