When the sun’s blazing and you’re craving something refreshing, it’s easy to reach for sugar-laden iced coffees, cocktails, or fizzy drinks. But if you’re watching your calories — or just want to avoid the afternoon crash — there are plenty of low-calorie summer drinks that tick all the right boxes: cool, satisfying, and guilt-free.
Here are some of the best alcohol free low-calorie beverages to sip all summer long:
1. Iced Green Tea with Lemon
Packed with antioxidants and virtually calorie-free (if you skip the sugar), iced green tea is the ultimate summer refresher. Add a few slices of lemon or a sprig of mint for extra flavour without the calories.
2. Sparkling Water with Fruit Infusions
Craving fizz without the calories? Add slices of cucumber, berries, citrus or even herbs like basil or rosemary to sparkling water. It feels like a mocktail, minus the sugar crash.
3. Coconut Water (Unsweetened)
Naturally hydrating with electrolytes, coconut water is a great alternative to sugary sports drinks. Stick to the unsweetened versions to keep it under 50 calories a glass.
4. Cold Brew Coffee (with a Dash of Milk or Plant Milk)
Cold brew has a smoother, less acidic flavour than iced coffee. Keep it low-cal by adding just a splash of milk or plant-based alternative — and skip the syrups!
5. Homemade Lemonade (with Stevia or Erythritol)
You can still enjoy classic lemonade by swapping out sugar for a natural low-calorie sweetener. Use fresh lemon juice, cold water, ice, and your sweetener of choice — a glass can come in under 15 calories.
6. Kombucha (Low-Sugar Varieties)
This fizzy fermented tea can support gut health and offer a bit of a flavour kick. Look for brands with under 5g of sugar per serving to keep calories in check (most sit around 30–40 per bottle).
7. Iced Herbal Tea (Hibiscus, Peppermint, Chamomile)
Refreshing and completely calorie-free, herbal teas can be brewed ahead and chilled in the fridge. Hibiscus, in particular, has a tart, fruity flavour that feels super summery.
8. Flavoured Electrolyte Waters
Brands like Vitamin Water Zero or Ultima offer fruity hydration with zero sugar. Great for post-workout or hot days when you need a boost.
9. “Skinny” Mocktails
Swap sugar syrups for muddled fruit and herbs, and use sparkling water as your base. Try lime and mint for a mojito-inspired drink, or watermelon and basil for something different — all for under 30 calories a glass.
🍸 Want to Add a Splash of Alcohol? Fear Not…
Trying to keep calories down doesn’t mean you have to skip the fun altogether. If you’re after a summer tipple that won’t totally derail your efforts, these spirits are your best bet — just mix with low-calorie options like soda water, light tonic, or fresh citrus juice.
Here are the best spirits to choose, calorie-wise (per 25ml shot):
- Vodka – 52 calories
- Gin – 55 calories
- Tequila – 55 calories
- Rum (white or light) – 60 calories
- Whiskey – 60–65 calories
Skip sugary mixers and instead pair your spirit with soda water, a squeeze of lime, or even one of those fruit-infused sparkling waters for a fresh, summer-ready drink that won’t break the calorie bank.
💡 Top tip: If you’re ordering out, ask for “skinny” versions of cocktails — many bars now offer low-cal or sugar-free options.
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