«
»
April 21st, 2010

On the hunt for low-cal cocktails.

cocktailsPool season is here and I look like shit. I’m completely out of shape. I finally made my first personal training appointment in ages and I’m on a mission to cut back the calories…. starting tomorrow.

On the caloric chopping block: my beloved cocktails. (By the way… I’ve always wanted to write “my beloved cocktails”)

Does anyone have experience with cutting out the sugar while keeping the booze? How does Splenda work in a drink? Awful? Good?

Do you have a favorite low-cal cocktail?

C’mon. Let’s work together on my waistline and still support my alcoholism.

Tags: , , , ,

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 at 8:34 am and is filed under Cocktail Hour, Waistline Woes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • kd

    Have you checked out Bethenny Frankel's SkinnyGirl cocktails? Her recipes are easy to find (and she has a recipe book), and they are actually tasty!

    Oh, and agave nectar is a MUCH tastier alternative to Splenda in cocktails–satisfies the need for sweet w/o all the calories. Enjoy!

  • http://www.justineats.com Justin

    From what I've been explained by a very attractive professional, a vodka soda is one of the least “damaging” alcoholic beverages you can indulge in. Our feeble bodies are apparently better able to process vodka (it is usually lower in actual calories) than a glass of wine, beer and other varieties of liquor like rums, whiskeys, tequilas, gins, etc.

    The healthiest (and often most flavorful) sweeteners are indeed agave, honey or some Vermont maple syrup. But, if you truly want to cut all (or nearly all) caloric intake, the best artificial sweetener is Stevia. The infamous aftertaste is there, but not as bad, and your body is able to metabolize it more efficiently than other, more artificial options like aspartame (Equal), saccharin (Sweet 'n Low) and sucralose (Splenda).

    For flavorings: muddled fruit, as well as herbs, are always efficient ways of imparting flavor without slaying your entire regiment.

    Okay, I'm done.

  • Katarina Kovacevic

    Your timing is great, my friend! I was just reading about this yesterday on New Times blog: http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2010/04/….

    Champagne!

  • Ashley

    Vodka & water. Whiskey & water. Water is low cal right?

  • http://twitter.com/BlairHatz Blair Hatfield

    Vodka and water with a lemon wedge. Practically nothing in it, and keeps you hydrated during these crazy summer months while still providing a nice, clean buzz ;-)

  • Chloe

    Is that Eric's cat? The Bud Light looks suspicious…

  • Susie Timm

    Ok I will get on the agave nectar bandwagon as well. Also, I suggest iced tea and sweet tea vodka with lemon. Mmm.. Delish.

    I am happy to consume low calorie cocktails with you any old time.

  • http://www.BlogginGoodFood.com/ Bloggin' Good Food

    I would stay away from Splenda – At least I get sick when i have it in drinks. I heard Agave is good and if you have breakouts from sugar – Agave doesn't give you acne. #funfoodfact
    Good luck working on your beloved wasteline….

  • http://www.cafecyan.com Crystal

    Sparkling water is the trick. It extends your cocktail, has zero calories and ups your water intake. Add it to red or white wine, lime juice + tequila, or flavored vodkas. Love it!

  • juxtapalate

    All splendid ideas… better yet. When are we enjoying these low-cal gems together?

  • juxtapalate

    You'll be happy to know I've been using the sparkling water to extend my drinks this weekend. Thanks Crystal!

  • juxtapalate

    I'm really intrigued by the nectar idea. Wonder what Trudy can whip up.

  • juxtapalate

    Totally his cat. Especially when he's away in NY.

  • juxtapalate

    Sorry for the long ass delay in response! Maybe some sparkling water for bubbles? We should get a drink sometime.

  • juxtapalate

    You had me at whiskey.

  • juxtapalate

    So many votes for Agave! Thanks for the rec on Skinny Girl cocktails… I'm looking it up right now. thx!

  • Pingback: Webmaster

  • Pingback: JAMIE

  • me

    My girlfriends and I have perfected the art of a low calorie cocktails. As previous posts state Agave Nectar is the key for sweetness. Basically what we do is soak any kind of fruit in a good vodka… We usually pick raspberries, strawberries or blueberries. Let that soak at least overnight. When vodka is ready squeeze a ton of fresh lemons to make fresh lemon juice; sweeten with Agave Nectar. Either a martini glass or tumbler with ice… put as much vodka as you like with plenty of drunk fruit and add the agave sweetened lemon juice. If too tart a little club soda will mellow it out a bit.

  • Pingback: MIKE