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| Image courtesy of brandfreak.com |
BY: ASHLEY HESSELTINE, CONTRIBUTOR
Asking a girl
to choose between being skinny and boozy bonding with her gal pals is like
asking if she’d rather make out with Adam Levine or Channing Tatum. It’s literally
impossible to answer. (Or is that just me?)
Anyway. If you like to imbibe, but also want to maintain a rockin’ bod, the
conflict of calorie-laden cocktails is unavoidable. You just can’t crush martinis and mojitos and
expect to look like, well, the kind of girl Mr. Levine would make out with. And
plain vodka sodas just get so boring.
Luckily, there are plenty of enticing low-cal/low-sugar options available at
drinking establishments (for the most part), which are also easy enough to make at home. And
if you use organic and/or low-cal liquors (I like Voli Vodka for low-cal and
Kanon or Prairie for organic), you’re being even more health-conscious. Let’s
mix it up, shall we?
*I’m using a standard 1.5 oz. pour for the liquor amounts/cal counts (although
2-3 is my standard when I’m slinging bevvies).
What: The Lean Green
How: Muddle (read: crush) 3-4 basil
leaves in a glass. Mix 1 part vodka with 2 parts club soda and squeeze in 2-3 lime wedges (or lemon if you prefer). Serve over ice. If you want to get extra fancy (and tasty), add a muddled strawberry or two.
Why: The greens make this just as nutritious as a
salad. Okay, that’s a lie, but it’s an amazingly refreshing, delicious beverage.
(Disclaimer: must like basil to enjoy.)
Cal Count: 100-120
What: The Beach Babe
How: Mix 1 part vodka OR light rum
with 2 parts coconut water (I prefer Zico’s or Amy and Brian’s) and a splash of
pineapple juice. Serve over ice. A lower-cal and equally delicious alternative
is vodka, coconut water, and fresh lemon juice (2-3 wedges) and you can even
serve it up as a martini.
Why: One sip whisks you away to a tropical
vacay daydream (complete with cabana boy). And while this may have a few more
calories due to the coconut water, you’re hydrating
while you’re throwing ‘em back (clutch for the morning after).
Cal Count: 140-170
What: Dreamsicle
How: The official Dreamsicle is
simply mixing 1 part
Voli low-cal Orange Vanilla Fusion vodka and 2 parts diet ginger ale. But you can make this with any vanilla vodka and diet ginger. Add 2-3 squeezed orange slices for extra flair and flavor and serve over ice.
Why: It's like the ice creamy dessert you enjoyed as a kid. And it's so easy, a kid could actually make it (not that I endorse that).
Cal Count: 80-130 (depending on the vodka you use)
What: Model Body Mojito
How: Muddle 3-4 mint leaves in a
glass. Mix 1 part light rum and 2 parts club soda, 1 tbsp. agave nectar (OR a
few drops of liquid Stevia if you can find it), and 3-4 squeezed limes. Serve
over ice.
Why: Close your eyes and you’ll feel
like you’re strolling down a beach somewhere looking like Gisele’s body double.
Ish.
Cal Count: 100-150 (depending on
whether you use agave or Stevia)
What: Sinless Margarita or Beerita
How: Mix 1 part agave tequila (look
for '100% de agave' on the label) with 2 parts
Sinless Margarita mix (locations listed online). I like to add
in a splash of club soda to dilute some of the sweetness OR some light beer
(Corona Light or Bud Light Lime) for a refreshing beerita!
Ole!
Why: Because you’re a caliente
senorita.
Cal Count: 110-140 (depending on whether
you use beer)
Cheers to the freakin’ weekend!
LYLAS,
Ashley
Full Disclosure - Ashley Hesseltine and I have never met. We have a true-blue, full-blown internet relationship that planted its roots via Facebook Messenger. But don't let that fool you. We have a lot in common. Ashley is the Atlanta Editor of
DailyCandy and has her own blog
Witty + Pretty, where she muses on all things 'girly'... from beauty products to vacation must-haves (with some sarcastic pop culture commentary thrown in for good measure). Whereas I'm talking veggies all day, she's talking bikini waxes.
You see? One and the same! Ashley dreams of being a race car driver, never met a Fireball shot she didn't like (no shame) and swears up and down that the truffle guac from El Vez in Philly is the best thing she's ever tasted... ever.
Looking to enhance your life just a little on this fine Friday? Check out Ashley's
blog!
