Looking to enjoy a cocktail without the sugar crash or calorie overload? Good news: you don’t have to sacrifice flavour to keep things light. Whether you're cutting back or just want a fresher sip, these five easy low-calorie cocktails feature your favourite spirits—from gin and vodka to tequila and rum—and come in under ~150 calories per serving.
Here’s your go-to list, plus recommended bottles you can find here!
1. Skinny Mojito
A refreshing, zesty crowd-pleaser made with mint, lime, and rum—no sugar-laden syrups here.
How to make it:
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50ml white rum
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Juice of half a lime
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Fresh mint leaves
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Soda water
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Ice
Method: Muddle lime and mint in a glass. Add ice, rum, and top with soda water. Stir gently.
Why it works: It’s bubbly, hydrating, and under 120 calories.
Recommended Rums:
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Bacardi Carta Blanca – Clean, smooth, and classic.
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Havana Club 3 Años – Brings character and subtle vanilla notes.
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Plantation 3 Stars – Premium blend with tropical finesse.
2. Vodka Soda with Citrus
The ultimate “clean” cocktail—simple, crisp, and easy to dress up with fresh garnishes.
How to make it:
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45ml vodka
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Soda water
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Squeeze of lime or grapefruit
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Ice
Why it works: Zero sugar and low alcohol by volume = ~95 calories.
Recommended Vodkas:
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Ketel One – Distilled for smoothness and ideal for minimal mixers.
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Grey Goose Vodka - Le Citron – Adds a hint of lemon without the need for juice.
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Belvedere – Premium Polish vodka made from rye, clean and elegant.
3. Grapefruit Tequila Fizz
Zesty, vibrant, and perfect for hot days.
How to make it:
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45ml blanco tequila
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Juice of half a grapefruit
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Soda water
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Ice
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Optional: stevia or monk fruit drops if you like it sweeter
Why it works: Natural citrus keeps it punchy, but light—around 130 calories.
Recommended Tequilas:
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Don Julio Blanco – Smooth, bright, and ideal for citrus cocktails.
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1800 Silver Tequila – A balanced blanco tequila with crisp pepper and agave notes, perfect for low-cal margaritas.
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Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver – Clean agave notes with a crisp finish.
Related Article: 3 Passion Fruit Cocktails to Sip All Year Long
4. Cucumber Gin Cooler
Spa vibes in a glass—this low-cal gin drink feels indulgent, but won’t weigh you down.
How to make it:
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50ml gin
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Cucumber slices
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Soda water
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Lemon juice
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Ice
Why it works: Hydrating, botanical, and light—about 110 calories.
Recommended Gins:
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Suntory Roku Gin – Delicate Japanese botanicals and citrus.
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Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin – Bold, aromatic, and balanced.
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Bombay Sapphire – Bright and complex, made for clean mixers.
5. Whiskey Lemon Sparkler
Yes, you can have a whiskey cocktail that’s still light and crisp.
How to make it:
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40ml bourbon or light whisky
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Sparkling water
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Lemon juice
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Ice
Why it works: Simple, citrusy, and under 140 calories.
Recommended Whiskeys:
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Buffalo Trace Bourbon – Smooth with hints of caramel and spice.
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Chita Japanese Whisky – Light-bodied, clean, and refreshing.
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Monkey Shoulder – A mellow blend that pairs beautifully with citrus.
Your Light Cocktail Starts with the Right Bottle
Low-calorie doesn’t have to mean low-satisfaction. With the right spirits, fresh mixers, and a little creativity, you can craft drinks that are refreshing, flavourful, and easy on the calories.
