The warm weather is here, which means lots of sun, lots of fun, and most likely, lots of refreshing cocktails. But we all know that while they taste delicious, cocktails can really add to your calorie count, which can bring you further away from your health and fitness goals. But this doesn’t mean that you need to give them up altogether. Instead, just make some changes that’ll give you the thrill but without the extra sugar, calories and headache.
We spoke to Liz Marino from The Clean Eating Couple who shared with us two of her healthier, more hydrating cocktail recipes that you can indulge in throughout the season!
Cucumber Lemonade Vodka Cocktail
Having the sun out in the warmer seasons can be fun, but it also means that you’re going to be hot, sweaty and thirsty. Fortunately, you have this Cucumber Lemonade Vodka Cocktail to try.
Marino describes it as “the best drink to cool off with!” Not to mention, it’s much healthier and more hydrating than your typical drink “because it’s not loaded with sugar.” She also likes “to add a little bit of seltzer to it to add even more hydration.” The cucumbers make it taste super light and fresh while the mint adds the perfect refreshing final touch to it.
Feeling thirsty? You can enjoy this drink with just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of your time.
Ingredients
- vodka
- lemonade*
- cucumber
- mint
- ice
* Store-bought lemonade is an option. However, Marino also has a recipe for her very own Healthy Honey Mint Lemonade, that you can use instead. It’s delicious and it has even less sugar than store-bought lemonade, making it an even healthier option.
Directions
- Muddle the cucumber and mint together in a cocktail shaker.
- Add vodka and lemonade.
- Shake well.
- Serve over crushed ice.
Find the recipe here.
Skinny Margarita
If you’re looking for the ultimate healthy and hydrating cocktail for any season, look no further than the skinny margarita! “Easy, fresh, low calorie and delicious – this is perfect for a healthy cocktail!”, says Marino.
To put things in perspective, she explains, “Many alcoholic drinks are loaded with sugars making them super high calorie.” In fact, if you go to a restaurant to order a margarita, they can have up to 500 calories. Marino’s version though has under 200 calories per drink! But don’t worry, these skinny margarita’s doesn’t mean that there’s less alcohol; just less sugar.
On top of that, it’s also super simple to make. It only requires a few ingredients, but don’t be fooled by the scarce ingredient list – “This drink is loaded with flavor and is so refreshing!”, she says.
Ingredients
- silver tequila
- lime juice*
- orange juice
- agave nectar*
- Ice
* One key note that Marino highlighted is using fresh lime juice as opposed to a bottled version, for that ultimate refreshing taste.
*Also, if you don’t have agave nectar on hand, then honey and maple syrups are great substitutions.
Directions
- Add all your ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well.
- Serve in a glass with ice and a lime wedge.
Find the recipe here.