Happy hour doesn't have to derail your diet when you opt for low-calorie cocktails. Mixing up slimmed-down versions of classic cocktails can help you feel satisfied while sticking to your health goals. The key is knowing what to swap in.
We're sharing 15 of our favorite skinny cocktail recipes using lower-calorie alcohols like vodka, tequila, and gin mixed with fresh fruit juices, herbs, spritzes of soda, and other light ingredients.
When it comes to low-calorie cocktails, the classic vodka soda is hard to beat. With approximately 100 calories per serving, this simple highball lets the flavor of the vodka shine through. The key is sticking to calorie-free soda water rather than sugary tonic water or cola. For an extra pop of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice.
Customize your vodka soda further with a splash of cranberry juice or muddled berries. The beauty of a vodka soda is its simplicity and versatility–plus its ability to satisfy without the added calories and carbs.
A fun twist on the classic mojito, the skinny version packs all the bright, minty flavor you love into a lighter package. Made with soda water instead of sugar-heavy simple syrup, and diet soda or no-calorie sweeteners instead of regular ones, a skinny mojito typically clocks in around 150 calories.
To give it that classic mojito flavor, muddle plenty of fresh mint leaves with a squeeze of lime and a splash of soda. Add light rum and a zero-calorie sweetener if desired. Garnish your skinny mojito with extra mint and lime wedges.
Wine Spritzers are a delightful and low-calorie alternative to traditional cocktails, offering a crisp and effervescent experience. Combining wine with sparkling water, these effervescent concoctions maintain the essence of your favorite varietal while reducing overall caloric content.
Whether it's a refreshing white wine spritzer with citrus notes or a red wine spritzer with a hint of berries, these drinks strike a perfect balance between lightness and flavor. Ideal for warm afternoons or casual gatherings, Wine Spritzers present a guilt-free option that allows you to savor the nuances of wine in a more hydrating and calorie-conscious libation.
This timeless and low-calorie classic requires only two main ingredients—your preferred whiskey and ginger ale—creating a refreshing libation that's light on calories. The warmth of the whiskey and the zing of the ginger ale dance harmoniously to make it a crisp and spirited experience without unnecessary added sugars.
Whether enjoyed over ice or as a quick mix, Whiskey Ginger proves that a delightful, low-calorie cocktail can be both uncomplicated and incredibly flavorful.
The Moscow mule gets a slim makeover in this lighter take on the classic vodka cocktail. Made with vodka, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer, a traditional Moscow mule can pack up to 200 calories. To cut back, stick to calorie-free ginger beer or ginger ale. For an extra kick, add grated fresh ginger. Mix with lime juice and vodka over ice in a copper mug or rocks glass.
For a final flourish, garnish your skinny Moscow mule with lime wheels or a sprig of fresh mint. The end result is a flavorful, fizzy cocktail that satisfies cravings without the added calories and sugar.
With just two primary ingredients - dry gin and dry vermouth - a classic dry martini clocks in at around 120 calories per serving. To cut additional calories, limit the amount of vermouth - "extra dry" martinis use even less. Mix your preferred ratio of gin and vermouth over ice and garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
For an extra dry martini, rinse the glass with vermouth first instead of mixing it in. Sip this slimmed-down classic at your next cocktail hour to add indulgence without overdoing it on calories. James Bond would certainly approve.
This classic winter warmer can be enjoyed as a low-calorie indulgence. Red wine, infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and citrus zest, creates a comforting and flavorful beverage. By choosing a dry red wine and sweetening with a natural sweetener or sugar substitute, you can keep the calorie count in check.
The warmth of the spices and the rich depth of the wine make this low-calorie mulled wine a guilt-free pleasure during chilly evenings, offering a cozy and fragrant experience without the excess calories of traditional holiday cocktails.
Craving a spicy kick without the calorie overload? Ditch the sugary mixers and embrace the Bloody Mary Light! This low calorie version uses low-sodium tomato juice, a splash of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco instead of the rim salt and high-calorie mixers
As a result, each sip has savory herbs, peppery heat, and tangy freshness, all ringing in around 85 calories. So raise a glass, guilt-free, to this lightened-up legend and let the Bloody Mary Light ignite your taste buds without setting your calorie counter ablaze!
The Paloma is a fresh and fruity Mexican cocktail that makes for an ideal low-calorie drink option. With just three main ingredients - tequila, grapefruit juice, and soda - a Paloma typically clocks in around 100 calories per serving. To make one, rim a glass with salt and fill it with ice. Add tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and a splash of soda water.
Use fresh pink or red grapefruit juice for the most flavor. Garnish your Paloma with a grapefruit wedge or wheel. The sweet, tart grapefruit balances out the tequila for a drink that satisfies cravings without added calories or carbs. Salud!
Gin and Tonic stands out as a classic and refreshing guilt-free cocktail. This timeless concoction features the crisp notes of gin paired with the effervescence of tonic water, creating a light and bubbly drink. With the absence of sugary mixers, the simplicity of the ingredients makes it a go-to option for those mindful of calorie intake.
The herbal undertones of gin and the zesty twist of a lime garnish add depth without compromising on the cocktail's lightness. Gin and Tonic, with its simplicity and vibrant flavors, remains a timeless choice for those seeking a satisfying beverage without having to compromise on your diet.
For a lighter twist on the classic gin fizz, try the Tequila Fizz. This bubbly, Mexican-inspired cocktail typically contains around 120 calories per serving. To make it, combine silver tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and soda water in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a Collins or Highball glass over fresh ice.
For extra flavor, add a dash of bitters or a splash of grapefruit juice. Garnish your Tequila Fizz with lime wheels or a grapefruit slice and enjoy!
The Watermelon Margarita is a refreshing and guilt-free sip of summer. Blending the hydrating essence of watermelon with tequila, triple sec, and a splash of lime juice, this low-calorie cocktail is a vibrant, fruity delight. Its natural sweetness allows for a lighter touch on added sugars, while the iconic margarita tang remains intact.
Served over ice, each sip bursts with the cool, juicy essence of watermelon, making it a perfect poolside companion or a flavorful choice. Cheers to a zesty and waistline-friendly indulgence!
The Old-Fashioned is one of the most popular cocktails made with bourbon or rye, bitters, and a hint of sugar. It is naturally low-calorie because of the simpler preparation method and fewer ingredients. Opting for a sugar substitute or reducing the syrup quantity further trims down the calorie content.
Served over ice and garnished with an orange twist or cherry, the Old-Fashioned proves that sophistication and flavor need not be compromised for a lighter libation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a classic, low-calorie cocktail experience.
The Cranberry Vodka Spritzer is a fizzy, fruity cocktail that makes it easy to cut calories without sacrificing flavor. It features vodka, sugar-free cranberry juice, and soda water over ice. Use a calorie-free flavored soda water for extra flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the tart cranberry. Finish it off with lime rounds or a cranberry skewer.
At around 100 calories per serving, this skinny cocktail lets you enjoy the vodka's subtle kick paired with sweet, tangy cranberry. The soda water gives it a satisfying effervescence. Sip on this vodka spritzer at brunch or cocktail hour to add festivity without the additional calories or carbs.
Escape to the tropics with a taste of the islands in this lighter take on the Pina Colada. To skinny up this creamy classic, blend light coconut milk with fresh pineapple juice and rum over ice. For a dairy-free twist, use unsweetened coconut water instead. Add a dash of coconut or pineapple extract for extra flavor sans calories.
With about 140 calories per serving, this tropical treat lets you indulge without overindulging. The fresh pineapple juice and coconut provide natural sweetness without added sugar. So kick back and enjoy island vibes, no plane ticket required!
Author
Editor
Deepa Pudasaini
Deepa Pudasaini is a food and beverage writer with a curious palate and a love for all things flavorful. She’s just as excited about discovering a new local brew as she is about telling the story behind a family-run kitchen. With a background in hospitality and a down-to-earth voice, Deepa writes about what we eat and drink in a way that’s relatable, thoughtful, and always a little bit adventurous.
For her, it’s not just about taste—it’s about the people, the craft, and the joy that good food and drink bring to our lives.
