Cocktail suggestions?

Hi All,

I'm new to MFP and love it so far. I've been doing really well with nutrition and exercise (granted, I only started this week), but now I have a question. My co-worker is taking me out for a drink this evening and I don't know what to order. I know the calories in wine, vodka, etc., but do any of you have any ideas for fun, low-cal cocktails? :drinker: Thanks!
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Replies

  • BigDaddyBRC
    BigDaddyBRC Posts: 2,395 Member
    Honestly, its not the alcohol you drink ...its what you mix with it.
  • cpriest258
    cpriest258 Posts: 4 Member
    Good point. That's what concerns me most. I'm curious about the creative use of mixers.
  • BigDaddyBRC
    BigDaddyBRC Posts: 2,395 Member
    I use diet soda. on a 50/50 mix. Drink them slow, and you're good to go.
  • tabithaanne
    tabithaanne Posts: 38
    Vanilla vodka with diet coke, Pineapple Vodka with diet sprite. Yum!
  • cpriest258
    cpriest258 Posts: 4 Member
    Thank you!
  • Liberty_7728
    Liberty_7728 Posts: 51 Member
    I stay away from diet pop. I would recommend asking the waiter for the nutritional info on their drinks if they don't have it posted on the menu. They usually can recommend a low calorie option too. Try and stay away from heavy juices and pop. Look for something mixed with coconut water or iced tea. I prefer to mix a drink at home, that way I know what I am consuming and it is cheaper too. I keep unsweetened Lipton iced tea, Cascade Ice, Crystal Light, Tropicana Trop 50, Ginger juice, Lemon juice, Coconut water or Pepsi Next in my cupboard just for an alternate fun drink with or without alcohol. Also, if I am going to a friends house to have a drink I grab a couple of my low calorie mixers and keep myself in check.
    You can always ask for substitutes like when a drink has simple syrup you can ask for agave nectar or honey in replacement.

    A fun low calorie drink to make at home:

    Sugar Free Redbull
    Huckleberry Syrup (small amount-can use any flavor) -these are usually found by the coffee isle in the store
    Club Soda
    (alcohol of choice-recommend a vodka)

    It is best to stay away from alcohol when you are starting out with a weight loss program because alcohol can trigger your hunger buds and alter your sense of eating too much. Plus it is easy to get carried away with too many drinks = too many calories, when you're out with friends having a good time.

    Hope that helps! Good luck.
  • cpriest258
    cpriest258 Posts: 4 Member
    Thank you for all the great suggestions and advice!
  • Alicia_Monique
    Alicia_Monique Posts: 338 Member
    I drink a skinny b*tch.

    Vodka && water! 70 calories.
  • Moxie42
    Moxie42 Posts: 1,400 Member
    I like vodka sodas (as in club soda) with extra lime :) I've had a couple of those when I've gone out on weekends, and I have a glass of red wine a few times a week at home with dinner. So far it hasn't hurt my weight loss but it has been a struggle not giving in to the alcohol-induced munchies!
  • lbergdvm
    lbergdvm Posts: 25 Member
    I can't tell you what would be a good choice, but I can tell you that I got the shock of my life when I found out (after the fact) that the two margaritas (on the rocks w/salt) I had with dinner had 700 cals each!!!!! How is that even possible???? Stay away from them!


    I'm also thrilled with this site so far (1st week for me too). Good luck!
  • jvpease
    jvpease Posts: 11
    My wife mixes vodka with Crystal Light natural pink lemonade - 50/50. Add crushed ice and a mint leaf or squeeze of lime. It tastes really good and all of the calories are in the vodka. I agree with previous comments that it's the mixers, particularly in fruity tropical drinks, that will cause the most damage. Enjoy!
  • Jess81620
    Jess81620 Posts: 72 Member
    www.skinnytaste.com has some drink receipes
  • jcperkns
    jcperkns Posts: 109
    I usually have a vodka sour. It's around 145 calories. I don't go out for drinks too much, so when I do I just make sure to fit them into my calories. As long as you stay away from frozen mixed drinks, you should be okay.
  • amybrauch
    amybrauch Posts: 250 Member
    I usually do rum & diet coke w/ a lime or wine. White or red.
  • elexichoccyeater
    elexichoccyeater Posts: 310 Member
    I like expresso martini!!! low as it is just spirits with black coffee!! I also ask them to put chilli in!!!
  • mqtkristi
    mqtkristi Posts: 2
    Top shelf vodka in club soda with lime. Or Bud 55, Miller 64.
  • scagneti
    scagneti Posts: 707 Member
    I drink a skinny b*tch.

    Vodka && water! 70 calories.

    My bartender friend says that's a diet coke and vodka (yuck!)
  • heatherterp
    heatherterp Posts: 239
    I found this on MFP a while ago. Have a great time tonight!


    "Alcoholic drinks can be a sneaky source of calories, sugar, and even
    salt — but not when you play bartender. Try to get a few healthier
    alternatives under that (suddenly much looser) belt to impress friends
    and family and order with confidence when out at the bar.

    Here are the eight key guidelines that make our drinks healthier options:

    Use only fresh-squeezed or 100 percent fruit juice to reduce added
    sugars. Fruit juice can still be a dangerfood, though, so sometimes
    it’s best to dilute it with water or ice to cut back on calories.
    Choose seltzer water over other carbonated waters to eliminate added
    sodium and other additives. For recipes that call for soda, skimp on
    portions, or opt for diet or natural (read: less added sugar) versions
    — though those can have their pitfalls, too.
    Make simple syrup with honey which, though sugary, has some added
    benefits, like a healthy dose of antioxidants. It also gives you
    better control of the sugar content. Any recipe that calls for simple
    syrup will use the following recipe: ½ tablespoon honey mixed with ¾
    tablespoon warm water.
    Use whole fruit instead of sugar or flavored syrups. The fruit itself
    adds fiber, natural sugars, and vitamins.
    Choose light alcohol over dark alcohol. The dark stuff contains more
    compounds known as congeners, which can worsen hangovers.
    Limit yourself to one shot per drink. Multi-alcohol cocktails can pack
    in serious calories, so we kept ours to one shot (or 1 ½ ounces) each.
    The shooters and shots we included actually containless than one shot
    each to further lessen the caloric load.
    Size matters — especially when it comes to consuming liquid calories.
    That’s why we kept all our drinks right around the 8-ounce mark.
    Choose nutritious ingredients. Ginger, coffee, and lemon star in
    several of our drinks. They’ve each got their own proven health
    benefits, even though they may not totally counteract the negative
    affects of alcohol. (Note: Too much alcohol and caffeine can both
    dehydrate — making hangovers even worse — so try to keep it at no more
    than one cup of Joe for the night.)

    *We’ve tried to simplify the recipes to make them easier to
    understand. So we simplified all the liquid measurements to shots or
    cups — none of this “ounces” nonsense!
    Cocktails

    1. Classic Mojito
    In the bottom of a glass, muddle 12 fresh mint leaves, the juice of ½
    lime, and 1 tablespoon simple syrup. Add a few ice cubes and pour in 1
    ½ ounces (one shot) of light rum and ¾ cup seltzer. Garnish with a
    lime wedge.

    2. Fruit Mojito
    Prep a classic mojito, but before pouring in the rum and soda, muddle
    in ¼ cup fresh or thawed frozen fruit like strawberry, blueberry,
    mango, or kiwi in the bottom of the glass. Top with ice, rum, and
    seltzer and garnish as desired!

    3. Bloody Mary
    Scrap the mix and make a Bloody Mary from scratch! Start with ¾ cup of
    no sugar-added, low-sodium tomato juice and add the juice of ½ lemon,
    a dash each of hot sauce andWorcestershire sauce, fresh ground pepper
    to taste, and 1 shot of vodka. Garnish with a lemon wedge and celery
    stick. Bonus points for adding a cocktail shrimp for some extra
    protein!

    4. Mint Julep
    Muddle together 12 fresh mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of simple syrup.
    Pour in one shot of Kentucky bourbon and 2 shots seltzer water.

    5. Sidecar
    In a shaker with ice, mix together: 1 shot of cognac, ½ shot Cointreau
    (or other orange liqueur), and the juice of 1 lemon. Pour into glass
    with or without ice and garnish with lemon slice.

    6. Cape Codder
    Pour 1 shot of vodka and 2 shots cranberry juice (100 percent juice,
    no sugar added) over ice. Add 2 shots seltzer water, stir, and garnish
    with a lime wedge.

    7. Sea Breeze
    Pour 1 shot vodka, 1 shot cranberry juice (100 percent juice, no sugar
    added), and 1 shot fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice over ice. Add a
    splash of seltzer and enjoy! (Preferably in a beach chair by the
    water!)

    8. Lime Rickey
    Combine ½ a shot of fresh-squeezed lime juice, 1 tablespoon simple
    syrup, and ⅔ shot bitters. Top with 1 cup seltzer.

    9. Screwdriver
    In an 8-ounce glass with ice, combine 1 shot of vodka and 2 shots
    fresh-squeezed orange juice. Fill remainder of glass with seltzer.

    10. Tequila Sunrise
    In a glass with ice, combine 1 shot of tequila and 2 shots
    fresh-squeezed orange juice. Top with a splash of cranberry juice
    (no-sugar-added, 100 percent juice).

    11. Vodka Sunset
    Muddle ¼ cup blackberries in the bottom of a glass. Top with ice and
    add 1 shot fresh-squeezed lemon juice, 1 shot fresh-squeezed lime
    juice, ½ shot simple syrup, 1 shot of vodka, and a splash of sparkling
    wine.

    12. Light & Stormy
    Into a short glass with ice, pour 1 shot of light rum and 2 shots ginger ale.

    13. Legend of Jack Sparrow
    In an 8-ounce glass with ice, combine 1 shot coconut rum and the juice
    of 1 lime. Fill the rest of the glass with ginger ale (about ¾ cup).
    Garnish with a slice of lime.

    14. Berry Lemonade
    In the bottom of an 8-ounce glass, muddle the juice of 1 lemon, ¼ cup
    frozen blueberries or strawberries, and ½ shot simple syrup. Pour in 1
    shot of vodka and top with seltzer (about ¾ cup).

    15. Minty Iced Tea
    In a heatproof mug, combine 6 fresh mint leaves, 1 teaspoon honey, 1
    black tea bag, and 1 cup boiling water. Cover and let sit for 2
    minutes. Then, place mug in fridge or freezer until chilled. Remove
    tea bag and mint, and pour liquid into a glass with ice. Add 1 shot of
    vodka and garnish with a lemon wedge.

    16. Fizzy Lemonade
    In a shaker with ice, mix together 1 shot of tequila, ½ shot simple
    syrup, and the juice of 1 lemon. Transfer to an 8-ounce glass and fill
    rest of glass with seltzer (about ¾ cup).

    17. On the Rocks
    Drink it straight! Water down 1 shot of any favorite liquor by pouring
    over ice cubes for sipping!

    18. Tom Collins
    In a shaker with ice, combine 1 shot of gin and the juice of 1 small
    lemon. Strain into an 8-ounce glass and top with seltzer water (about
    ¾ cup).

    19. Grapefruit Margarita
    Combine 1 shot of tequila, the juice of 1 lime and ½ a grapefruit, and
    ¾ shot of orange liqueur. Pour over ice.

    20. Light White Russian
    Combine 2 shots brewed coffee (or espresso!) chilled and ¾ cup skim
    milk. Add 1 shot of vodka and a few ice cubes and stir.

    21. Gin and Seltzer
    Instead of a G&T, combine 1 shot of gin with 2 shots of seltzer water
    and garnish with a lime wedge (or a few!).

    22. Gin Gimlet
    In a glass with ice, combine 1 shot of gin, the juice of 2 small
    limes, and 1 shot simple syrup. Garnish with a lime wedge.

    23. Vodka Soda
    It almost goes without saying, but spice up 1 shot of vodka and 2
    shots of seltzer with a lemon or lime wedge (or both). Works with any
    other liquor, too!

    24. Drunken Arnold Palmer
    Combine 1 black tea bag, ¾ cup hot water, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1
    teaspoon honey. Chill. Add 1 shot vodka and garnish with a lemon
    wedge.

    25. Pom Cosmo
    In a shaker with ice, combine 1 shot pomegranate vodka, 1 shot orange
    liqueur, and the juice of 1 lime. Shake, strain into a martini glass,
    and garnish with a slice of lime.

    26. Pear Martini
    Muddle half a very ripe peeled pear in the bottom of a cocktail
    shaker. Add ice, ½ shots fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and 1 shot pear
    vodka. (Regular vodka works, too.) Strain into a martini glass and
    garnish with a slice of fresh pear.

    27. Sex on the Beach
    In a glass with ice, mix 1 shot peach-flavored vodka, 2 shots
    cranberry juice, and 1 ½ shots fresh-squeezed orange juice. Add a dash
    of seltzer and enjoy!

    28. Rosemary-Cucumber Lemonade
    Stir together juice from 3 lemons and 1 teaspoon honey. Add 1 shot
    rosemary-infused vodkaand ¾ cup seltzer. Garnish with a cucumber spear
    and lemon wedge.

    29. Cinnamon Sour
    In a cocktail shaker, combine: 1 shot mango vodka, 1 shot simple
    syrup, and 1 shot fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Pour over ice and
    garnish with a mango slice and cinnamon stick.

    30. Grapefruit and Vodka
    For a zesty cocktail, combine the juice of ½ a grapefruit and 1 shot
    of vodka topped with ½ cup seltzer.

    31. Sour Apple Spritzer
    Pour 1 shot sour apple vodka and ½ cup seltzer over ice and garnish
    with a green apple sliceand a cinnamon stick.

    32. Tropical Rum Punch
    Stir together ½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice, ½ cup pineapple juice
    (100 percent juice only!), and 1 shot light rum. Pour over ice and put
    on some shades.

    33. Gin and Juice
    Pour over ice: ½ cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice, 1 shot of gin,
    and ½ cup seltzer.

    34. Refreshing Gin Cup
    Mix together 1 shot of gin, ½ cup ginger ale, and 2 shots seltzer
    water. Garnish with a cucumber spear and lemon slice.

    35. Gingered Pear and Brandy Cocktail
    Create a ginger-infused simple syrup by mixing together 1 shot warm
    simple syrup and ¾ tablespoon chopped and peeled fresh ginger. Let
    stand 15 minutes, then strain. Mix together ginger syrup, 1 shot of
    cognac, and ½ cup pear juice or nectar and pour over ice.
    Shots and Shooters

    36. Redheaded Slut Lite
    In a shaker with ice, combine ⅓ shot schnapps, ⅓ shot Jagermeister, ⅔
    shot cranberry juice, and ⅔ shot water.

    37. Fuzzy Navel
    In a shaker with ice, combine ⅓ shot peach Schnapps, ⅔ shot
    fresh-squeezed orange juice,⅔ shot fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and ⅔
    shot water.

    38. Scooby Snacks
    In a shaker with ice, combine ⅓ shot coconut rum, ⅓ shot banana rum, ⅓
    shot pineapple juice, and 1 tablespoon light whipped cream. Strain
    into a short glass.

    39. Peppermint Patty
    Muddle 6 fresh mint leaves with ⅔ shot vodka. Add a splash of water
    and 1 teaspoon lightchocolate syrup. Mix in a shaker with ice. Strain
    before serving.

    40. Lemondrop
    In a shaker with ice, combine ⅓ shot. vodka, ⅓ shot fresh-squeezed
    lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon honey.
    Frozen Drinks

    41. Pina Colada
    Blend together ½ cup ice, ½ cup coconut milk, ¼ cup fresh pineapple
    chunks, and 1 shot white rum.

    42. Frozen Lemonade
    Combine 1 shot simple syrup, 1 shot of vodka, juice from 1 lemon, and
    ¾ cup of ice. Blend until smooth

    43. Frozen Mudslide
    Mix together 1 packet diet hot cocoa mix with 1 shot warm simple syrup
    and ¼ cup hot water. Blend the cocoa mixture, ¼ cup vanilla soy milk,
    1 shot vanilla-infused vodka, 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup, and ½ cup
    ice.

    44. Melon-Mint Granita
    Puree 1 cup watermelon and 5 fresh mint leaves until liquefied. Freeze
    in an ice cube tray. Once solidified, blend with 1 shot white rum
    until it reaches the consistency of a slushie.

    45. Strawberry-Lime Daiquiri
    Combine 1 shot simple syrup, 1 shot white rum, 2 tablespoons
    fresh-squeezed lime juice, a small handful of frozen strawberries, and
    ½ cup of ice. Blend.

    46. Margarita
    Blend 1 shot simple syrup, the juice from ½ lemon and 1 lime, 1 shot
    of tequila, and ½ cup of ice. Garnish with a slice of lime, but skip
    the salt.

    47. Blueberry-Lime Margarita
    Mix together the standard margarita but substitute ¼ cup ice for ¼ cup
    frozen blueberries.

    48. Melon Kiwi-tini
    Puree ¼ a honeydew melon and 1 kiwi (peeled), the juice from 1 lime,
    simple syrup (mix 1 shot honey with 2 tablespoons warm water), and ½
    cup sake. Blend with ½ cup ice.
    Wine Drinks

    49. Mimosa
    Into a Champagne flute, pour 2 shots fresh-squeezed orange juice, 2
    shots sparkling wine, and¼ cup seltzer.

    50. White Sangria
    In a wine glass, combine two strawberries (halved), ½ a fresh peach
    (diced), ½ a pear (diced),2 shots white wine, and ¼ cup seltzer.

    51. Red Sangria
    Toss ½ an apple (sliced), ½ an orange (sliced), and 4 grapes into a
    glass. Add ½ cup fruity red wine and ¼ cup seltzer.

    52. Pomegranate Fizz
    Into a champagne flute, pour: ½ cup pomegranate juice, the juice from
    1 lime, and 2 shots sparkling wine. Garnish with a lime wedge.

    53. Pear Sparkler
    Puree ½ a pear until liquefied and add to a champagne flute. Pour in 2
    shots sparkling wine and add three slices of pear.

    54. Sparkling Apricot Punch
    In a glass, combine ½ cup diced apricots and ½ cup apricot juice (100
    percent juice, please!). Add ½ cup sparkling wine and ¼ cup seltzer
    and stir to combine.
    Hot Drinks

    55. Hot Toddy
    In a mug, combine 1 shot bourbon, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2 teaspoons
    lemon juice. Pour in¼ cup boiling water and stir to dissolve honey.

    56. Irish Coffee
    In a mug, combine 1 shot of whiskey, 1 teaspoon raw sugar, and ¾ cup
    hot coffee. Pour 1 tablespoon skim milk on top and don’t stir!

    57. Mojito Tea
    In a mug, combine 5 fresh mint leaves, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 black
    tea bag, and 1 cup boiling water. Cover and let stand 2 minutes.
    Remove tea bag and add 1shot of light rum and juice from ½ a lime.
    Remove mint leaves and enjoy!

    58. Bitter Tea
    Brew a cup of fruity black tea and stir in ½ shot bitters and 1 ½
    shots pomegranate juice.

    59. Mulled Wine
    Over low heat, simmer ¾ cup fruity red wine, a pinch of orange zest, 2
    whole cloves, 1 black peppercorn, 1 cinnamon stick, and a pinch of
    sugar. Heat for about 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy!

    60. Mint Hot Chocolate
    Heat 1 cup skim milk and stir in 1 packet light hot cocoa mix. Add 1
    shot tequila and ⅓ shot peppermint schnapps."
  • Bakerchk
    Bakerchk Posts: 424 Member
    I always order a sugar free red-bull vodka. I need something sweet, because I don't like the way alcohol taste. lol!
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    red wine is fairly low cal, otherwise vodka soda with a lemon and a lime is my choice.
  • realhousewife_windsor
    realhousewife_windsor Posts: 63 Member
    Skinny girl margarita I wish they had it in canada
  • mlemonroe2
    mlemonroe2 Posts: 603
    Vodka diet tonic. not all places have diet tonic so i will mix it with diet sprite or coke. squirt of lime. yum!
  • lorib75
    lorib75 Posts: 490 Member
    :drinker: Some places will serve Vodka and crystal light... It's good. If not just bring a little crystal light to go packet in your purse and ask for an ice water and a shot of vodka. Mix your crystal light with the water and then add the vodka... easy and yummy. Not too embarrasing to mix your own drinks!!!
  • sneakypackrat
    sneakypackrat Posts: 33 Member
    If you're willing to the non-alcoholic route, you should as the bartender to give you club soda with lemon or lime or lemon and lime. I personally like it. :)
  • KendleX
    KendleX Posts: 275 Member
    Diet Sunkist Lemonade + Absolut Citron = <3
  • justal313
    justal313 Posts: 1,375 Member
    Vanilla vodka with diet coke, Pineapple Vodka with diet sprite. Yum!

    I reached for the Like button which MFP doesn't have. Pineapple Vodka with diet sprite sounds AWESOME
  • Shakila87
    Shakila87 Posts: 70
    I drink a skinny b*tch.

    Vodka && water! 70 calories.
    That's what's up!! I will be drinking those from here on out!! Thanks
  • maremare312
    maremare312 Posts: 1,143 Member
    Gin and Diet Tonic

    Rum and Diet Coke

    Wine or Wine Spritzer

    Stick to just 1 or 2 drinks...I know for me it's not the drink calories that do me in, it's the munchies that come along with drinking lol!
  • nichalsont
    nichalsont Posts: 421 Member
    Doesn't anyone remember Tequila shots? Just a wedge of lime and some salt. No added calories from mixers at all.
  • All the lower calorie beers are lower alcohol content, so why bother. I mean lets be honest here, we drink alcohol for a reason! I like the suggestion of mixing the diet with half a drink, but when I am really trying to be good my fave is a gin and seltzer with lime. Unfortunately not so many places carry seltzer , but some have diet sprite or club soda. If not, I usually get a rum and diet coke. Hope you have fun!