Drinking smart while celebrating with friends without totaling your diet is easier than you think. Yet, the “all clear with clear” or “wine is healthier” formulas aren’t foolproof, either, so take our advice on how to reduce the number of mixed drink calories, and you can get away with a lot more than a vodka tonic this holiday season.
Remember: One ounce of 80-proof vodka can set you back 64 calories, and one ounce of 100 proof rum, whisky, tequila, bourbon, or vodka has about 83 calories before the mixer. For the wine tipplers, their standard sip of a 12% abv wine has around 115 calories depending on the varietal. For the beer drinkers out there, one 12 ounce or regular microbrew has 150 calories and 13 grams of carbs, and a Bud Light Beer has 110 calories and seven grams of carbs. So here are a few healthier cocktail recipes that will make merry without making you fatter.
Method: Pour Jack Fire, apple brandy, and & Samuel Adams Octoberfest over ice in pint glass. Pour into shaker & stir. Pour back into pint with cinnamon/sugar rim.
Method: Combine ingredients in rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedge.
Total calories: 140
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Sleigh Bells (Sake Cocktail)
With five times less acidity than wine you’ll have a happier belly post party than if you put back a wine glass or two. Happier belly equals happier waistline.
In the past few years whiskey, bourbon, and rye purchases have soared to new heights—and it’s because this is not your grandpa’s spirit anymore. According to the Distilled Spirits Council, this mainstay is one of the fastest growing types of spirits right now, and imparts a warmth and depth of flavor so complete that’s perfect for cold winter months. So whip up this is hot toddy to reverse chilly nights.
Method: Muddle cherries & oranges in simple syrup in pint glass. Add bourbon & Samuel Adams Octoberfest. Fill glass with ice. Pour into mixing cup & stir. Pour back into pint.
Bubbly speaks for itself. It’s the ultimate celebration, and mixing it with a very low calorie mixer like DRY Sparkling helps you keep the calories low while you live on cloud nine.
Method: Combine ingredients in small, airtight container, such as a jam jar. Muddle ingredients with wooden spoon. Add ice. Shake for 20 seconds to chill. Top with a splash of club soda.
Method: Pour whiskey, ginger beer & Samuel Adams Octoberfest over ice in pint glass. Pour into shaker and stir. Pour back into pint & garnish with bittered orange.
Method: Combine ingredients in an ice-filled rocks glass and stir gently. Garnish with 1 spray of atomized rose water.
Total calories: 70
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Courtesy of campari.com
Campari Americano
Love it or hate it, this unmistakable spirit, at 24% abv (in the US) is a classic in every sense. The Negroni, with Campari, Gin and Vermouth Cinzano Rosso, isn’t as light on the calorie count, but the following alternative Campari Americano, is a refreshing and healthier treat for those in the know.
