Light Cocktails with Big Flavor
Vodka-based drinks are a great option if you're counting carbs or calories. With 0 grams of carbs and <100 calories in a 1.5 oz shot of vodka, you can enjoy a few vodka-based cocktails without throwing off your calorie count for the week.
Vodka sodas are light, but often lacking in flavor, so we've put together some great recipe ideas that don't lack for taste. By using big squeezes of citrus juices and sprigs of fresh herbs, you can add a lot of flavor to a drink without significantly increasing its calorie profile.
- Try adding fresh mint, basil, cilantro or thyme to a vodka and club soda.
- Flavored soda waters can be a big help-try mandarin Poland Spring, passionfruit La Croix or black cherry Polar with your favorite vodka.
- Infused vodkas, like Ketel One Botanicals, Deep Eddy and Stoli Crushed are still low calorie, but the infusions of fruits and herbs impart lots of flavor.
- When it comes to mixers, keep them light. Low sugar juices like freshly squeezed orange, grapefruit, tomato, carrot and green juices add vitamins and taste.
- Spice can make your cocktail extra nice - try a slice of fresh ginger or jalapeno to mix it up!
Light Cocktail Recipes
Betty Breeze
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka
- 1 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 2 oz Club Soda
- Grapefruit
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and serve over ice. If you are feeling adventurous, add three dashes of Angostura Bitters. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Skinny Screwdriver
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Deep Eddy Orange Vodka
- 3 oz Club Soda
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and serve over ice.
Green Garden
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- .5 oz Simple Syrup
- 2-3 Slices Cucumber
- Wedge Lime
- Sprig Basil
- Crushed Ice
Directions:
Muddle 4-5 basil leaves and cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker. Add crushed ice, vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Cover and shake for 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with basil and a slice of cucumber.
Photo Credit: Russell Caron Wedding Photography
Foraging Fresh
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Reyka Vodka
- 1.5 oz Apple Juice
- 1 oz Carrot Juice
- 0.5 oz Celery Juice
- 0.25 Each Lemon Juice
- 0.13 oz Ginger Juice
- 1 Apple
Directions:
Combine all ingredients into cocktail shaker. Shake, garnish and serve.
Motito
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- 6 - 10 Mint
- 0.75 oz Simple Syrup
- 0.75 oz Lime
- 1.5 oz Soda Water
Directions:
Gently Crush Mint Leaves Between Your Fingers and Add To
The Cocktail Shaker. Fill The Shaker with Ice, Tito’s Handmade
Vodka, Simple Syrup (Or Sugar) and Fresh Lime Juice. Shake
Well, And Pour Everything, Including The Ice, Into A Glass. Top
With Soda Water. Mint Sprig and a Lime Wedge
Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom & Soda
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom
- 3 oz Soda Water
Directions:
Add ice to a wine glass with a sprig of your favorite herbs, a slice of peach and lemon or lime.
ROSE SPRITZER
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 parts Hangar 1 Rose Vodka
- 2 parts Club Soda
- 1 part Sparkling Wine
- 1/4 part Simple Syrup
- 1/4 part Fruit Liqueur
Directions:
Place two thin lemon slices in a stemless wine glass. Add ice, vodka, and syrup or liqueur. Top with club soda and sparkling wine. Gently stir to incorporate. Garnish with a lemon slice.
Low Calorie Spirits
