Cocktails That Aren't Sugar Bombs

August 27, 2019
It’s not news that boozy cocktails can contain a lot of sugar, whether naturally occurring in fruit juice or added in simple syrup or other flavored liqueurs. If you’re drinking more than one or two, your sugar intake can easily skyrocket (not to mention your hangover will worsen). These fun cocktails are at most 8 grams of added sugar per serving, allowing you to indulge without consuming a week’s worth of added sugar. Remember: always enjoy in moderation.
Start Slideshow

1 of 21

Pomegranate Margaritas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Who says margaritas are just for summer? This pomegranate twist on a cocktail favorite is good all year long--elegant enough for the holidays and fun enough for an outdoor barbecue.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Elderflower Champagne Cocktail

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Elderflower adds sweet and fruity notes that mingle seamlessly with mint in this refreshing Champagne cocktail.

3 of 21

Rosemary-Ginger French 75

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Rosemary and ginger add a flavorful twist to a classic citrusy gin cocktail topped with a little bubbly for a festive libation.

Advertisement

4 of 21

Tangerine Bourbon Sidecars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A fresh twist on a classic cocktail, this quick drink recipe uses sweet tangerine juice to balance the tang of bourbon.

5 of 21

First Crush

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy cocktail recipe is named for how verjus--a nonalcoholic grape juice that is slightly tart--is made from the first pressing of the annual grape harvest. Look for verjus in wine shops and specialty markets. For this cocktail, use white verjus; red verjus is also available.

6 of 21

Jalapeño-Watermelon Margaritas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When the fruit is ripe and you need a little kick in your glass, it's time for this spicy watermelon margarita recipe. Dip the glass rims in chili powder–spiked coarse salt for an extra layer of spice.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Mimosas with Juice Ice Cubes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Take your mimosas to the next level with this fun hack! Make freeze juice in ice cube trays for a pretty and frosty way to add a splash of juice to your Champagne while keeping it cold.

8 of 21

'Ti Punch

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Traditionally a 'ti punch (as in petit, pronounced “tee”) is served deconstructed so everyone can make their drink as they like. This easy cocktail recipe makes a not-too-strong version. Alter it as you wish.

9 of 21

Cucumber & Melon White Sangria

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this refreshing white sangria recipe, we've skipped the added sugar and used fruity white wine, zesty liquor and tons of fresh fruit and basil to create a delicious, yet healthy cocktail.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Pear-Rum Punch

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pureed ripe pears naturally sweeten the fruity base for this healthy rum punch recipe. For garnish, cut very thin, whole slices from small pears and lay them on top.

11 of 21

Snow Banks Sparkling-Wine Cocktail

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this simple sparkling-wine cocktail, lemon juice and simple syrup make a tart-and-sweet bubbly drink.

12 of 21

Cran Razzy

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

To keep calories in check, we like to use seltzer along with juice in drinks like vodka and cranberry. This version gets a raspberry twist with cranberry-raspberry juice and raspberries for garnish. For the prettiest garnish, start with big, plump fresh raspberries and freeze them yourself.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Tomato-Jalapeño Bloody Mary

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make this garden-fresh Bloody Mary when summer tomatoes and peppers are at their peak.

14 of 21

Grapefruit Margaritas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fresh grapefruit juice adds a zesty punch and lovely pink color to this refreshing skinny margarita. For the perfect finish, upgrade the salt rim on your glass by mixing in a little grapefruit zest to add to both the presentation and flavor.

15 of 21

Champagne Float

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

An adult spin on an ice cream float--what could be better? Sorbet adds a festive touch and pop of flavor to your celebratory glass of Champagne.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Watermelon Gin Fizz

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This pretty pink cocktail would be perfect for a bridal shower luncheon. Any leftover pureed juice is refreshing on its own.

17 of 21

Plum & Cider Sangria

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this apple cider sangria recipe, we've skipped the added sugar and used hard apple cider, apple liqueur and tons of fresh fruit to create a delicious, yet healthy cocktail.

18 of 21

Frozen Mango Margaritas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Frozen mango chunks aren't just for smoothies anymore. Whir them up in your blender with all the other classic margarita ingredients to make a skinny frozen cocktail at home that's just as good as (if not better than, and definitely healthier than!) restaurant versions.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Jack & Sally Sparkling-Wine Cocktail

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this refreshing sparkling-wine cocktail, Aperol--a bright red, mildly bitter Italian aperitif--is mixed with simple syrup and fresh lemon juice. If you can't find Aperol, Campari is an ideal substitute.

20 of 21

Salty Chihuahua

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is a Mexican-inspired take on the Salty Dog

(usually made with grapefruit juice, vodka and salt).

21 of 21

Campari, Grapefruit & Pomegranate Cocktail

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Balance herbaceous Campari with the sweet-tart flavors of pomegranate and grapefruit. This dusty pink drink looks festive in a stemmed wineglass with a twist of orange zest. For a slightly sweeter drink, use orange juice instead of grapefruit. To make a nonalcoholic version, omit the Campari and add an extra 1/3 cup of each juice.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next