Summer is a season with many tough, albeit fun, decisions — like what to sip. You don't have to sacrifice taste for calories with the right summer co*cktails (ormocktails) that balance out the more indulgent BBQ foods and yummy desserts. Be sure to buy local produce, and skip the sugary mixes when making any of the following healthy beverages. Trust us – you will notice the fresh punch of flavor.
La Croix Pimm’s Cups
This fruity British fave is even better when combined with the trendiest seltzer water around.(via Brit + Co.)
Organic Margaritas
Organic agave nectar and fresh lime juice replace the need for a store-bought marg mix. Trust us, these ingredients make *all* the difference. (via Brit + Co.)
Pamplemousse La Croix and Lavender co*cktail
Though this grapefruit and lavender mocktail doesn't feature alcohol, a shot of gin would perk it right up. The recipe does call for simple syrup, but you can always splash in less or make it sugar-free altogether. (via Brit + Co.)
Lavender Sangria
Floral flavors are *so* in. Sip on this light, refreshing, and surprisingly great-smelling co*cktail that's perfect for summertime! (via How Sweet Eats)
Rosé Chilton
Get in touch with your inner Southern belle and enjoy this rosy twist on a classic Texas beverage. It gives you an excuse to try out that rosé vodka you keep seeing around! (via A Zesty Bite)
Blood Orange Moscow Mule
Usually, mules make us think of copper cups and cold nights by the fire – however, this summery take will have you dreaming about beaches and citrus sunsets all day long. Since oranges are already pretty sweet, opt for a sugar-free ginger beer to top things off. (via Just A Little Bit Of Bacon)
Tito's Strawberry Lemonade
Indulge in sweet nostalgia – without any real sweetener. This fresh summer co*cktail gets its flair from fresh berries and lemons only! (via Tito's Vodka)
Easy Rosé Spritzer
A little rosé, a little club soda, a slice of lemon… and you're set to sip guilt-free with this simple spritzer. (via Salt & Lavender)
Peach Mojito
Fruity mint mojitos FTW. The fresh peaches and mint here make this drink something special. You can always sub out the teaspoon of sugar with stevia, Splenda, or your choice of sugar-free sweetener. (via Cookie + Kate)
Rhubarb Pie co*cktail
For a sip that's lightly tart and tangy, try this pour made with rhubarb puree. (via Boulder Locavore)
Paloma co*cktail
Grapefruit soda meets fresh lime and coarse salt to form a rich, refreshing sip. Enjoy this one out on the porch to maximize enjoyment! (via Culinary Hill)
White Sparkler Sangria
Put this healthy sparkling drink full of fruit together in just five minutes. (via Damn Delicious)
The Bramble
Blackberries and gin come together in a sour, sweet, and all together refreshing co*cktail. The muddled berries in the bottom of the glass are a lovely boozy snack when you're finished. If your blackberries are ripe, you can probably get away with using just a smidge of stevia over the simple syrup to round out the co*cktail. (via A Beautiful Mess)
Fresh Cherry Lime Vodka Soda
Vodka sodas are a low-calorie drink staple — that doesn't mean they have to be boring. Make a homemade cherry syrup to enliven the drink even more! (via How Sweet Eats)
Easy Mint Julep
Don't worry about having to melt down sugar to make simple syrup for this julep recipe. The maple syrup makes this the *easiest* bourbon classic you'll ever make. (via Cookie + Kate)
Blueberry Mojito
Loaded with antioxidant-rich blueberries, this minty drink is a sweet treat with a lot less liquid cals. (via The Novice Chef)
Watermelon Gin Fizz
'Tis the season for watermelon co*cktails, and this fizzy drink with a shot of gin makes for the most refreshing drink. (via Dinners, Dishes, & Desserts)
Citrus Champagne Party Punch
The glory of this pink-hued punch is that you can decide just how much sugar you want to add by reducing the amount of simple syrup. (via Pizzazzerie)
Skinny Pineapple and Jalapeno Infused Vodka co*cktail
Okay, this one takes a little overnight preparation, but the good news is you'll have jalapeño and pineapple vodka you can save for other quick co*cktails. It's sweetened with pineapple juice, and has a little flavor *oomph* with pineapple seltzer water. (via Physical Kitchness)
Strawberry Mojito
Rely on that sugar-free simple syrup swap to keep this beverage as low calorie as possible. The strawberries should be so sweet you shouldn't need much else. (via Sidewalk Shoes)
Sparkling Watermelon Lychee co*cktail
Watermelon and mint get a spiked makeover in this co*cktail. The lychee adds a sweetness so good, you won't need any sugar. (viaSalty Canary)
Healthy Scratch Margaritas
Stop giving in to the allure of sweet and sour mix, and follow a few simple tips to make a light and refreshing margarita from scratch. You'll want some strong fists or a citrus juicer for this one. It's just ever-so-lightly sweetened with date syrup too. (via Sunkissed Kitchen)
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This article has been updated from a previous post.
Header image via A Beautiful Mess
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Sarah Landrum
Sarah Landrum is a freelance writer and the founder of Punched Clocks, a site for professionals seeking career happiness and success. For more from Sarah, subscribe to her newsletter and follow her on Twitter @SarahLandrum
