5 Low Calorie Alcoholic Drinks

With summer almost upon us, a lot of us are gearing up for a couple of months of barbequing, camping trips, beach parties, and vacations in the sun - and we may want to indulge in the occasional cocktail while we're at it. There's no reason you can't have a few drinks here and there without completely blowing your diet. These five drinks allow you to enjoy a nice cold beverage and still stay within your recommended calorie allowance.

At 145 calories, the mojito isn't our lowest calorie option, but it is ideal in that the amount of sugar can be decreased at your discretion, has healthy ingredients like mint and lime to help keep you on track, and uses club soda or sparkling water as its mixer, rather than high calorie colas or juices. Mojitos are a summertime favourite as well, as the refreshing combination of ingredients poured over a healthy heap of ice compliment any sandy beach or BBQ.

Recipe:

1.5 - 2 oz. white rum

6 mint leaves

1 oz. lime juice

0.5 oz. cane sugar juice, or 0.5 oz. simple syrup (1 part sugar, 1 part water)

2 oz. sparkling water or club soda

In a shaker, muddle mint. Add remaining ingredients, shake well, and pour over ice. Add a lime wedge and fresh mint sprig as garnish.

With just 100 calories, and a name, look, and taste that scream summer, the sun splash is one of our favourite low-cal drinks. This tasty treat is rare for low calorie drinks, in that it contains juice - both juice and soda can turn your innocent shot of liquor into a calorie heavy nightmare. But because of the low quantities, this drink gets away with it.

Recipe:

1.5 oz. coconut rum

1.5 oz. pineapple juice

1.5 oz. grapefruit juice

Simply pour all ingredients over ice and enjoy!

This unusual cocktail comes in at only 88 calories, and adds a sophisticated touch to any outdoor dinner party. Just a little vermouth, a little grenadine, and carbonated water are all you need to create this unique summer drink.

Recipe:

2 oz. dry vermouth

1 teaspoon grenadine

1 cup carbonated water

Pour grenadine and half of the water into a glass and stir. Add vermouth, and top with remaining water. Garnish with lime or lemon wedge.

At just 20 calories an ounce (about 100 calories a glass), wine is a great choice for those looking to watch their weight, but it's not generally seen as a summery drink. A lot of ice and a little sparkling water is all it takes to change that, though! Both red and white wine can make a delicious spritzer, and you can change it up and experiment by trying flavoured soda waters - many of which have no calories.

Recipe:

5 oz. wine of your choice

5 oz. sparkling water

Pour over ice and enjoy!

Tip: while it will add a few calories, a shot of cranberry or blueberry juice adds a nice sweet touch.

If you're a fan of tangy and sour drinks, this is the perfect fit for you. Coming in at 90 calories, you can't go wrong with this refreshing summer drink.

Recipe:

1.5 oz. vodka

1 oz. lemon juice

1 teaspoon simple syrup (1 tsp water, 1 tsp sugar, mixed until smooth)

Club soda or sparkling water

Pour all ingredients over ice and garnish with lemon wedge.

• It isn't so much the alcohol that boosts your calorie intake, but the mixers - avoid large quantities of juice or soda, and stick with sparkling water.
• Our inhibitions are lowered when we drink, and that includes our attitude towards food. Plan your snacks ahead of time and stay away from meat platters and chips.
• Liqueurs, such as Bailey's, Schnapps, or cremes, are the highest calorie alcohols. Avoid any drink that is made with liqueur.

There's no reason why living a healthy lifestyle can't include going to parties and having a few drinks. The key is to not overindulge, and to choose your drinks wisely. Staying active also helps burn those calories as you consume them - get in on some beach volleyball, throw the frisbee around, or dance! Whatever you like to do, make an effort to stay moving.

Happy summer, all!