Low-Calorie Mixed Drinks

You don't have to worry that your evening cocktail will blow your diet; you can cut many calories with some careful choices in mixes. Most distilled alcohol contains from 60 to 80 calories per ounce. The calorie explosion in mixed drinks generally comes from sugary mixes and full-calorie sodas. By selecting sugar-free mixes and unsweetened fruit juices, you can keep the calorie count fairly low. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Wine Mixtures

Choose a wine that is naturally low in sugar; dry red wines, white wines and white zinfandel contain approximately 80 calories per 4-oz serving. Stretch your wine beverage by adding soda water and a twist of lime. If you prefer your drink sweet, add some no-calorie lemon-lime soda. For a fruity flavor, add lots of ice and low-calorie fruit punch.

Vodka and Gin

Add no-calorie tonic to your vodka or gin. If you want a fruity flavor, add a little fresh orange juice and fill the glass with soda water. Unsweetened grapefruit juice adds a tart taste, and artificially sweetened cranberry juice creates a sweet and fruity drink. You also can mix gin or vodka with no-calorie fruit-flavored waters.

Rum

Most fancy rum drinks are laden with sugar and calories. Mojitos are a rising star in the cocktail department, with many prepared mixes available. Make your own mojito and reduce the calories by adding sugar substitutes, lime juice, water and crushed mint leaves. Enjoy a simple rum and coke mixed drink by using diet cola with a twist of lemon or lime.

Tequila

Margaritas are generally high in calories, but you can make your own margarita with low-calorie lemonade and limeade mixes. Eliminate the high-calorie Cointreau or Triple Sec and substitute orange juice. For added sweetness, add a packet of artificial sweetener. There are several low-calorie margarita mixes available.

Hot Mixed Drinks

After a cold day out, warm up with a hot beverage. Heat dry red wine, and add cinnamon, allspice and no-calorie sweetener, then serve in a large mug with a twist of lemon and a cinnamon stick. Or warm low-calorie cranberry juice combined with wine. Heat apple juice with rum and allspice, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick to make an apple-pie-flavored drink.