Are you looking for ways to enjoy a drink without the calories, without removing dessert from your day, and without sacrificing taste?
These substitutes for your average cocktail ingredients will change the way you consume alcohol. Eat dessert every day and enjoy a cocktail- you deserve it. (Even with summer sneaking up on us.)
Cut this: Sprite
Photo by Alyssa Maccarrone
Substitute this: Seltzer Water
This easy switch tastes so similar you won’t understand why you didn’t make it sooner. Find some delicious seltzer-based cocktails here.
#SpoonTip: Add a splash of lemon juice and you will seriously have low-cal Sprite.
Cut this: Lemonade
Photo by Ben Rosenstock
Substitute this: Crystal Light Powdered Lemonade Packets
To create your healthier option: mix water with the Crystal Light packet for a much healthier choice that leaves you much less hungover. The lower the sugar content, the better. And as good as lemonade tastes, it’s packed with sweeteners that will leave you feeling flattened the next morning.
Cut this: Citrus Soda
Photo by Caroline Liu
Substitute this: Freshly Squeezed Lemons or Limes
Cut the soda. Whether you favor grape, orange, or cherry soda to mix in your cocktails, cut them out. Freshly squeezed lemons and limes add great taste without hurting your body.
Cut this: Grenadine Syrup
Photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com
Substitute this: Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is just as tasty without the high added sugar content of grenadine. Make sure to find a pomegranate juice that is unsweetened and doesn’t contain any other fruit juice concentrates (AKA sneaky added sugars).
Cut this: Flavored Vodka
Photo by Abigail Wilkins
Substitute this: Low-Cal Vodka
Low-cal vodka (like the SkinnyGirl brand) can be an easy switch from flavored vodka to regular. That simple switch can save you 70 calories per shot in every drink. So easy and so simple.
Cut this: Cranberry Juice
Photo courtesy of The Sweet Art
Substitute this: Fruit Ice Cubes
These are so fun to make, and give you the great taste of whatever flavor fruit you are feeling with a fraction of the calories. Find out how to make them here.
Cut this: Cola Flavored Soda
Courtesy of chowhound.com
Substitute this: Low-Calorie Iced Teas
Iced Tea (especially home brewed) is about 10,000 times better for you than Coke. If you’re worried about snoozing at the bar, make sure you use black tea in your brew – it’ll give you all of the energy without the high processed ingredients and sugars.
#SpoonTip: Always remember to drink responsibly.