Summer is a season with many tough, albeit fun, decisions — like what to sip! You don't have to sacrifice taste for calories with the right summer cocktails (ormocktails) that balance out the more indulgent BBQ foods and yummy desserts. Be sure to buy local produce, and skip the sugary mixes when making any of the following healthy summer cocktails. Trust us – you will notice the fresh punch of flavor!
La Croix Pimm’s Cups
This fruity British fave is made even better when combined with the trendiest seltzer water around, La Croix! It's truly the secret ingredient you need perfecting all the healthy summer cocktails you're gonna mix up. (via Brit + Co)
Organic Margaritas
Organic agave nectar and fresh lime juice replace the need for a store-bought margarita mix. Trust us, these ingredients make *all* the difference when it comes to healthy summer cocktails. (via Brit + Co)
Pamplemousse La Croix and Lavender Cocktail
Though this grapefruit and lavender mocktail doesn't feature alcohol, a shot of gin would perk it right up! The recipe for these healthy summer cocktails does call for simple syrup, but you can always splash in less or make it sugar-free altogether. (via Brit + Co.)
Lavender Sangria
Floral flavors are so in right now. Sip on this light, refreshing, and surprisingly great-smelling cocktail that's perfect for summertime! Low sugar summer cocktails have never looked so yum. (via How Sweet Eats)
Rosé Chilton
Get in touch with your inner Southern belle and enjoy this rosy twist on a classic Texas beverage. It gives you an excuse to try out that rosé vodka you keep seeing around! The floral notes makes this one of the most refreshing and light summer cocktails around. (via A Zesty Bite)
Blood Orange Moscow Mule
Usually, mules make us think of copper cups and cold nights by the fire – however, this summery take will have you dreaming about beaches and citrus sunsets all day long. Since oranges are already pretty sweet, opt for a sugar-free ginger beer to fully make this a low-sugar summer cocktail. (via Just A Little Bit Of Bacon)
Iced Ginger Honey Lemon Tea
Make sure you use the freshest produce possible to really round out these healthy summer cocktails. This recipe doesn't technically include any alcohol, but a dash of vodka or whiskey would do the trick! (via Bowl of Delicious)
Tito's Strawberry Lemonade
Indulge in sweet nostalgia – without any real sweetener. This fresh summer cocktail gets its flair from fresh berries and lemons only! (via Tito's Vodka)
Easy Rosé Spritzer
A little rosé, a little club soda, a slice of lemon… and you're set to sip guilt-free with this simple healthy spritzer! (via Salt & Lavender)
Peach Mojito
Fruity mint mojitos FTW! The fresh peaches and mint here make this healthy summer drink something special. You can always sub out the teaspoon of sugar with stevia, Splenda, or your choice of sugar-free sweetener in any of these healthy summer cocktails. (via Cookie + Kate)
Rhubarb Pie Cocktail
For a lighter sip that's lightly tart and tangy, try this pour made with rhubarb puree! (via Boulder Locavore)
Cucumber Ginger Lemonade
Ginger and lemon are already a match made in flavor heaven, but when you add cucumber into the mix, magic happens. Amp up these healthy summer cocktails with an extra swig of your favorite spirit! (via Crowded Kitchen)
Paloma Cocktail
Grapefruit soda meets fresh lime and coarse salt to form a rich, refreshing sip. Enjoy these healthy summer cocktails out on the porch to maximize the enjoyment! (via Culinary Hill)
White Sparkler Sangria
Put this healthy sparkling drink full of fruit together in just five minutes. The best part is it's customizable, as you can use any fruit + wine combo your heart desires! (via Damn Delicious)
The Bramble
Blackberries and gin come together in a sour, sweet, and all-together refreshing cocktail. The muddled berries in the bottom of the glass are a lovely boozy snack when you're finished! If your blackberries are ripe, you can probably get away with using just a smidge of stevia over the simple syrup to round out this healthy cocktail. (via A Beautiful Mess)
Fresh Cherry Lime Vodka Soda
Vodka sodas are a low-calorie drink staple — but that doesn't mean they have to be boring. Make a homemade cherry syrup to enliven this healthy drink even more! (via How Sweet Eats)
Easy Mint Julep
Don't worry about having to melt down sugar to make simple syrup for this julep recipe. The maple syrup makes this the *easiest* (and healthiest) bourbon classic you'll ever make. (via Cookie + Kate)
Blueberry Mojito
Loaded with antioxidant-rich blueberries, these healthy summer cocktails have a minty finish. All around, this is a sweet treat with a lot less liquid cals. (via The Novice Chef)
Watermelon Gin Fizz
'Tis the season for watermelon cocktails, and this fizzy drink with a shot of gin makes for the most refreshing drink. (via Dinners, Dishes, & Desserts)
Citrus Champagne Party Punch
The glory of this pink-hued punch is that you can decide just how much sugar you want to add by reducing the amount of simple syrup. Healthy cocktails with a floral garnish? We're in. (via Pizzazzerie)
Skinny Pineapple and Jalapeno Infused Vodka Cocktail
Okay, these healthy summer cocktails take a little overnight preparation, but the good news is you'll have jalapeño and pineapple vodka you can save for other quick cocktails! It's sweetened with pineapple juice, and has a little flavor *oomph* with added pineapple seltzer water. (via Physical Kitchness)
Strawberry Mojito
Rely on that sugar-free simple syrup swap to keep this beverage as low-calorie as possible. The strawberries should be so sweet, you shouldn't need much else to bulk up these healthy summer cocktails. (via Sidewalk Shoes)
Sparkling Watermelon Lychee Cocktail
Watermelon and mint get a spiked makeover in this cocktail. The lychee adds a sweetness so good, you won't need any extra sugar. (viaSalty Canary)
Healthy Scratch Margaritas
Stop giving in to the allure of sweet and sour mix, and follow a few simple tips to make a light and refreshing margarita from scratch. You'll want some strong fists or a citrus juicer for this one. It's just ever-so-lightly sweetened with date syrup, too. (via Sunkissed Kitchen)
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This article has been updated from a previous post.
Lead image via A Beautiful Mess.
