As a host, it's important to consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests when planning your menu. If you have health-conscious guests attending your next gathering, why not offer them a selection of low-calorie cocktails? Not only will they appreciate the thoughtfulness, but it's also a great way to show that you can entertain while still being mindful of health goals. Here we'll provide you with some tips and recipes for creating a menu of low-calorie cocktails that are sure to impress your guests. So, let's get shaking!
Choose a base spirit that is low in calories:
When creating a low-calorie cocktail menu, it's important to start with a base spirit that is low in calories. Some good options include vodka, gin, tequila, and rum. These spirits are all under 100 calories per serving and can be used to create a variety of delicious cocktails.
Try:
Vodka:
Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz - 73 calories per serving
Smirnoff Vodka - 97 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Absolut Lime Vodka - 97 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Gin:
Hendrick's Gin - 88 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Bombay Sapphire Gin - 115 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Tanqueray Gin - 115 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Tequila:
Código 1530 Blanco Tequila - 96 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Casamigos Blanco Tequila - 96 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Avión Silver Tequila - 97 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Rum:
Captain Morgan White Rum - 86 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Bacardi Superior Rum - 96 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Malibu Original Rum with Coconut Liqueur - 100 calories per 1.5 oz serving
Use fresh ingredients:
Using fresh ingredients in your cocktails not only makes them taste better, but it also makes them healthier. Fresh fruits and herbs are packed with nutrients and can add a lot of flavor to your low-calorie cocktails. There are many options that can be used to enhance the flavor and visual appeal of cocktails. Below are five examples of fresh fruits and herbs that are commonly used in cocktails:
Mint - Mint is a versatile herb that pairs well with a variety of spirits, including rum, gin, and vodka. It adds a refreshing, slightly sweet flavor to drinks and is often used in mojitos, juleps, and other classic cocktails.
Strawberries - Strawberries are a popular fruit in cocktails due to their sweet, juicy flavor and bright red color. They can be muddled, sliced, or used as a garnish for a variety of cocktails, from margaritas to spritzes.
Basil - Basil is an herb that adds a unique, slightly spicy flavor to cocktails. It pairs well with gin and vodka and is often used in drinks like the basil smash or basil gimlet.
Pineapple - Pineapple is a tropical fruit that adds a sweet, tangy flavor to cocktails. It is often used in tiki-style drinks like the piña colada or mai tai.
Cucumber - Cucumber is a refreshing, cooling fruit that adds a subtle flavor to cocktails. It pairs well with gin and vodka and is often used in drinks like the cucumber martini or gin and tonic.
Offer a variety of mixers:
When creating a low-calorie cocktail menu, it's important to offer a variety of mixers that are low in sugar and calories. Some good options include soda water, fresh juice, and coconut water. These mixers can be used to create a variety of refreshing and healthy cocktails. If you're looking to enjoy a cocktail while watching your calorie intake, there are plenty of mixers you can use that won't add too many extra calories.
Here are five low calorie cocktail mixers to consider:
Club soda: With zero calories, club soda is a great option for adding some fizz to your drink without adding any extra sugar or calories.
Fresh citrus juice: Lemon, lime, and grapefruit juice all add a tart and refreshing flavor to cocktails without adding many calories. Just be sure to use fresh juice rather than the sweetened, store-bought varieties.
Diet soda: If you're looking for a low calorie alternative to regular soda, diet soda is a good option. Just be aware that diet soda can have a somewhat artificial taste, so it may not be to everyone's liking.
Light cranberry juice: Cranberry juice can be a healthy and flavorful mixer, but the regular variety can be high in sugar and calories. Look for a light or reduced-calorie version to cut back on the calories.
Coconut water: Coconut water is a low calorie and hydrating mixer that can add a tropical twist to your cocktails. Just be sure to choose an unsweetened variety to keep the calories in check.
Experiment with different flavors
Creating a low-calorie cocktail menu doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Experiment with different flavor combinations to create delicious and unique cocktails that your health-conscious guests will love. Low calorie cocktails are a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink without consuming too many calories. Here are five creative flavors for low calorie cocktails:
Cucumber and Mint Cocktail: This refreshing cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day. Simply muddle fresh mint leaves with sliced cucumbers, add ice, and top off with sparkling water. For an extra kick, add a splash of vodka or gin.
Spicy Margarita: Spice up your low calorie cocktail game with a jalapeño-infused margarita. Simply muddle slices of fresh jalapeño with lime juice and a splash of agave nectar, add ice, and top off with tequila and sparkling water.
Berry and Basil Cocktail: This sweet and tangy cocktail is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of summer. Muddle fresh basil leaves with mixed berries, add ice, and top off with vodka and sparkling water.
Coconut and Pineapple Cocktail: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this delicious cocktail. Mix together coconut water, pineapple juice, and a splash of rum or vodka. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple.
Grapefruit and Rosemary Cocktail: This sophisticated cocktail is perfect for a dinner party or date night. Muddle fresh rosemary with grapefruit juice, add ice, and top off with gin or vodka and sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for an extra touch of elegance.
Provide nutritional information
Finally, it's important to provide nutritional information for your low-calorie cocktails. This will allow your guests to make informed decisions about what they're drinking and help them stick to their health goals. You can include this information on your menu or provide it upon request. When it comes to enjoying low calorie cocktails, it is important to be mindful of the nutritional information of the ingredients used. Here are three important nutritional information to keep in mind:
Calorie Content: The calorie content of each ingredient used in the cocktail can add up quickly. Opt for low calorie mixers such as soda water, diet tonic water, or fresh fruit juice with no added sugar. These will help keep the calorie count of your cocktail low.
Sugar Content: High sugar content in cocktails can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to a crash later on. Added sugars should be avoided as much as possible. Instead, use natural sweeteners such as fresh fruit or a small amount of honey to add sweetness.
Alcohol Content: Alcohol can be high in calories, so it is important to pay attention to how much you are consuming. Opt for lower alcohol content options such as light beer, wine or spirits that are mixed with low calorie mixers.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy delicious low calorie cocktails that won't break your diet.