There’s nothing more satisfying than a cool drink in the summer months. The crack and sizzle of a fresh seltzer or beer just brings a smile to my face.
But for those of us trying to lose a few pounds or even maintain, drinks are often demonized as “empty calories.” Many of those refreshing drinks are full of sugar, artificial flavors, dyes, and processed ingredients.
Alcohol gets a bad rep too—luckily I’ve already covered this subject and taught you how to drink responsibly for your waistline. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite hot-weather sippers that won’t sabotage your health goals.
Don’t deprive yourself of a cool refresher this summer. Try out these 5 types of summer drinks that are tasty and macro-light, so you can sip on something bubbly and still slip into that bikini.
The Vodka Mixer
From bloody mary’s to dirty martinis, vodka is the featured ingredient in a wide range of mixed drinks. That’s good news for those of us with health on the mind because vodka has no carbs, no fat, no sugar, and only 64 calories per ounce.
If you’re looking to spend $50 on a bottle of vodka, Belvedere and Grey Goose are two classic top-performers. Both will give you that smooth and soft finish those cheap vodkas lack.
The no-brainer budget vodka is Tito’s. Made in Texas, Tito’s has been winning awards for 20 years, including the Double Gold Medal for vodka at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. All this comes at a price of around 22-bucks.
3 Types of Vodka-Based Beverages
Vodka Soda
Since vodka is such a versatile liquor, you can really add it to spike any healthy drink. Keep it really light with a vodka soda—just vodka, club soda, lime juice, and ice.
Zippy Sipper
Make a zippy sipper by juicing apples, ginger, and lemon. Mix with club soda, ice, and a shot of vodka for the most refreshing summer drink.
Healthier Bloody Mary
Whip up your own healthier bloody mary if you’re craving something savory. Mix vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, celery salt, hot sauce, worcestershire sauce, pepper, and maybe a small dollop of horseradish if you’re brave enough. Garnish with celery or a lemon wedge.
The Slim Seltzer
Made primarily from carbonated water, alcohol, and fruit flavorings, seltzers are a great option for those of us watching our waistlines. They’re typically lower in calories and carbs than beer, wine, and mixed drinks—and there are a ton in the market today.
2 Summer Seltzers You Need To Taste
Bon & Viv Seltzer
The ingredient list for Bon & Viv’s 90-calorie seltzers is simple and short. Just purified water, champagne yeast, cold-fermented corn sugar, and natural fruit flavors make up this 4.5% ABV refresher. Plus, their flavors are absolutely charming—pear elderflower, clementine hibiscus, raspberry dragon fruit, and coconut pineapple are just a few from their lineup.
Crook & Marker Seltzer
These bubblys are made with real fruit juice, and you can tell. Crook & Marker seltzers are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher, and come in at just 80 calories a can.
Stretch your seltzer and make it healthier by mixing it with some fresh-squeezed oranges or grapefruits, your favorite sparkling water, or a sugar-free lemonade (just lemons, powdered monk fruit, and ice water).
The Light Beer That Tastes Robust
I’m a beer-lover. But some big-brand, light beers taste a little like beer water. If you’re looking for more zest and still want low-macros, try out one of these full-flavor brews.
2 Beers That Won’t Break The Calorie Count
Slightly Mighty by Dogfish Head
Fermented with the zero-calorie monk fruit, this tropical IPA has only 95 calories, 3.6 grams of carbs, 1 gram of protein, and zero grams of fat per 12-ounce serving. The exact same stats of a Michelob Ultra, only much tastier.
Corona Light
If you’re looking for the classic lager beer taste, Corona Light is an easy pick. With just 99 calories and 5 grams of carbs, you can grab a guilt-free bottle (and a lime wedge) next time you head to the beach.
The Wine Spritzer Sangria
You can whip up a delicious antioxidant-rich wine spritzer in a few minutes. Just combine your favorite wine, a fruity sparkling water, ice, and some big squeezes of your favorite citrus fruits. Pre-made wine spritzers can do the mixing for you if you’re on-the-go.
2 Wine Spritzers To Sip
Ramona Ruby Grapefruit Spritzer
For sizzling summer days, the Ramona Ruby Grapefruit Wine Spritzer is as refreshing as it is boozy. At just 90-calories, this spritzer has a whopping 7.5% ABV.
Babe 100 Rosé With Bubbles
Perfect for people who prefer soft flavors to those in hard seltzers, the Babe 100 tastes light and fresh. It’s just 100 calories and offers 6.9% ABV.
The Lean Tequila
Tequila is one of the healthier choices for cocktails and mixed drinks. Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, only has 69 calories per ounce, and zero carbs.
Tequila comes in all colors and categories. Whether you’re a blanco, reposado, or añejo drinker, Patrón Silver and Jose Cuervo are great options to please the crowd’s palate.
2 Tequila Drinks To Try
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Fresh Paloma
Try out a skinnier version of a Paloma. My go-to recipe is just fresh grapefruit juice, tequila, lime la croix, and a splash of Sparklin Ice zero-sugar grapefruit fizzy.
Tequila Mule
To keep this mule low-carb, mix tequila, lime juice, orange extract, ginger sparkling water, and a few slices of ginger root.
At LEAN, No Food or Drink is Off the Table
Health, wellness, and happiness all go hand-in-hand. Living your best and feeling confident in your body doesn’t mean you can’t crack one open on the beach this summer.
Try out these five health-friendly sippers this summer so you can get the best of both worlds.
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