
Summer is a season with many tough, albeit fun, decisions — like what to sip. You don't have to sacrifice taste for calories with the right summer cocktails that balance out the more indulgent BBQ and ice cream. Be sure to buy local produce, and skip the mixes when making any of the following healthy beverages. Trust us: you will notice the punch of flavor.
Lavender Sangria:
Sip on this light, refreshing, and great-smelling cocktail that's perfect for summer! (via How Sweet Eats)
Rosé Chilton
Get in touch with your inner Southern belle and enjoy this rosy twist on a classic Texas beverage. It gives you an excuse to try out that rosé vodka you keep seeing around. (via A Zesty Bite)
Blood Orange Moscow Mule
Usually mules make us think of copper cups and cold nights by the fire; however, this summery take will have you dreaming about beaches and citrus sunsets. Since oranges are already pretty sweet, opt for a sugar-free ginger beer to top things off. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)
Strawberry Thyme Prosecco
Sparkling wine is good all on its own, yet drop in a few strawberries blended with limoncello, and you've got a refreshing drink for your summer. (via Damn Delicious)
Easy Rosé Spritzer
A little rosé, a little club soda, a slice of lemon… and you're set to sip guilt-free with this simple spritzer. (via Salt & Lavender)
Peach Mojito
Fruity mint mojitos FTW. The fresh peaches and mint here make this drink something special. You can always sub out the teaspoon of sugar with stevia, Splenda, or your choice of sugar-free sweetener. (via Cookie + Kate)
Pamplemousse La Croix and Lavender
Though this grapefruit and lavender mocktail doesn't feature alcohol, a shot of gin would perk it right up. The recipe does call for simple syrup, but you can always splash in less or make it sugar-free. (via Brit + Co)
Rhubarb Pie Cocktail
For lightly tart and tangy, try this pour made with rhubarb puree. (via Boulder Locavore)
Hangar 1's Rosé Vodka
A new way to rosé courtesy of Hangar 1's Rosé Vodka. Yes, girl, you read that right. (via SFGirl)
White Sparkler Sangria
Put this sparkling drink full of fruit together in just five minutes. (via Damn Delicious)
The Bramble
Blackberries and gin come together in a sour, sweet, and all together refreshing cocktail. The muddled berries in the bottom of the glass are a lovely boozy snack when you're finished. If your blackberries are ripe, you can probably get away with using just a smidge of stevia over the simple syrup to round out the cocktail. (via A Beautiful Mess)
Fresh Cherry Lime Vodka Soda
Vodka sodas are a low-calorie drink staple — that doesn't mean they have to be boring. Make a homemade cherry syrup to enliven the drink. Though the original recipe calls for sugar… you know what to do by now. (via How Sweet Eats)
Easy Mint Julep
Don't worry about having to melt down sugar to make simple syrup for this julep recipe. The maple syrup makes this the easiest bourbon classic you'll ever make. (via Cookie + Kate)
Blueberry Mojito
Loaded with antioxidant-rich blueberries, this minty drink is a sweet treat. (via The Novice Chef)
:La Croix Pimm’s Cups
This fruity British fave is even better when combined with the trendiest seltzer water around.(via Brit + Co)
Watermelon Gin Fizz:
'Tis the season for watermelon and this fizzy drink with a shot of gin makes for the most refreshing drink. (via Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts)
CITRUS CHAMPAGNE PARTY PUNCH
The glory of this shower-pleasing brunch is that you can decide just how much sugar you want to add by reducing the amount of simple syrup. (via Pizzazzerie)
Skinny Pineapple and Jalapeno Infused Vodka Cocktail
Okay, this one takes a little overnight preparation, but the good news is you'll have jalapeño and pineapple vodka you can save for other quick cocktails. It's sweetened with pineapple juice only and has a little flavor oomph with pineapple seltzer water. (via Physical Kitcheness)
Strawberry Mojito
Rely on that sugar-free simple syrup swap to keep this beverage as low calorie as possible. The strawberries should be so sweet you shouldn't need much else. (via Sidewalk Shoes)
Sparkling Watermelon Lychee
Watermelon and mint get a spiked makeover in this cocktail. (via Salted Canary)
Healthy Scratch Margaritas
Stop giving in to the allure of sweet and sour mix and follow a few simple tips to make a light and refreshing margarita from scratch. You'll want some strong fists or a citrus juicer for this one. It's just ever-so-lightly sweetened with date syrup too. (via Sunkissed Kitchen)
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This article has been updated from a previous post.
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