Cut Down The Calories in Your Summer Tipples

Whether it’s the end of a long day, a long week or just a super sunny day, enjoying a drink outside in the evening is a great way to relax in the summer. Sitting in the sun with a tasty cocktail is a great way to relax and cool off, however, they could be adding more calories to your diet than you might think.

If you’re trying to lose weight or at least watch what you’re eating, your summer evening drink could be hampering your efforts. A lot of popular cocktails during the summer feature sugary additives, not to mention a few different types of alcohol, which also come with a lot more calories than a simple diet soft drink.

This doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the odd cheeky tipple though, as taking steps beyond drinking responsibly can help you cut down on calories and better reach your weight loss goals.

MuscleFood has come up with a great list of alcoholic drinks that can be swapped for sugary and fattening alternatives, taking the guilt out of your evening cocktail. This means you can still enjoy a bit of indulgence without having to worry so much about your waistline. Here are some of the great recommendations:

We know that nothing says summer like a Pina Colada, but at around 300 calories, they aren’t the healthiest option. The added coconut and pineapple mixers add in a lot of sugar so even one can do a bit of damage.

Instead, a Fuzzy Navel is just peach schnapps and orange juice, creating a cocktail that is just as light and fruity. As well as tasting great, 115ml equates to just 120 calories, which is a much better option.

A lot of us head for the chilled section when picking up a summer drink, with sweet varieties of white wine being really popular when the sun it out. However, a medium glass can come in at around 160 calories – which is similar for sweet prosecco.

Luckily, this gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in Champagne, as a typical glass is only around 80 calories. In fact, it has one of the lowest calorie counts for a fizzy alcoholic beverage, which seems like a good enough reason to open a bottle to us!

Another popular summer cocktail is a Margarita, which you might think seems pretty healthy. In actual fact, a typical serving comes with 280 calories, even if you do have extra ice.

In comparison, a Moscow mule – which is vodka, ginger beer and lime juice – is just as refreshing and a fair bit healthier. As well as helping you cool down on a warm day and leaving you feeling refreshed, this alternative cocktail comes with only 120 calories for a typical 170ml serving.

No matter which cocktails you choose to drink this summer, always remember to enjoy your alcoholic beverages responsibly.