Nutritionist-Approved Cocktails to Sip All Summer Long

Popular summer cocktails like margaritas and daiquiris can tip the scales at more than 600 calories per serving. Since moderate alcohol consumption (1 drink a day for ladies and 2 for men) can be beneficial to heart health, cocktail lovers should seek out sensible sippers. So here are 6 cocktails that keep things on the skinny side for the summer season.

Whiskey

Fresh mint leaves and only 1 teaspoon of sugar provide an abundance of cool and minty flavor in a refreshing Mint Julep (pictured above). 

Tequila

Lots of fresh fruit permeates this Watermelon Plata Tequila Cocktail with cell-protecting antioxidants. Blending fresh watermelon into the mix provides a vibrant pink hue.

Gin

Brewed tea adds flavor to cocktails like this Mango Ice Tea with Gin for practically no calories. Dial up the flavor with 100-percent fruit juice.

 

 

Vodka

Cucumber juice makes for extra refreshing summer cocktails like in our Cucumber Cocktail. Garnish with cucumber slices so your guests know what’s causing all the deliciousness.

Wine

Lighten up vino with sparkling water, as Giada does in her Wine Spritzer. Calories will be diluted but the love for this spritzer certainly won’t be.

Non-Alcoholic

Always have a tasty and refreshing alcohol-free beverage recipe on standby. This spin on a traditional Cape Codder is perfect for any summer celebration.

 

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.

*This article was written and/or reviewed by an independent registered dietitian nutritionist.

from Healthy Eats – Food Network Healthy Living Blog http://ift.tt/2slTA1x