Summer is near my friends. And what does this mean? It’s almost time for pool days, tan lines, and barbecues. All of which i believe are even better with a summer cocktail in hand.

But as much as I love a good cocktail, I also love knowing they don’t have to be loaded with sugar and calories. So, I’ve decided to share the super SIMPLE skinny summer cocktails that I like to sip on all summer long.

*Quick reminder: A “part” simply means just any equal part. So really it can mean 1 tablespoon, 1 ounce, etc. Whatever form of measurement you’re using to make your cocktails. For the purposes of this blog, 1 part means 1 jigger.

SKINNY LEMON DROP

My friends and family know a lemon drop is my go-to cocktail. In my opinion, nothing beats a lemon drop – it’s the perfect balance between tart and sweet. But when I make one at home, I like to use these lighter ingredients.

• 1 part vodka
• 3 parts Minute Maid Light Lemonade
• 5-6 ice cubes
• Light sprinkle of stevia
• Fresh lemon juice (1/4 wedge)

Mix these together in a martini shaker and pour into a stevia-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon for a classy touch.

SKINNY SPARKLING POMEGRANATE LEMONADE

The name is a mouthful, but this cocktail is nice and light. I find this one especially delightful on a hot summer day relaxing by the pool.

• 1 part vodka
• 2 parts club soda
• 1 part 5-calorie pomegranate juice (I find this at my local grocery store)
• 1 part Minute Maid Light Lemonade

Mix these together in a martini shaker and pour into your favorite cocktail glass. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and then toss the wedge in for an added tart twist.

SKINNY MARGARITA

Who says you have to be eating Mexican to have a margarita? Definitely not me. I love a margarita on the rocks anytime and anywhere. And I’ve oddly found that I love them even more when playing a round of golf. Apparently tequila is my secret weapon.

• 1 part tequila (I prefer Tequila Reposado)
• 1 part lime juice
• 3 parts Sprite Zero (or Diet 7-Up)

Mix together and pour over ice. If you like it a bit more salty, line the rim of your glass with a bit of salt.

SKINNY MOJITO

I drink mojitos when I want something super light. And for me, the mint keeps it feeling that way. They do require a bit more work though, but trust me, they’re worth it.

• 2 parts white rum
• Mint leaves (5-6)
• Fresh lime (1/2)
• 1 tsp stevia
• Splash of club soda
• 4-5 ice cubes

In a glass, muddle the lime and 1 tsp stevia. Then add in the mint leaves and continue muddling. Next, add the ice cubes, followed by the white rum.  Top it off with a splash of club soda.

SKINNY VODKA CRAN

While I do enjoy a vodka cran from time to time, this is most often Ashley’s drink of choice. She’s perfected the following recipe.

• 1 part vodka
• 2 parts club soda
• Splash of diet cranberry juice (We like Ocean Spray Diet Cranberry Juice)
• Splash of lime juice

Simply pour these ingredients over ice and stir. It’s really that easy.

PEACH FIZZ

If you can’t tell, I made this name up. But it’s a pretty accurate description. Tastes like peaches and has a bit of fizz thanks to the Sprite Zero. And it’s literally the easiest drink to make.

• 1 part vodka
• 1/2 – 1 part peach schnapps (depends how peachy you like it)
• 3 parts Sprite Zero (or 7-Up)

Simply pour these ingredients over ice and stir. I like to add frozen peaches to the top. Makes me feel a little more glamorous.

 

I’ll leave you with that my friends. Drink up buttercups!

Cheers!

Hayley

**PHOTO + STYLING CRED: Ashley