If you’re trying to slim down, just about every nutritionist will tell you to watch what you drink—and they’re not just talking about high-kJ pints of beer. Many cocktails are swimming with enough sugar to send you into a craving spiral. But the solution isn’t as simple as subbing in mixers with artificial sweeteners. Studies show those can actually increase cravings for the sweet stuff.
Don’t worry: We’re not suggesting you stick to tasteless vodka sodas. When it comes to better-for-you boozing, you can cut sugar without sacrificing the taste—it just takes a bit of know-how. Take these seven low-sugar cocktails, for example. Instead of sugary mixers or diet soda, they get their refreshing flavour from things like coconut water and splashes of freshly squeezed fruit juice. You'll definitely want to give them all a sip...just watch how many you drink, or else the sugar will add up!
Photograph courtesy of Catching Seeds
Blackberry Kombucha Vodka Smash
Laurel of Catching Seeds uses just four ingredients to make this fizzy refreshment. Probiotic-rich kombucha serves as the gingery base, blackberries add sweetness and vodka brings the party; don't forget a few sprigs of thyme, which lend herby goodness to the mix. Make sure you pick a brand of kombucha that's low in sugar (like GT's Enlightened Organic & Raw Gingerade), or you can even try making your own.
Photograph courtesy of Eating Bird Food
Skinny Paloma
Skip the sugary margarita mixes and get your tequila fix with this smart alternative from Brittany of Eating Bird Food. Just squeeze juice from a grapefruit, stir in your tequila of choice, and add a splash of lime. With some ice and a rim of Himalayan sea salt, you've got the perfect sunny day sipper.
Photograph courtesy of Mom on Timeout
Coconut Lime Coriander Cooler
This summer cocktail by Mom On Timeout starts with coconut water, which contains electrolytes, so it's practically made for hot days at the pool or on the beach. All you have to do is stir in sparkling water, lime juice and rum, then finish with a sprinkling of chopped coriander. Sounds refreshing, right?
Photograph courtesy of With Salt & Wit
Sparkling Rosé Sangarita
No need to choose between sangria or a margarita, says Megan of With Salt & Wit. She pops a bottle of sparkling rosé to create this hybrid, which gets fruity flavour from fresh orange and lime juices, plus a little zing of tequila. Do it up with salt on the rim, and you're in paradise.Photograph courtesy of Love & Lemons
Skinny Lemongrass Mojitos
One way to slash sugar without sacrificing taste is to infuse your drink with plenty of fresh herbs, like Jeanine of Love & Lemons does. She goes beyond basic mint and tosses basil and lemongrass into her mojitos, which contain a mixture of lime juice, white rum and sparkling water. These have a touch of Truvia, a natural sweetener that includes stevia leaf extract, but you can always sub in honey (one of these top natural sweetener choices) or skip the saccharine altogether.Photograph courtesy of In It 4 The Long Run
Kombucha Moscow Mule
Our favourite fermented drink comes to the rescue again in this low-sugar take on a mule by Georgie of In it 4 the Long Run. It's as simple as swapping ginger beer (which has more than 30 grams of sugar per can) with ginger kombucha (just 2 grams of sugar per serving) and then mixing in vodka and lime juice with an optional hint of agave or honey.
Photograph courtesy of With Food + Love
Naturally Sweetened Sparkling Ginger Margarita
If you prefer a more classic margarita, try this option from With Food + Love. Blogger Sherrie stirs together her tequila and lemon and lime juice with Zevia Ginger Ale, which is sweetened with natural stevia extract. You could also opt to experiment with ginger kombucha. Either way, cheers!
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