OK so we admit it, low calorie cocktails are never going to beat the real thing but that doesn't mean they can't at least give them a good run for their money.
Cocktail mixology classes are seeing a mega boom in their business this festive season, as everyone tries to muddle, shake, and strain their way to cocktail mastery. So to get ahead of the game, we've picked these six low calorie cocktail recipes to wow your friends with on a Friday night, without having to totally break your budget.
1. Skinny Gin Blush (132 calories)
Ingredients:
-25ml Langley’s Gin
-15ml Elderflower Liqueur
-6 raspberries
-25ml apple juice
-10ml lemon juice
-10ml honey
Method:
Start by muddling the honey and raspberries together in the base of a Boston mixing glass. Add the remaining ingredients, shake vigorously and then double strain over crushed ice into a julep glass. To finish, garnish with the mint and extra raspberries for a delicious, refreshing cocktail.
Our verdict:
For all fruity cocktail lovers, this gin blush will make your dreams come true. If we’re honest, this is our favourite cocktail of the whole bunch; you won’t even notice that what you’re drinking is only 132 calories - it's that delicious.
2. Skinny Grape & Elderflower Martini (123 calories)
Ingredients:
-15ml St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
-25ml Beefeater Gin
-5ml Peach Schnapps
-15ml apple juice
-10ml lemon juice
-10ml honey
-3 grapes
Method:
Add all ingredients into a shaker and double strain into a chilled coupette glass. Serve with three grapes on a cocktail stick.
Our verdict:
The mix of the fruit with gin and elderflower is always going to be a winning combination, but really this cocktail is suited to drinkers with a sweet tooth.
Extra bonus points for the fact you have those three juicy grapes to enjoy – a much lighter alternative to your usual olive garnish. A sweet, cool cocktail, the Skinny Grape & Elderflower Martini is a great all-rounder; the only thing we’d suggest is adding a little more gin…
3. Skinny Mango & Papaya Crush (130 calories)
Ingredients:
-30ml Absolute Mango Vodka
-10ml agave syrup
-25ml mango juice
-15ml papaya juice
-2 dashes orange bitters
Method:
Add all of the ingredients to a Boston mixing glass, then fill with cubed ice right to the top - don't be shy - and shake vigorously. When thoroughly shaken, double strain into a julep glass and garnish with mint sprigs and papaya slices.
Our verdict:
Mango is a great ingredient to transform any drink into a tropical treat and this cocktail has heaps of it. Some may find this a tad too sweet but those orange bitters do give it a more rounded taste. When they're in season, nothing can beat the mango, so when the time comes, you can step it up a notch by adding your own freshly squeezed mango juice.
© Dirty Martini
4. Skinny Watermelon & Pomegranate Smash (130 calories)
Ingredients:
-30ml Absolute Citron
-15ml Orange Curacao
-10ml lemon juice
-15ml agave syrup
-50ml pomegranate juice
-4 chunks fresh watermelon
Method:
Muddle the watermelon and agave syrup in the base of a julep glass. Next, add the remaining ingredients and fill with crushed ice. Churn, then top with more crushed ice, large watermelon slices and pomegranate seeds.
Our verdict:
You don't see watermelon in cocktails all that often, so this cocktail is guaranteed to excite your tastebuds, right from the get-go. Plus, a cocktail where you have to do a bit more than just measure out shots and put it in a glass is always welcome in our boozy books.
5. Skinny Apple & Kiwi Sours (162 calories)
Ingredients:
-35ml Absolute Apple
-10ml Midori
-Half a fresh kiwi
-10ml lime juice
-50ml apple juice
-5ml agave syrup
-15ml egg white
Method:
Place all ingredients into a Boston mixing glass. Shake and double strain into a chilled whisky sour glass. Garnish with an apple fan and enjoy!
Our verdict:
Kiwi and egg white is enough to put most mild martini drinkers right off but trust us, stick with it. Despite a predominantly citrus-y base, this cocktail has a smooth texture (thanks to that trusty egg white) with a sweet finish. If you’re after something a little more adventurous, then this is definitely it.
6. Skinny Cucumber & Mint Martini (133 calories)
Ingredients:
-35ml Hendricks Gin
-15ml Galliano
-10ml lemon juice
-10ml honey
-Cucumber
-5 mint leaves
Method:
Muddle fresh cucumber and mint, then add remaining ingredients, shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 slices of cucumber.
Our verdict:
Mixing Hendricks with cucumber is such a classic combination, and topping it off with mint and a bit of honey
works wonders. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this sweet and super-refreshing cocktail is the perfect party pick-me-up to start off your evening.
Fancy giving any of these a go? Tell us what you think at @sofeminineUK.
