The problem with resolutions is that it’s really hard to keep them. If you’ve decided to get in shape, you’ll probably start working out, but eating (and drinking) healthy won’t be easy. It’s laughable to think that you’ll stop all of your vices. You’ll probably cut down on the fatty foods, but cutting out all alcohol is just a silly idea that definitely won’t last more than a few days.
Lucky for you, many bartenders have created low-calorie cocktails that are perfect for the time of year when we all resolve to eat better. Not only do these taste great, but each is 200 calories or less.
Fresh Prince
From bartender Joe Bailin at Saltbox in San Diego
Ingredients:
- 1.25 oz Espolon Reposado Tequila
- 0.75 oz Juniper-Infused Sugar-Free Simple Syrup
- 8-10 Fresh Cranberries
- 3 Generous Sprigs of Fresh Sage
Preparation:
Add juniper-infused sugar-free simple syrup, cranberries and sage to a shaker, and muddle well. Add tequila and ice, and shake vigorously. Fine strain into rocks glass with 2” ice cube. Bruise a sprig of sage to release oils and garnish drink. Top with soda water if desired.
Approximately: 96 calories
Chaturanga Fizz
Bar Chef Laura Belluci at SoBou in New Orleans
Ingredients:
- 1.25 oz Novo Fogo Cachaça
- .25 Lemon Juice
- 3 Slices Cucumber (or .5 oz cucumber juice)
- 1 Bar Spoon Honey Syrup
- Carbonated Jasmine Green Tea (to make, add cold-brewed jasmine tea to a soda charger and carbonate)
- 1 Dash Celery Bitters
Preparation:
Muddle cucumber, honey and lemon. Shake with cachaça and bitters. Pour and strain over ice in a Collins glass. Top with carbonated jasmine tea. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.
Approximately: 150 calories
Nothing Compares
From Head Bartender Shinya Yamao at Piora in New York City
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Green Tea Flavored Vodka
- 0.5 oz Yuzu Juice
- 1/3 oz Mint syrup
- Splash of Club Soda
- Fresh Mint Garnish
Preparation:
Shake all ingredients (including the mint leaves) except for the club soda. Double strain into AP wine glass with ice, and fill to the top with club soda.
Approximately: 200 calories
The Kangaroo
From bartender Dave Willhite at Formento’s in Chicago
Ingredients:
- 2.5 oz. Ketel One Vodka
- .5 oz. Dry Vermouth
Preparation:
Garnish with a lemon twist.
Approximately: 200 calories
The Bristol Old Fashioned
From the Bristol in Chicago
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Buffalo Trace
- .5 oz Splenda Syrup
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
Approximately: 200 calories
Shanghai 75 (a take on a classic French 75)
From Fung Tu in New York City
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Tarragon Simple Syrup
Preparation:
Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake. Strain into a Champagne Flute and top with Prosecco.
Approximately: 134 calories
The Rothko
From Mixologist Evan Charest at Ray’s & Stark Bar in Los Angeles
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Scotch
- .5 oz Mezcal
- 2 oz Carrot Juice
- .5 oz Brown Sugar Syrup
- .5 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 dash Ginger Syrup
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients and shake for no more than 5 seconds. Double strain over a large coupe glass.
Approximately: 200 calories
