Looking for a way to enjoy a drink without the extra calories? Whether you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle or just want to make smarter choices when it comes to alcohol, low-calorie drinks are the perfect solution. From refreshing vodka sodas to light mojitos, we’ve rounded up the best low-calorie alcoholic drinks you can enjoy in 2025 without sacrificing flavor. These options are not only light but also fun to sip, so you can have a great time while staying on track with your goals.
And if you’re also looking to support your healthy drinking choices with nutritious, well-balanced meals, ReciMe is here to help. With our meal planning features, smart grocery lists, and the ability to save recipes from Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and more, we ensure that eating well is simple and convenient – so you can stay on top of both your food and drink choices. Download ReciMe now and let’s dive into those healthy drink ideas!
1. Vodka Soda 2.0
Vodka Soda 2.0 is a simple, low-calorie drink made with vodka and calorie-free seltzer. It’s a great choice for those looking to keep their calorie intake low while still enjoying a cocktail. Adding a squeeze of fresh fruit, like lime or lemon, enhances the flavor without adding many calories. For a different taste, you can also experiment with tea or sparkling water to mix up the flavor while keeping the drink light.
You can also try mixing matcha tea, vodka, and lime seltzer for a unique twist. The Vodka Soda 2.0 is an easy-to-make, customizable drink that fits well within a low-calorie or low-carb diet.
Key Highlights:
- Low-calorie with minimal ingredients.
- Customizable with fresh fruit or flavored seltzers.
- No added sugars or carbs.
Who It’s Best For:
- People on a low-carb or low-calorie diet.
- Those who want a simple, refreshing drink.
- Anyone looking to reduce calorie intake while enjoying a cocktail.
2. Liquor With A Wedge
Liquor with a wedge is a simple and refreshing low-calorie drink option. By mixing tequila, vodka, or gin with club soda or seltzer, you get a crisp cocktail with minimal calories. The addition of a fruit wedge, like lime, lemon, or grapefruit, adds a burst of flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count.
For even more flavor, muddling fruits or herbs can infuse the drink with natural taste without the extra sugars or carbs found in many pre-made mixers. This drink is an easy way to enjoy a cocktail without overloading on calories. It offers a straightforward and customizable option for anyone looking to keep their drink light and refreshing.
Key Highlights:
- Simple, low-calorie drink with basic ingredients.
- Customizable with fruit wedges or muddled fruits and herbs.
- No added sugars or carbs from mixers.
Who It’s Best For:
- Those on a low-calorie or low-carb diet.
- People who prefer a light and easy-to-make drink.
- Anyone looking to avoid sugary mixers in their cocktails.
3. Margarita On The Rocks
A Margarita on the Rocks is a classic cocktail that can be made with fewer calories by skipping the sugary frozen versions. To make it even lighter, you can request a reduced-sugar margarita by omitting the agave. While this version still contains calories mainly from tequila and orange liqueur, it remains a better option compared to frozen margaritas, which tend to have higher calorie counts due to added sugars.
The Margarita on the Rocks is a refreshing, straightforward drink, but it does contain a moderate amount of carbs. It’s a good choice for those looking for a balanced cocktail with less sugar, though it’s best to limit consumption to one drink to keep the calorie count in check.
Key Highlights:
- A lighter alternative to frozen margaritas.
- Can be customized with reduced sugar by omitting agave.
- Contains moderate calories mainly from alcohol.
Who It’s Best For:
- Those who enjoy a traditional margarita but want fewer calories.
- People looking for a simple, refreshing drink.
- Anyone who wants to reduce sugar intake in their cocktails.
4. White Wine Spritzer
A White Wine Spritzer is a light, refreshing cocktail that combines white wine with club soda or sparkling water. This drink is a great option for wine lovers looking to enjoy a flavorful drink without consuming too many calories. By diluting the white wine with calorie-free sparkling water, you can reduce the overall calorie count while still maintaining the taste of your favorite wine.
To make it even lighter, you can choose drier white wines, such as sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which typically have less sugar. The White Wine Spritzer is an easy-to-make, customizable drink that offers a lighter alternative to traditional wine.
Key Highlights:
- A low-calorie alternative to traditional white wine.
- Customizable by diluting wine with sparkling water or club soda.
- Can be made with drier white wines to reduce sugar content.
Who It’s Best For:
- Wine enthusiasts looking for a lower-calorie option.
- People who enjoy a refreshing, light cocktail.
- Anyone aiming to reduce sugar intake without giving up wine.
5. Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is a popular cocktail that blends the bold flavors of coffee with vodka. Traditionally made with freshly brewed espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup, it offers a rich and indulgent taste. However, this drink can be high in both calories and sugar, making it less ideal for those watching their intake.
To make a lower-calorie version, swap regular simple syrup for a sugar-free alternative and consider reducing or omitting the coffee liqueur, which adds significant calories, to further lower the calorie count. Additionally, opting for high-quality espresso can help you skip the calorie-heavy coffee liqueur while still enjoying the strong coffee taste that defines this drink.
Key Highlights:
- Bold coffee flavor combined with vodka.
- A rich, indulgent drink that can be made lighter without losing flavor.
Who It’s Best For:
- Coffee lovers who enjoy a cocktail.
- Those looking for a lower-calorie alternative to traditional espresso martinis.
- People who want a drink with a rich taste but fewer calories.
6. Tequila with Lime
Tequila with lime is a simple and low-calorie drink that’s easy to make and enjoy. A shot of tequila paired with a lime wedge is both refreshing and light, making it a great choice for those looking to keep their calorie intake low. It’s a straightforward drink that offers a clean taste without the need for added mixers or sugars.
If you prefer something with a bit more flavor, you can mix tequila with club soda, mint, or even coconut water to create a light cocktail. This allows for a refreshing twist without adding many calories, making it an ideal choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Key Highlights:
- Simple, low-calorie drink with minimal ingredients.
- Can be customized with club soda, mint, or coconut water.
- No added sugars or carbs.
Who It’s Best For:
- Those seeking a straightforward, low-calorie drink.
- People who prefer a clean, fresh-tasting cocktail.
- Anyone looking for a customizable drink without extra calories.
7. Light Beer
Light beer is a popular choice for those who enjoy beer but want to reduce their calorie intake. Compared to regular beer, light beer typically contains fewer calories and a lower alcohol content, making it a good option for those watching their weight. It allows beer lovers to still enjoy the familiar taste without the extra calories.
While the calorie count can vary by brand, a standard 12-ounce can of light beer generally has fewer calories than regular beer, making it a lighter choice for casual drinking. It’s an easy, low-calorie option for those who prefer a simple beer experience.
Key Highlights:
- Fewer calories and lower alcohol content than regular beer.
- Offers the familiar taste of beer without the extra calories.
- A good option for those looking to enjoy a drink without overindulging.
Who It’s Best For:
- Beer lovers who want to reduce calorie intake.
- People aiming to lose weight but still enjoy an occasional drink.
- Anyone looking for a lighter, more mindful beer option.
8. Rum and Diet Coke
Rum and Diet Coke is a simple yet effective low-calorie cocktail that swaps regular soda for Diet Coke or Coke Zero, cutting down on calories while still offering the familiar taste of this classic drink. By making this simple switch, you can easily keep your calorie intake under control without sacrificing flavor.
For an added burst of freshness, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice. This will give your drink a tangy twist without adding significant calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a cocktail with fewer calories.
Key Highlights:
- A low-calorie version of the classic rum and coke.
- Uses Diet Coke or Coke Zero to reduce calorie content.
- Can be customized with lime juice for extra flavor.
Who It’s Best For:
- Rum lovers who want a low-calorie option.
- Anyone looking to reduce sugar intake in their cocktails.
- People who enjoy a simple drink with minimal calories.
9. Diet Gin and Tonic
The Diet Gin and Tonic offers a low-calorie alternative to the classic gin and tonic by swapping regular tonic water for a diet version. Regular tonic water can be surprisingly high in calories, but using a diet tonic can reduce the calorie count significantly. You can also opt for club soda or seltzer if you prefer to skip the tonic altogether.
Gin, with its bold juniper berry flavor, remains strong even without the added sweetness of regular tonic, so you won’t miss much in terms of taste. For extra flair, consider adding fresh garnishes like grapefruit, rosemary, or cucumber to enhance the drink’s flavor without adding extra calories.
Key Highlights:
- Low-calorie alternative to the classic gin and tonic.
- Can be made with diet tonic, club soda, or seltzer.
- Customizable with fresh garnishes for added flavor.
Who It’s Best For:
- Gin lovers looking for a lighter drink.
- Anyone wanting to reduce calorie intake without compromising taste.
- People who enjoy creative garnishes to elevate their drinks.
10. Mojito
Mojitos are known for their refreshing minty and slightly sweet flavor, but traditional versions can be high in sugar, especially when premade mixes are used. To make a low-calorie mojito, simply skip the simple syrup and opt for a sugar substitute like Stevia.
If you’re ordering at a restaurant, you can reduce the sugar content further by asking for less sugar or more ice. You can make it even lighter by increasing the amount of soda water and fresh lime juice, ensuring a refreshing, lower-calorie drink.
Key Highlights:
- A refreshing, low-calorie cocktail made with mint, lime, and soda.
- Can be customized with sugar substitutes like Stevia to cut calories.
- Easy to adjust by increasing soda water and lime juice for a lighter drink.
Who It’s Best For:
- People who love mojitos but want to cut back on sugar and calories.
- Anyone looking for a fresh, minty drink with fewer calories.
- Those who enjoy customizing their cocktails with healthier alternatives.
11. Hard Seltzer
Hard seltzers are a popular low-calorie alternative to traditional cocktails and mixed drinks. Often referred to as “skinny” drinks, they are typically made with seltzer water and alcohol fermented from cane sugar, resulting in a light and refreshing beverage. Available in a variety of fruity flavors, hard seltzers offer a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a drink without consuming a lot of calories.
If you’re looking for a tropical twist, consider opting for a coconut-flavored hard seltzer instead of a calorie-dense piña colada. With their clean, crisp taste and low-calorie profile, hard seltzers are a great option for anyone seeking a lighter alcoholic beverage.
Key Highlights:
- A light, low-calorie alternative to mixed cocktails.
- Available in a variety of fruity and refreshing flavors.
- A great option for those looking for a cleaner, lighter drink.
Who It’s Best For:
- People looking for a low-calorie drink with fruity flavors.
- Those seeking a refreshing, easy-to-drink cocktail alternative.
- Anyone wanting a lighter option than traditional mixed drinks.
12. Champagne
Champagne is a light and festive option for those looking to enjoy a bubbly drink without consuming too many calories. Compared to sweeter wines, a glass of champagne typically has fewer calories, making it a great choice for those mindful of their intake. The carbonation in champagne can also help you feel fuller, potentially preventing you from reaching for a second drink.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want something light, champagne offers a refreshing, lower-calorie alternative to sweeter alcoholic beverages. Its effervescence and crisp taste make it a popular choice for many.
Key Highlights:
- Lower-calorie option compared to sweet wines.
- The carbonation helps you feel fuller, possibly reducing overall consumption.
- A refreshing, light drink perfect for celebrations or casual sipping.
Who It’s Best For:
- Those looking for a light, celebratory drink.
- People who want to enjoy a sparkling beverage without many calories.
- Anyone seeking a drink that offers both refreshment and a sense of fullness.
13. Bloody Mary
A Bloody Mary is a flavorful and savory cocktail that combines vodka with tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. This combination offers several health benefits, as the tomato juice provides potassium, sodium, and vitamin C, along with the heart-friendly antioxidant lycopene. The addition of fresh lemon juice adds a burst of flavor and a boost of vitamin C.
While a virgin Bloody Mary (without alcohol) would be the healthiest option, a standard Bloody Mary made with clear spirits like vodka is still a lighter choice compared to many other cocktails, and clear spirits are less likely to cause a hangover. This drink is an excellent option for those seeking a savory, low-calorie beverage with a nutritional twist.
Key Highlights:
- A savory cocktail with beneficial ingredients like potassium, sodium, and lycopene.
- Offers heart-friendly antioxidants and vitamin C from tomato and lemon juice.
- Can be made with clear spirits to reduce hangover effects.
Who It’s Best For:
- People looking for a savory, lower-calorie cocktail.
- Those who enjoy a drink with nutritional benefits.
- Anyone seeking a drink with antioxidants and vitamins.
14. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that contains trace amounts of alcohol due to its natural fermentation process. While not brewed to be intoxicating, it offers a unique, fizzy alternative to sugary soft drinks and can even be used as a mixer for spirits like vodka. The drink is rich in plant compounds, although its active components can vary depending on the type of tea, starter culture, and fermentation process.
Research on kombucha’s health benefits is still in its early stages, with most studies conducted on animals, but it has shown potential for improving blood pressure and cholesterol. While it can be a low-calorie option, it’s important to be mindful of the sugar content, as commercially available kombucha can sometimes contain higher levels of sugar.
Key Highlights:
- A fermented tea with natural fizz and potential health benefits.
- Can be used as a mixer for alcoholic drinks like vodka.
- Offers a unique alternative to carbonated soft drinks.
Who It’s Best For:
- People seeking a healthier, low-calorie alternative to soda.
- Those who enjoy trying different mixers for cocktails.
- Anyone interested in the potential health benefits of fermented drinks.
15. Brandy
Brandy is a distilled spirit made from wine or fruit, offering a rich and sophisticated taste. While it’s typically enjoyed in smaller portions, such as a small glass after dinner, it provides a more indulgent yet relatively low-calorie option compared to many other alcoholic drinks. The complexity of brandy’s flavor makes it a great choice for sipping, especially when you want something refined without overindulging in calories.
Although it is higher in calories than some lighter spirits, choosing a quality brand like Brandy Fra. VSOP can offer a satisfying experience while still keeping the calorie count in check. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the depth of flavor in a spirit with a lower overall calorie content.
Key Highlights:
- A refined, low-calorie option made from wine or fruit.
- Ideal for sipping after dinner as a sophisticated indulgence.
- Offers a rich, complex flavor without excessive calories.
Who It’s Best For:
- Those who enjoy sipping spirits in small amounts.
- People looking for a low-calorie after-dinner drink.
- Anyone who prefers a more indulgent yet calorie-conscious option.
Conclusion
Low-calorie alcoholic drinks are a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite beverages without overloading on calories. Whether you prefer light cocktails like vodka sodas or gin and tonics, or more complex options like a dry martini, there’s a wide range of low-calorie choices to fit every taste. These drinks allow you to indulge in a refreshing, enjoyable experience while keeping your calorie intake under control.
The variety and popularity of low-calorie alcoholic drinks are only growing, providing even more options to suit different preferences and dietary needs. So, whether you’re focusing on a healthier lifestyle, maintaining your weight, or just looking for a lighter drink, low-calorie alcoholic beverages are the perfect solution for sipping without the guilt.