Sometimes a refreshing alcoholic drink is needed on a hot summer’s day.
But if you’ve been watching your weight, working hard at the gym, walking, or running around the block, then the last thing you want to do is quench your thirst with a sugar-filled drink.
That doesn’t mean you must stop drinking your favorite just to keep trim and terrific. All your favorite brands have a low-calorie alternative.
So you can continue to be a mindful drinker and enjoy in moderation without counting calories.
Counting the Calories
In your daily diet, women need between 1,600 and 2,400 calories a day, while men need 2,000 and 3,000 – depending on age, size, and a few other factors.
A can of light beer contains around 100 calories, while regular beer typically contains around 150. Higher alcohol craft beers can contain up to 350 calories.
Going out and having just two of the higher calorie drinks in a session could take in over a quarter of your recommended daily calorie intake.
Best refreshing low-calorie beers
A cold beer is one of life’s simple pleasures – especially on a hot day.
One gram of alcohol contains seven calories alone, and not all the sugars in beer are converted during the fermentation process, so regular beer can contain many calories.
The following is our list of low calories drinks you can enjoy without the guilt.
1] Skinny Brands Lager
89 calories per bottle.
SBL is a premium lager that checks all the boxes, not only low-calorie but vegan, kosher, and gluten-free.
The Skinny Brands Lager is clean and crisp but light in flavor with a subtle fruity tang. Best served ice-cold.
The flavor may be more subtle than your regular beer, but it’s a good exchange for the lower calories.
2] Lagunitas Daytime IPA
98 calories per can.
The Daytime IPA combines a base of malt and oats with deep tropical flavor and a splash of hops. The fruity citrus flavors are heavier, whereas there are more subtle malty tones.
Carbonated just right with a thin and light body with a crisp finish and the right level of bitterness.
The Lagunitas Daytime IPA is perfect as a light summer beer with a light malt flavor.
3] Guinness Draught Stout
125 calories per bottle.
There is something unmistakable about the look of a Guinness – Nothing else comes close.
As the glass gets closer, you’ll get the heady hints of chocolate, coffee, and barley. From the first sip, you get the hit of the bitter notes that then tones down to reveal a toasted grain and malt flavor, along with the delicate notes of coffee and cream.
A great pairing with hearty, heavy meals may go against the calorie savings you are trying to achieve.
4] Brewdog Lightspeed
99 calories per can.
The Brewdog Lightspeed pours a hazy golden body with a white foamy head.
It delivers tropical, citrus, and peach flavors with a sprinkle of toasted caramel.
5] Kona Light Blonde Ale
99 calories per bottle.
The Kona Light Blonde Ale has a bright golden body and a decent creamy head that dissipates quickly.
The aroma of pineapples and mangoes doesn’t translate into the taste, but the palate is floral with tangy hops and a trace of bitterness.
The lighter flavor pairs perfectly with grilled seafood and garden salad.
6] Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
70 calories per can.
With zero alcohol, this is the perfect beer with low calories and no alcohol side effects. A more fruity session style IPA delivers a balanced bitterness.
This IPA is mildly sweet with a lemony flavor and a malty finish - a perfect blend that tastes like a regular IPA but without the alcohol.
Refreshing low-calorie mixed drinks
7] Vodka, Soda, and Lime
130 calories per 7.5 ounces serving
A refreshing combination over ice on a hot day, the Vodka provides the calories and the kick, while the soda water helps keep you hydrated without adding extra calories.
Mix the Vodka and soda water over ice and add a squeeze of fresh lemon or fresh lime. To make it fancy, garnish it off with a sprig of rosemary or mint.
8] Light Moscow Mule
100 to 130 calories per serve
Take a standard serving of Vodka and mix it with sugar-free ginger beer, then add the mix with a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice to one of those fancy copper mugs over ice.
If you like, you can garnish it with a slice of fresh lime or mint leaves to make a low-calorie drink that looks something special.
9] Rum and Diet Coke
100 calories per 8 ounces serving
Just like a regular rum and coke, but swap the regular coke for either diet coke or no sugar coke. You can use your favorite light rum for this mix, but you may also like to use a dark rum, which has a richer and bolder flavor.
10] Diet Gin and Tonic
120 calories per 6 ounces serving
Some say this is the most refreshing summer drink and is super easy to make. Simply pour gin and diet tonic water over a glass of ice. Garnish simply with a rosemary sprig, slice of grapefruit, or lime wedge to make it special.
Being refreshed this summer doesn’t have to mean calories!
Being mindful about our drinking of alcohol this summer is not only about being aware of what we are drinking and doesn’t need to add calories to our diet. So reward yourself this summer with your preferred drink without the guilt.
When we change drinking habits to include lower-calorie alternatives in our diet, we can still enjoy a refreshing drink on a summer’s day and remember to include lots of water into the mix.
The Sunnyside mindful drinking app can assist with ensuring we stay on track with our alcohol and calorie consumption this summer.