10 Low-Calorie Cocktails That’ll Make You Say, “Sip Sip Hooray!”

There are more choices than you think when it comes to ordering low-calorie cocktails. Registered dietitian nutritionist Wendy Jo Peterson walks you through her favorites.

1 / 11
Group Of Friends With Drinks Enjoying Cocktail Party; Shutterstock ID 623112305; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

It’s no secret that alcohol is packed with calories. Plus, the higher the alcohol content in a drink, the more calories it has. If you aim to skim back on calories at the bar, order drinks with sugar-free soda, sparkling water or a squeeze of fresh citrus instead of cocktails that have a base of fruit juice, simple syrup or cream.

When you’re mixing up drinks for girls’ night in or the occasion calls for a cocktail, these skinny drinks are a tasty solution to cut back on calories while you celebrate. More of a teetotaler? Try these refreshing non-alcoholic party drinks.

2 / 11
Glasses of delicious wine spritzer on grey table; Shutterstock ID 602851283; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Wine Spritzers

Start with a wine that has a lower alcohol content and pair it with sparkling water and fresh fruit or a splash of juice to keep the calories at about 100-125 per serving. Look for wines labeled around 11% ABV or less or order wine that’s typically lower in alcohol like riesling, beaujolais or moscato. Up next: Don’t miss the healthy Starbucks drinks that’ll help kick your Frappuccino habit.

3 / 11
Vodka and soda cocktail on bar counter.; Shutterstock ID 510131686; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
ToTo Label/Shutterstock

Vodka Soda

A shot of vodka with diet cola or club soda with a squeeze of lime is a skinny choice at about 100 calories per drink. Psst! Did you know that Costco sells 100-calorie vodka ice pops?

4 / 11
Homemade Classic Margarita Drink with Lime and Salt; Shutterstock ID 302106305; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Fresh Lime Margaritas

Skip the popular syrup mixes and stir in a non-caloric sweetener instead. Or, use just a sprinkle of real sugar plus lime juice, tequila, triple sec and fresh citrus as seen in this Fresh Lime Margarita recipe. The trade will cut the calories to just 150 per serving instead of 300 to 700 calories in a traditional cocktail.

5 / 11
Dark and Stormy Rum Cocktail with Lime and Ginger Beer; Shutterstock ID 385915789; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Whiskey Ginger

If you’re a broody whiskey fan, try pairing this smoky drink with diet ginger ale and a squeeze of lime for a low-cal option. Using a diet soda reduces the calories to 125 calories per drink. Don’t miss these healthy carbonated drinks you can indulge in guilt-free.

6 / 11
Sweet Mint Rum Mojito with Limes and Soda Water; Shutterstock ID 1508126507; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Skinny Mojitos

Mojitos are a minty-fun option for the summer months. To keep them slim, ask the bartender to leave out the sugar or simple syrup and stir in a packet of sugar substitute instead to keep this cocktail around 100 calories. Mojitos are just one example of the best drink options for people with diabetes.

7 / 11
Bloody mary cocktail garnished with celery sticks and olives.; Shutterstock ID 722064856; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): Taste of Home
Shutterstock/Arina P Habich

Bloody Mary

A simple Bloody Mary is moderately high in calories at about 180 per serving, but this is one cocktail that actually provides some nutrients, too. With the extra vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium, you can feel better about what you’re getting for your calories. Remember, though, that they’re usually high in sodium.

8 / 11
Close up on a copper cup with Moscow Mule cocktail, fresh mint as decoration and a white and orange carton straw; Shutterstock ID 1165209037; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
Melanie Lemahieu/Shutterstock

Low-Cal Moscow Mules

Craving this copper cup cocktail? Opt for diet ginger ale in place of ginger beer to slim down the calories from 180 to 100. Learn how to make the best moscow mule.

9 / 11
Rosemary Gin Gimlet Cocktail with Cucumber Slice.; Shutterstock ID 1036054450; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
Alp Aksoy/Shutterstock

Gimlet

If gin is your preferred liquor, you’re in luck! Pair it with a splash of lime for a classic Gimlet and your drink will top out at about 180 calories.

10 / 11
Old fashioned cocktail with orange and cherry on wooden table. Copyspace; Shutterstock ID 1338703802; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
etorres/Shutterstock

Old-Fashioned

Whether you sip yours with whiskey or prefer a brandy old-fashioned, this classic cocktail has less than 180 calories. If your version is topped off with soda, use diet. Be sure to check out our other classic cocktail recipes worth serving at your next soiree.

11 / 11
Champagne; Shutterstock ID 717169393; Job (TFH, TOH, RD, BNB, CWM, CM): TOH
Ksenia Lindt/Shutterstock

Champagne

Leave out any fancy syrups or added fruit juice and add fresh raspberries instead to top off this fizzy, lower-calorie option. A 6-ounce pour of champagne tops off at 120 calories. Don’t miss our favorite sparkling wines under $20.

Wendy Jo Peterson, MS, RDN
Wendy Jo is a culinary-trained registered dietitian nutritionist and has published more than 10 books that walk readers through foundational topics like meal prep, using an air fryer, bread making and more. For Taste of Home, Wendy Jo brings her wealth of training to explain the science behind food and how to harness nutrition science for better health outcomes. As the author of the award-winning “Born to Eat: Whole, Healthy Foods from Baby’s First Bite,” Wendy Jo also occasionally covers parent-centric topics like toddler meal ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner.