Christmas is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for ways to stay on top of your health goals without missing out, skinny cocktails under 100 calories could be the answer you’re looking for. The festive season is full of social gatherings, indulgent foods, and plenty of drinks, and while it’s easy to overindulge, it’s also possible to enjoy the celebrations without derailing your weight loss efforts.
For women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s navigating the challenges of menopause, Christmas can feel especially tricky. You’re trying to maintain or lose weight, and with hormonal changes in play, extra calories from sugary drinks can add up quickly.
But by making smart, low-calorie cocktail choices, you can still enjoy a festive drink or two without feeling guilty. Whether you’re looking for the best cocktail to not gain weight or simply searching for healthier holiday options, we’ve got the perfect solutions.
At TRINITY Transformation, we’ve worked with over 6,500 women around menopause, helping them make smarter decisions to stay on track with their weight loss goals.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to enjoy delicious, skinny cocktails under 100 calories. You’ll discover tips for choosing low-calorie options and even learn some quick recipes that won’t weigh you down. Whether you’re looking for the best cocktail to not gain weight, or wondering which is the healthiest cocktail, we’ve got you covered.
What Is a Skinny Cocktail?
A skinny cocktail is simply a drink made with lower-calorie ingredients that help reduce the overall calorie count—often well below 100 calories.
The main trick? Using mixers that are low in sugar or calorie-free, and choosing alcohols that are less likely to spike your calorie intake.
For women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who are experiencing hormonal changes, balancing lifestyle choices, and trying to manage weight, these skinny cocktails under 100 calories can help you stay on track with your health goals without feeling deprived during social occasions.
What Makes a Good Skinny Cocktail?
A good skinny cocktail should have a few key features:
- Low in calories: Aim for drinks under 100 calories to fit your fitness goals.
- Low sugar content: Sugar can quickly add up, leading to weight gain and energy crashes.
- Refreshing and satisfying: Just because it’s low-calorie doesn’t mean it should be bland! Choose drinks that make you feel satisfied and refreshed.
- Simple ingredients: The simpler, the better. Avoid cocktails loaded with syrups and heavy mixers.
With this in mind, let’s explore some cocktail recipes and strategies to ensure your next drink is both skinny and delicious.
5 Tips for Choosing Low-Calorie Cocktails
1. Choose clear spirits
If you’re trying to lose weight, but don’t want to give up alcohol entirely then the answer lies in clear spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila. These tend to have fewer calories than darker liquors like rum or whiskey. A typical shot of vodka or gin has about 64 calories—perfect for keeping your drink light.
2. Use calorie-free mixers
Swap sugary sodas and juices for calorie-free alternatives like soda water or diet tonic. Infusing your drink with fresh lemon, lime, or cucumber adds flavour without the calories.
3. Avoid sugary syrups
Syrups are one of the worst culprits for spiking the calorie count in cocktails. Instead, opt for natural sweeteners like stevia or a splash of fresh fruit juice to add flavour without overloading on sugar.
4. Stick with simple recipes
The fewer ingredients, the better. Overcomplicating your cocktails often leads to extra calories. Sticking with straightforward mixes will help keep things slim.
5. Dilute with ice
If you love a long drink, using lots of ice is a great way to stretch out your cocktail without adding more calories. Plus, it keeps your drink refreshing and hydrating.
The Best Cocktails To Not Gain Weight
Now, let’s put those tips into action with some recipes for skinny cocktails under 100 calories that you can enjoy guilt-free. These recipes are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
1. Skinny Vodka Soda
Calories: ~56 per serving
This is the ultimate go-to for a low-calorie cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot (25ml) of vodka (56 calories)
- Soda water (0 calories)
- Squeeze of fresh lime or lemon
Method: Fill a glass with ice, pour over your shot of vodka, top with soda water, and add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon. It’s light, refreshing, and guilt-free!
2. Skinny Margarita
Calories: ~88 per serving
If you want a margarita but you’re worried about the sugar and calories, this is the perfect drink. This lightened-up version skips the sugary syrups.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot (25ml) of tequila (52 calories)
- Juice of 1 fresh lime (10 calories)
- 1 tablespoon of Freshly Squeezed Orange juice: (15 calories)
- ½ tsp agave syrup (11 calories)
- Soda water (0 calories)
Method: Shake the tequila, lime juice, and sweetener with ice, then strain into a salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice. Top with a splash of soda water for a sparkling finish.
3. Gin & Slimline Tonic
Calories: ~57 per serving
Gin and tonic is a classic, but tonic water is often loaded with sugar. Using a slimline tonic keeps the drink light.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot (25ml) of gin (52 calories)
- 250ml of Slimline tonic water (5 calories)
- Cucumber slices or mint leaves for garnish
Method: Fill a glass with ice, add gin, and top with slimline tonic. Garnish with cucumber or mint for a bit of freshness.
4. Skinny Mojito
Calories: ~70 per serving
A refreshing mojito doesn’t have to derail your calorie count. Try this lighter version.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot (25ml) of white rum (54 calories)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Juice of ½ lime (5 calories)
- ½ tsp agave syrup (11 calories)
- Soda water (0 calories)
Method: Muddle the mint leaves with the lime juice and sweetener in a glass. Add rum and fill with ice. Top with soda water and stir.
5. Skinny Paloma
Calories: ~99 per serving
This citrusy, tequila-based drink is refreshing and low in calories.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot (25ml) of tequila (52 calories)
- ½ Cup of grapefruit juice (47 calories)
- Soda water (0 calories)
- Squeeze of lime
Method: Pour the tequila and grapefruit juice into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and add a squeeze of lime for a tangy twist.
6. Wine Spritzer
Calories: ~100 per serving
Ingredients:
- Dry sparkling wine (Brut)
- Soda water (0 calories)
- Fresh berries or a slice of lemon
- Ice cubes
Method: Mix equal parts dry white wine and soda water over ice, stir, and garnish with a slice of citrus or fresh berries.
7. Prosecco with Fresh Fruit
Calories: ~100 per serving
Ingredients:
- Dry Prosecco
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries.
Method: Pour the Prosecco into a glass and add the fresh raspberries or strawberries for a hint of sweetness.
8. Bloody Mary
Calories: ~ 96 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 shot (25ml) of vodka (56 calories)
- 120 ml of tomato juice (20 calories)
- 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice (4 calories)
- 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce (13 calories)
- 1 tbsp of Tabasco sauce (2 calories)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Slice of lemon
Method: Pour vodka, tomato juice and lemon juice into a glass. Add in the Worcestershire and Tabasco sauce, with a pinch of pepper. Mix together and garnish with a slice of lemon.
Which Is The Healthiest Cocktail?
The healthiest cocktails are typically made with low-calorie alcohol bases using clear spirits, which have fewer calories than darker liquors like rum or whiskey.
Types Of Alcohol With Least Calories:
1. Vodka
Calories per 25ml shot of Smirnoff No21 Vodka: ~56 calories
Vodka is one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks available. It’s a popular choice for weight-conscious drinkers because it has little to no added sugars and mixes well with low-calorie options like soda water or diet tonic.
2. Gin
Calories per 25ml shot of Gordon’s Gin: ~52 calories
Gin, like vodka, is relatively low in calories and can be mixed with low-calorie mixers like slimline tonic or soda water to keep the drink light.
3. Tequila
Calories per 25ml shot of Jose Cuervo Tequila Gold: ~52 calories
Tequila is another clear spirit with low calories. It’s also a great base for low-calorie cocktails like skinny margaritas when mixed with fresh lime juice and soda water.
4. Rum (Light)
Calories per 25ml shot of Captain Morgan Rum: ~54 calories
Light rum (also known as white rum) is lower in calories than dark or spiced rum and pairs well with calorie-free mixers.
What Cocktail Is Lowest in Sugar?
Drinks like Vodka Soda and Gin & Slimline Tonic are incredibly low in sugar. Since they use soda water or diet tonic, they don’t add any extra sugar, making them perfect for anyone trying to avoid sugar-laden drinks. Many of our clients ask us if cocktails are bad for weight loss as they’re often high in calories.
Whilst cocktails can indeed be fattening if you’re not careful, cutting out the sugar is one of the best ways to be able to enjoy your favourite drink without worrying about ruining your weight loss.
Skinny Cocktails Under 100 Calories: A Summary
You don’t have to give up cocktails to stay on track with your weight loss and fitness goals. By making simple swaps and choosing ingredients carefully, you can enjoy delicious drinks that won’t sabotage your progress.
Whether you’re sipping on a Skinny Vodka Soda or a refreshing Skinny Mojito, these cocktails are proof that you can still indulge without the guilt.
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