Summer is the time for sipping cocktails on the beach or by the pool. While these refreshing drinks can be delicious, they are often loaded with calories.
If you’re watching your weight or counting calories, it’s important to know how many calories are in your favorite cocktails. In this article, we’ve rounded up the top 13 favorite cocktails and provided their calorie count.
The Classics
1. Margarita
A classic margarita is made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. It’s a refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot summer days. However, a 12-ounce margarita can contain up to 550 calories, depending on the recipe.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, try a skinny margarita with fresh lime juice and no added sugar or mixers. This can reduce the calorie count to around 100-150 calories per serving.
2. Mojito
A mojito is made with rum, mint, lime juice, and club soda. It’s a light and refreshing drink that’s perfect for summer. However, a 12-ounce mojito can contain up to 250 calories, depending on the recipe.
To reduce the calorie count, try using a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit and limiting the amount of rum.
3. Daiquiri
A daiquiri is made with rum, lime juice, and sugar. It’s a classic drink that’s perfect for summer. However, a 12-ounce daiquiri can contain up to 400 calories, depending on the recipe.
To reduce the calorie count, try using a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit and limiting the amount of rum.
The Modern Favorites
4. Aperol Spritz
One of the most popular drinks of the summer is the Aperol spritz. It’s made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water. It’s a light and refreshing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
However, a 6-ounce Aperol spritz can contain up to 150 calories, depending on the recipe.
5. Rosé
Rosé is one of the trendiest drinks of the summer. It’s a light and refreshing wine that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day. However, a 5-ounce glass of rosé can contain up to 120 calories, depending on the brand.
6. Pina Colada
A pina colada is made with rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream. It’s a sweet and creamy drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day. However, a 12-ounce pina colada can contain up to 500 calories, depending on the recipe.
To reduce the calorie count, try using a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit and limiting the amount of coconut cream.
7. Mai Tai
A mai tai is made with rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup. It’s a tropical drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day. However, a 12-ounce mai tai can contain up to 350 calories, depending on the recipe.
8. Bellini
A bellini is made with Prosecco and peach puree or peach schnapps. It’s a light and refreshing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day. However, a 6-ounce bellini can contain up to 150 calories, depending on the recipe.
9. Sangria
Sangria is made with red or white wine, fruit, and sometimes brandy or triple sec. It’s a refreshing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day. However, a 12-ounce glass of sangria can contain up to 300 calories, depending on the recipe.
To reduce the calorie count, limit the amount of sugar and alcohol you use.
10. Moscow Mule
A Moscow mule is made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. It’s a refreshing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day. However, a 12-ounce Moscow mule can contain up to 180 calories, depending on the recipe.
To reduce the calorie count, limit the amount of ginger beer you use.
11. Gin and Tonic
A gin and tonic is made with gin, tonic water, and lime juice. It’s a light and refreshing drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day. However, a 12-ounce gin and tonic can contain up to 160 calories, depending on the recipe.
12. Long Island Iced Tea
A long island iced tea is made with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and cola. It’s a strong and boozy drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day.
However, a 12-ounce long island iced tea can contain up to 780 calories, depending on the recipe. To reduce the calorie count, limit the amount of alcohol you use and use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit.
13. Sex on the Beach
Sex on the beach is made with vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice. It’s a fruity and sweet drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day. However, a 12-ounce sex on the beach can contain up to 300 calories, depending on the recipe.
To reduce the calorie count, limit the amount of sugar you use and opt for fresh juices instead of sugar-laden mixes.
Conclusion
Summer cocktails can be refreshing and delicious, but they can also be loaded with calories. If you’re watching your weight or counting calories, it’s important to know how many calories are in your favorite cocktails.
By making slight adjustments, like using sugar alternatives and fresh juices, you can enjoy your favorite drinks while keeping the calorie count in check.