Healthy-ish summer cocktails to beat the heat

Summer is a season with many tough, albeit fun, decisions — like what to sip. You don’t have to sacrifice taste for calories with the right summer cocktails that balance out the more indulgent BBQ and ice cream.

Be sure to buy local produce, and skip the mixes when making any of the following healthy beverages. Everyone (including you) will notice the punch of flavor.

Lavender Sangria

Nothing promotes a relaxing evening like a chilled glass of white wine and the soothing scent of lavender. Combine the two with your favorite fresh fruit for a classic drink from Jessica Merchant.

Skip the simple syrup, or make it with a sugar-free sweetener to lower the calorie count.

Strawberry Basil Lime Cooler

We are extra excited about this mocktail offering, a combo of club soda, lime wedges, strawberries, and fresh mint.

You could always throw in a shot of something carb-free like tequila, vodka, or gin.

Rosé Chilton

Get in touch with your inner Southern belle and enjoy this rosy twist on a classic Texas beverage. It gives you an excuse to try out that rosé vodka you keep seeing around.

Blood Orange Moscow Mule

Usually mules make us think of copper cups and cold nights by the fire; however, this summery take will have you dreaming about beaches and citrus sunsets.

Since oranges are already pretty sweet, opt for a sugar-free ginger beer to top things off.

Strawberry Thyme Prosecco

Sparkling wine is good all on its own, yet drop in a few strawberries blended with limoncello, and you’ve got a refreshing drink for your summer.

Peach Mojito

Fruity mint mojitos FTW. The fresh peaches and mint here make this drink something special.

You can always sub out the teaspoon of sugar with stevia, Splenda, or your choice of sugar-free sweetener

The Bramble Cocktail

Blackberries and gin come together in a sour, sweet, and all together refreshing cocktail.

The muddled berries in the bottom of the glass are a lovely boozy snack when you’re finished. If your blackberries are ripe, you can probably get away with using just a smidge of stevia over the simple syrup to round out the cocktail.