Refreshing Low-Sugar Summer Cocktails: A Flavourful, Guilt-Free Way to Enjoy the Sun
A refreshing low sugar cocktail, a summer brunch, what a perfect way to unmind yourself in summers. But wait…!!
It’s too much calories and you couldn’t enjoy your cocktails much. Don’t worry! You don’t need to compromise on your health goals. Low sugar cocktails offer a great way to enjoy delicious drinks while keeping your calorie intake in check.
With a variety of flavours, these summer low calorie cocktails can be easily made at home, allowing you to experiment and find your perfect summer drink. In this article, we will explore some low-sugar summer alcohol drinks that are easy to prepare, flavourful, and perfect for those hot summer days.
Cucumber Mint Cooler Low Sugar Summer Cocktail
The Cucumber Mint Cooler is a light, refreshing drink that combines crisp cucumber with cool mint, making it an ideal choice for summer. It’s perfect for those who want a light and hydrating summer low sugar cocktails with a touch of elegance. You can skip the vodka/gin to make a non-alcoholic drink for guests too.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz of Gin (or Vodka, if preferred)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz cucumber juice
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
- Fresh mint sprig (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Calories per glass: Approximately 100 calories
Glass Type: Highball glass
Method:
- Muddle the fresh mint leaves in a shaker to release their natural oils and fragrance.
- Add cucumber juice, lime juice, and gin (or vodka) to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice, then shake vigorously to chill and combine.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water to add a fizzy touch.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a fresh mint sprig.
This cocktail is refreshing and perfect for staying hydrated while enjoying a drink in the sun.
Strawberry Basil Smash Summer Low Calorie Cocktail
You love fruity flavours, then this Strawberry Basil Smash is a great option as a low sugar cocktails this summer. The combination of fresh strawberries and basil provides a delicious balance of sweetness and herbal notes.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz White Rum
- 3-4 fresh strawberries
- 3-4 basil leaves
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz stevia or monk fruit sweetener (optional, for a little extra sweetness)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice (for garnish)
- Basil sprig (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Calories per glass: Approximately 120 calories
Glass Type: Rocks glass
Method:
- Muddle the fresh strawberries and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker to release the flavors.
- Add the white rum, lemon juice, and optional sweetener to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of basil.
This cocktail is packed with vibrant fruity flavours while keeping the sugar content low making it a favourite fruity low sugar cocktail.
Lemon-Lavender Vodka Collins Low Sugar Cocktails
If you’re looking for a floral and citrusy delight, the Lemon-Lavender Vodka Collins should be your go-to summer low sugar cocktail. The lavender adds a touch of sophistication, while the lemon keeps the drink bright and fresh. A yummy low calorie cocktail for summer.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz lavender syrup (made with stevia or another low-calorie sweetener)
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
- Lavender sprig (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Calories per glass: Approximately 150 calories
Glass Type: Collins glass
Method:
- Combine vodka, fresh lemon juice, and lavender syrup in a shaker.
- Add ice and shake well to chill the mixture.
- Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of lavender.
This drink is perfect for those who love unique flavours and are looking to try something a little different.
Gin & Tonic with a Twist Summer Low Sugar Cocktails
A classic gin and tonic is a great low-sugar cocktails option when you choose sugar-free tonic water. By adding a twist of citrus and herbs, you can elevate this simple drink into something special and that too calorie deficit too.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz sugar-free tonic water
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
- Fresh thyme sprig (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 3 minutes
Calories per glass: Approximately 120 calories
Glass Type: Highball glass
Method:
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add the gin and fresh lime juice.
- Top with sugar-free tonic water, stirring gently to combine.
- Garnish with lime wedges and a sprig of fresh thyme.
This classic, simple low calorie cocktail drink is refreshing with a herbal twist and a nice burst of citrus, perfect for summer evenings.
Tequila Sunrise with a Twist Summer Cocktail Low Calorie
A twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise, this version uses a splash of orange juice and grenadine, but you can use a sugar-free version of grenadine or make your own at home to keep it summer low-sugar cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Tequila (Blanco)
- 3 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz sugar-free grenadine or homemade grenadine syrup (made with stevia)
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherry (for garnish, optional)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Calories per glass: Approximately 150 calories
Glass Type: Highball glass
Method:
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the tequila and fresh orange juice into the glass and stir gently.
- Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass so that it sinks to the bottom, creating the signature “sunrise” effect.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry.
This low sugar summer cocktail brings a beautiful colour gradient while keeping the sugar content low with homemade or sugar-free grenadine.
Rum & Pineapple Sparkler Low Sugar Cocktail
This tropical-inspired drink that pairs light rum with pineapple for a juicy, flavourful low calorie cocktail with just a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Light Rum
- 4 oz fresh pineapple juice (preferably no added sugar)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
- Club soda
- Pineapple wedge (for garnish)
- Fresh mint sprig (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Calories per glass: Approximately 140 calories
Glass Type: Highball glass
Method:
- Fill a shaker with ice, then add the rum, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda to add a fizzy, refreshing finish.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a fresh mint sprig.
Your cool low sugar cocktail drink is tropical, light, and full of vibrant flavours, without being overloaded with sugar.
Bourbon Lemonade Low Calorie Cocktail
Bourbon and lemonade make a perfect pair. This variation uses stevia or monk fruit sweetener to keep the cocktail light on sugar while still delivering a flavourful, tangy punch.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz stevia or monk fruit sweetener syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice (for garnish)
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Calories per glass: Approximately 180 calories
Glass Type: Rocks glass
Method:
- In a shaker, combine the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and sweetener.
- Add ice and shake well.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh rosemary for an aromatic touch.
This Bourbon Lemonade is the perfect balance of citrusy tartness and smooth warmth from the bourbon, making it a good option in your low calorie cocktails list this summer.
Tips for Making Low-Sugar Cocktails
- Use natural sweeteners: Stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol are excellent low-calorie alternatives to sugar and can help you control the sweetness of your drinks without adding extra calories.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables offer vibrant flavours and nutrients without the sugar overloaded.
- Experiment with flavours: Mix and match fruits, herbs, and spirits to create your own signature low-sugar cocktail.
Conclusion
Low-sugar summer cocktails don’t have to be boring! They provide a delightful alternative to sugary drinks. Whether you enjoy gin, rum, tequila, or bourbon, vodka there are a variety of flavours to explore. These cocktails are easy to prepare, full of fresh ingredients, and low on sugar, ensuring you can enjoy your summer without the guilt. The key is to choose natural sweeteners and focus on fresh fruits and herbs to create vibrant, delicious drinks. With easy-to-follow recipes, low-calorie cocktail options, and refreshing ingredients, these low sugar summer cocktails are the perfect way to unwind while enjoying the warm weather.
Cheers to a healthy and flavourful summer!
If you want to learn specifically Blackberry Cocktails than you can read our exclusive article on different recipes for Blackberry Cocktails.
