Calorie Friendly Cocktails

As the weekend approaches, I wanted to map out my personal favorite calorie-friendly cocktail! 

my go-to ingredients: Vodka & Water

Duh, right? Vodka generally has only 60-70 calories per 1 oz. shot and combines well with fruit flavors! At home, I like to mix a shot of vodka with 6-8 oz. of one of the Sparkling ICE flavored waters (they are CALORIE FREE--see photo below) which are sold at several grocery stores. Most stores have their own brand of flavored water as well. Here are some of my favorite SPECIFIC mixtures:

-Strawberry Shortcake: Whipped cream, cake, or vanilla vodka & strawberry sparkling water

-Key Lime Pie: Whipped cream, cake, or vanilla vodka & lime sparkling water

-Apple Pie: Honey cinnamon twist vodka & apple sparkling water

-Peach Cobbler: Honey cinnamon twist vodka & peach sparkling water

-Strawberry Lemonade: Strawberry (or really any berry or fruit vodka is delicious) & lemonade sparkling water

There are countless fruit combinations you can mix together!

If I'm out at a restaurant or bar and I'm trying to keep from drinking too many calories, I will stay on the vodka & water train but bring along a water flavor enhancer (see photos below--there are several more brands too) in my purse or clutch! Most bars have at least a couple of flavored vodkas to choose from, so I'll usually ask for bartenders choice of some yummy fruit flavor and add my Dasani Drops! Easy, low-calorie, and also pretty cheap! 

All of these mixers all calorie-free, so your cocktail literally only has the calories of the alcohol (60-70 calories per shot, but don't forget to count that heavy handed "shot" too!) Now, don't get me wrong, there are studies that have shown that any amount of alcohol slows your metabolism and can therefore wreak havoc on your diet. Be that as it may, I choose moderation and a life or not restricting things I enjoy, so I appreciate having some low-calorie options to choose from!