Jeffrey Salazar
Cocktails are often loaded with calories and packed with sugar, but they don't have to be. Spirits such as tequila, gin, vodka, and rum are naturally low in calories and carbs, but when mixed with fruit juices, syrups, and other cocktail ingredients, the calories can quickly add up. To make a low-calorie cocktail, it's best to keep things simple and use fresh ingredients. You can also swap out high-calorie ingredients for low-calorie alternatives, such as using diet tonic water in a vodka tonic or using a low-carb sweetener instead of sugar in a spiked lemonade.
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What You'll Learn
Use low-calorie alcohol bases
When choosing a low-calorie alcoholic drink, it's best to opt for spirits such as tequila, gin, vodka, and rum, as they have the lowest calories. Each standard drink, or 1.5 fl oz serving, has around 95 calories. However, when used in cocktails or mixed drinks, the calorie count can increase.
To make a low-calorie cocktail, it is recommended to use liquors like vodka, tequila, rum, or gin. You can also use a sugar syrup substitute or sweetener to keep the calories low but the flavor high. Homemade sugar-free simple syrup (or sugar-free maple syrup) can be used to add sweetness to every cocktail, without the calories.
If you're looking for a simple, low-calorie cocktail to make at home, a vodka soda is a great option. Alternatively, you can make a low-calorie gin and tonic by using diet tonic water, which is a calorie-free alternative to regular tonic water. You can also lower the calorie content by changing the ratio of your drink to include more ice, diet tonic water, and less gin.
Another option is to make a low-calorie version of a classic cocktail, such as a dry martini, which contains more gin and less vermouth. You can also try a low-calorie mojito by using sugar-free simple syrup and diet soda or club soda instead of regular sugar and soda.
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Avoid sugary syrups and fruit juices
When making diet cocktails, it's important to be mindful of the ingredients you use to avoid adding unnecessary sugar and calories. Here are some tips to avoid sugary syrups and fruit juices:
Opt for Sugar-Free Alternatives: Instead of using sugary syrups, opt for sugar-free simple syrup or sugar-free sweetener. These alternatives provide the same sweetness without the extra calories. This simple swap can make a significant difference in the overall calorie count of your cocktail.
Choose Your Spirits Wisely: When selecting your base spirit, keep in mind that some spirits naturally contain sugar. While the amount may be minimal, it can add up, especially when mixed with other sugary ingredients. Go for spirits like tequila, gin, vodka, and rum, which typically have lower calorie counts. Be cautious when choosing flavoured liquors, as they may contain added sugars.
Beware of Fruit Juices: Fruit juices can be high in natural sugars and calories. If you're looking to reduce sugar intake, consider limiting the amount of fruit juice in your cocktail or replacing it with fresh fruit puree, which has a higher fibre content and can add a similar flavour profile. Alternatively, use soda water or sparkling water to add fizz and volume to your drink without the extra sugar.
Skip the Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is a common ingredient in many cocktails, but it is essentially just sugar and water. Leaving out the simple syrup or replacing it with a sugar-free alternative can drastically reduce the sugar content of your cocktail. For example, a traditional margarita can be made into a "skinny" version by omitting the simple syrup and adding sparkling water instead.
Enhance with Herbs and Spices: Instead of relying solely on sweet syrups and juices, enhance your cocktails with fresh herbs and spices. Muddle mint leaves, add a dash of cinnamon, or infuse your cocktail with ginger. These ingredients add depth of flavour and can help reduce the need for excessive sweetness.
By following these tips and making mindful ingredient choices, you can create delicious diet cocktails that are lower in sugar and calories without sacrificing flavour.
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Use natural sweeteners
Natural sweeteners are a great way to make diet cocktails. They can drastically reduce the calorie and carb count of a beverage without compromising on taste.
Stevia is a popular choice for a natural sweetener. It is extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which has been used for its sweetness and medicinal value for centuries in South America. It is incredibly sweet, with a sweetness hundreds of times that of sugar, and provides health benefits such as lower blood pressure and blood sugar. It is a good substitute for simple syrup, as in a diabetic-friendly Daiquiri. It can also be used in a Tom Collins, where it is mixed with lemon juice and gin, and in a Cosmopolitan, where it can replace Cointreau.
Agave nectar is another natural sweetener that can be used in cocktails. It is one-and-a-half times sweeter than sugar, so less can be used in a cocktail. It is also a good vegan alternative to honey.
Honey is another natural sweetener that can be used in cocktails, but it is important to note that it is too thick to be used on its own and must be turned into a syrup. Honey has a variety of flavours, from mild and delicate to strong and almost medicinal, so it is important to test it before deciding on a cocktail recipe. Honey also works well in flavoured syrups, especially with herbs and spices.
Other natural sweeteners that can be used in cocktails include monk fruit, coconut sugar, molasses, and maple syrup.
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Make big batches for easy serving
Making large batches of cocktails is a great way to save time and effort when serving drinks to a crowd. Here are some tips to make the process easy and efficient:
First, choose the right cocktails. Spirit-forward cocktails are the easiest to batch, as they don't have to worry about juices that turn bitter over time. Examples of such cocktails include Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Martinis. If you do want to include juices, it's best to add them right before serving, as fresh juice, especially citrus juice, can change flavour within minutes.
Second, gather your equipment. You'll need a large container, such as a pitcher, bowl, Mason jar, or empty liquor bottle, to mix and store your cocktails. Make sure your container is big enough to hold your entire batch. You may also need a funnel to avoid spills when filling narrow-necked vessels.
Third, calculate your measurements. Figure out how much of each ingredient you'll need based on the number of servings you want to make. For example, if your cocktail calls for two ounces of whiskey and you want to make eight servings, you'll need 16 ounces of whiskey. Don't forget to account for any dilution that would normally occur when stirring or shaking individual drinks.
Fourth, prepare your ingredients. Add all the ingredients to your large container and mix them well. If you're adding water, follow the method described earlier to ensure you add the correct amount. Chill the batch in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
Finally, don't forget the finishing touches. When serving, add ice, soda water, and garnishes to each drink. You can also brush the rim of the glass with water and dip it in sweetener, salt, or tajin to add an extra touch.
By following these steps, you can easily make large batches of delicious diet cocktails that will impress your guests and save you time during your event.
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Garnish with a rim
Rimming a cocktail glass is an easy way to add flavour and enhance the presentation of your drink. Here are some tips and ideas for garnishing your low-calorie cocktails with a rim:
Salt or Sugar Rim
Creating a salt or sugar rim is a simple way to add flavour to your cocktail. Start by pouring a small amount of your chosen rimmer onto a plate or saucer. If your cocktail includes citrus, slice a wedge of lime, lemon, or orange and use it to swipe around the edge of your glass. For cocktails without citrus, use a second plate with a simple syrup or another sticky liquid, such as liqueur, to dip the edge of your glass into. Then, flip the glass upside down and dip it into the rimming salt or sugar to create an even rim. You can also get creative and use other sweeteners or seasonings, such as tajin, to suit the flavours of your drink.
Half-Dipped Rim
For a fancier presentation, you can create a half-dipped rim. Instead of coating the entire edge of the glass, swipe only the portion you want to be coated with your chosen liquid or citrus wedge. Then, dip that section into your rimming agent, such as salt or sugar. This allows your guests to alternate sips with a rimmed flavour and sips without, creating a unique drinking experience.
Citrus Wedges and Rosettes
Citrus wedges are a classic cocktail garnish. Cut your chosen citrus fruit, such as lemon, lime, or orange, lengthwise down the middle. Then, cut each half into wedges. Remove any white pith and seeds, as these can be undesirable in a cocktail. You can slide the wedge onto the rim of your glass by cutting a diagonal slit into the flesh. Citrus wedges add a pop of colour and allow your guests to adjust the flavour of their drink by squeezing in extra juice if desired. Alternatively, use a peeler to cut a wide twist from the citrus fruit, creating a long, thin strip of peel. Roll this strip into a tight scroll and secure it with a cocktail pick. Place this rosette garnish on the rim of your glass for an elegant touch.
Cinnamon Stick
For a tropical or creamy cocktail served over crushed ice, a cinnamon stick garnish adds both flavour and aroma. Place the cinnamon stick securely in the ice and use a butane torch to carefully burn the tip, releasing a steady stream of cinnamon smoke. This sensory garnish will enhance the experience of your cocktail, engaging both taste and smell.
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Frequently asked questions
Vodka soda is a good option, as liquors like vodka have the lowest calories. Other options include a vodka tonic (with diet tonic water) and a St. Germain Spritz.
Spirits such as vodka, tequila, gin, and rum are great options for lower-calorie drinks as they have around 90 calories per serving. Avoid beer and wine, as well as sugary syrups and fruit juices. Instead, use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Here is a recipe for a low-calorie Long Island Iced Tea: 3/4 ounce each of vodka, white rum, tequila, gin, 1 teaspoon orange extract, 1 tablespoon sugar-free simple syrup, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 cup diet coke.
You don't need a full bar setup, but some useful tools include a citrus juicer, cocktail shaker, jigger or small measuring cup, muddler, and blender for frozen cocktails.
