If you're gonna drink cocktails in lockdown, keep the calories low!
The weather hasn’t been great over the last couple of weeks but when the Summer weather does arrive it will be very tempting to sit in the sun and enjoy a few ice-cold cocktails.
But, we all know that alcohol consumed in large amounts isn’t good for your health, and it certainly won’t help if you’re trying to lose weight.
But, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the odd cocktail, or two – If you’re sensible.
When it comes to shots of alcohol, they are all pretty much the same nutritionally.
There’s not much difference between vodka, gin and tequila, rum, bourbon and scotch.
They all contain between 90-110 calories. It’s what we have with them that makes the difference.
If you’re drinking cocktails that contain more than one type of alcohol, syrups or added sugar then your drink is going to be a calorie monster!
Take the Mai Tai for example. There are lots of different recipes for Mai Tai recipes but they normally contain light rum, dark rum, triple sec, amaretto, lime juice, pineapple juice and syrup.
Depending on the recipe, there can contain up to 700 calories in one cocktail!
For lower calorie cocktails follow these 3 rules:
Keep it simple – if you can drink your gin neat, try it with a squeeze of fresh lime.
It’s better for your waistline than if you opt for a sugar loaded gin cocktail.
Stay away from mixed drinks that contain more than one alcohol.
Avoid frozen drinks, like daiquiris, they are total sugar bombs!
The best 5 low-calorie cocktails:
G&T (148 calories)
Gin has risen to popularity over the last couple of years because of its versatility.
It doesn’t have to be boring anymore, there’s hundreds of different combinations.
Make sure you mix your gin with a low-calorie tonic.
Then add fresh fruits and herbs for extra flavour.
One of my favourites combinations is lime zest and basil.
Vodka Soda (96 calories)
Since soda water has zero calories, all you have to account for is the alcohol.
To add a bit of extra flavour you can add some freshly squeezed lime.
Old Fashioned (154 calories)
If you don't like to drink your bourbon straight, request an old fashioned at the bar.
This cocktail has a splash of bitters to add flavour (without taking on too many calories) and a bit of sugar.
Martini (176 calories)
The classic martini is a mix of vermouth and gin.
You can also ask to make it dry, means you'll get less vermouth and more liquor.
Olives are optional.
Kir Royale (165 calories)
Champagne and champagne-related cocktails are some of the best in the calorie department.
One standard flute of champagne contains far less than a glass of wine or a mixed drink.
A Kir Royale is a mix of Crème De Cassis and Prosecco.
If you do head out for a few cocktails and enjoy the sunshine (when it eventually arrives), please stay safe and follow the government guidelines for social distancing!
NHS drinking advice:
To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks:
men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
if you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week
Fourteen units is equivalent to 6 pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of lowstrength wine.