Girls, we know that summer just isn’t the same without a cocktail (or mocktail) or two. They’re basically an unwritten rule for when the hot weather hits, right?

That being said, it kind of kills the fun when you realise that some of those classics have as many as 780 calories in them. Yep, as much as we hate to admit it, it is in fact true! 

So, we’ve come up with some low calorie cocktail and mocktail recipes that are not only easy to make, but are full of all the fruity goodness. That way you don’t have to miss out during those garden parties or sophisticated soireés you’ve got lined up over summer.

From fruity favourites to classic cocktails with a twist, we’ve got all the best summer cocktails you could possibly wish for.

And even better, you can make any of our cocktail recipes with a non-alcoholic alternative, so that if you're the designated driver or simply don't drink alcohol, you can still get your summer tipple!

1. SEABREEZE - 180 CALORIES

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 50ml vodka
• 100ml cranberry juice
• 50ml grapefruit juice
• Ice
• Thin slice of lime

METHOD:

1. Half-fill a glass with ice then pour in the vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice.
2. Gently stir the mixture until the outside of the glass feels cold. Garnish with the lime slice and you’re good to go.

2. GRAPEFRUIT GIN FIZZ: 158 CALORIES

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 50ml gin
• 50ml grapefruit juice
• 50ml of tonic or soda water
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• Ice
• Slice of grapefruit to garnish

METHOD:

1. Pour the gin and grapefruit into a large glass or cocktail shaker and mix.
2. Add ice into your drinking glass along with the sprig of rosemary.
3. Pour the gin mixture over the ice and add the tonic or soda water.
4. Garnish with the slice of grapefruit and enjoy!

3. RASPBERRY MOJITO: 142 CALORIES

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 50ml white rum
• Sparkling water
• 4-5 raspberries
• ½ lime chopped into large chunks
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 sprig of mint
• Ice

METHOD:

1. Add the raspberries, lime and granulated sugar into a glass and gently crush with a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon. The fruits should start to release their juices and mix with the sugar.
2. Gently squash the mint leaves between both your palms - this subtly releases their flavour - and add to your glass.
3. Add a handful of ice, followed by the rum. Stir, then top up with sparkling water.
4. Mix the contents until combined and voilà, you’ve got yourself a delicious low calorie cocktail.

4. VIRGIN COSMO: 40 CALORIES

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 90ml reduced sugar cranberry juice
• 30ml freshly squeezed lime juice
• 60ml sparkling water
• 30ml orange juice
• Ice

METHOD:

1. Pour the cranberry juice, lime and sparkling water in a cocktail shaker or mason jar. Add plenty of ice and shake gently, just enough to combine.
2. Pour the mixture into a glass.
3. Add a splash of orange juice and cheers to the sweet taste of summer.

5. SANGRIA MOCKTAIL: 56 CALORIES

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1 orange sliced into rings
• 1 lemon sliced into rings
• 35 ml honey or sugar-free maple syrup
• 1 green apple sliced into wedges
• 150 ml orange juice (optional)
• 750 ml alcohol-free red wine
• 500 ml sparkling or soda water (optional)

METHOD:

1. Place the orange and lemon slices along with the honey or maple syrup in a large pitcher.
2. Gently crush the fruit until the juices start to release. 
3. Add the apple wedges, orange juice and non-alcoholic wine and gently stir until combined.
4. Place in the fridge for at least an hour, but preferably 3 to 4 hours.
5. Before serving, taste and add more sweetener if required. Add your sparkling or soda water and mix gently. De-lic-ious!

6. PASSIONFRUIT SPARKLER: 132 CALORIES

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1 passionfruit
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 250 ml coconut water
• 125 ml soda water (optional)
• Ice

METHOD:

1. Scoop the passionfruit pulp into a glass.
2. Add the lime juice, coconut water and lots of ice and stir well.
3. If you want to create a sparkling version, half the amount of coconut water and make the other half up with soda water.
4. Garnish as you wish and bottoms up!

Let’s be honest, summer cocktails are always a good idea and even better when they’re low calorie!

So, if you’re looking to start the season off on the right foot, our recipe ideas for some of the lowest calorie cocktails are simply perfect and mean you never have to miss a treat. Just remember to drink responsibly (and have fun, of course!)