When it comes to drinking alcohol, I can be a huge baby with both the amount I drink and what I drink. I’m not one to go for hard liquor or heavy beers– especially not ones that are high in calories. I went on a hunt this summer to find the most delicious and low-calorie drinks to order at bars so that when it’s time to drink with my girlfriends, I don’t have to hold my nose to swallow. Here are a few drinks you can order at the bar to keep conscious of calorie intake while still enjoying the taste:
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1. Grapefruit Crush
I love the idea of mixing alcohol and fresh fruit. Not all bars carry fresh fruit, but if you happen to go to one that does, be sure to grab this drink. ½ of a grapefruit with a spash of triple sec and club soda (you can choose sprite but it may add cals) will leave you drinking a refreshing and fruity drink for under 200 calories. (Switch up the grapefruit for orange, lemon or lime juice.)
2. Michelob Ultra
Get rid of the high-calorie beers and go for this one for only 95 cals. Rumor has it that Michelob Ultra is coming out with a new light cider that is 1/3 lower in calories than the leading regular hard cider.
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3. Mojito
Minty yet refreshing– ask the bartender to use half the amount of simple syrup to save 40 cals (or even ditch it all together). Fresh mint, lime and soda water with a splash of rum rounds out to around 100 calories.
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4. Sea Breeze
If your first instinct is to order the usual vodka cranberry, switch things up with a sea breeze. The grapefruit juice mixed with cranberry juice and a little vodka will account for 180 calories.
5. Rum and Diet
Switch the coke to a diet and you’ll save on some calories. Spice up the rum for a little kick.
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6. Vanilla Vodka and Diet Ginger Ale
Finally, a drink that tastes like a cupcake and is under 100 calories? I’m in love.
7. Tequila and Soda
Margaritas may be the perfect match for Taco Tuesday, but say adios to the sugar-filled margarita mix and add club soda and fresh lime for a 100 cal drink.
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8. Mudslide
Don’t let the name fool you. This 184-cal drink made of vodka, Kahlua and Bailey’s sounds like a hot-fudge sundae but won’t cling to your body like one.
9. Gin and Tonic
If you’re one to opt for a Red Bull and vodka, try going for an upgrade in class while downgrading your calorie count to 103.
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10. Pomegranate Cosmo
We all learned from Carrie Bradshaw that cosmos may be the most glamorous martini, but she failed to inform us of their 200+ calorie count. Switch up your martini choice with pomegranate liquor, fresh lime juice, ice, and a bit of orange liquor.