If you’re trying to watch your calories, you definitely need to pay attention to what you’re drinking. I used to enjoy a cocktail every night (sometimes two), but I realized that it really does hinder weight loss. So, I’ve added these beverages to my diet and I really don’t miss my old, calorie filled drinks. Try out these recipes, you will definitely love them!

Not convinced that low calorie beverages make a difference? Here are some great tips:

1. Either get rid of all soda in your diet or switch to diet soda, with artificial sweeteners and zero calories.
2. Drink one soda a day? That’s approximately 150 extra calories a day.
3. 150 calories a day equals out to 1,050 a week.
4. That’s about 4,000 calories a month (about one pound of body fat!)
5. Cut out all sugared, calorie filled drinks and watch the pounds start to melt off.
6. Serve your drinks in fun glasses; I use margarita glasses a lot. (Just don’t sugar the rims!)

Now, what to drink instead? Onto some  favorite low calorie drink recipes!

Low Calorie Cocktail  – Miss Cosmo – 65 Calories

This drink is a faux low calorie Cosmopolitan, which is also very similar to a Cape Cod/Cape Codder cocktail. These are my favorite drinks. To save calories, I forgo the vodka at home and enjoy the tart, crisp taste of cranberries, the zesty lime and savor the bubbly seltzer water.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz of no-sugar added cranberry juice
• 8 oz of seltzer water (I love raspberry!)
• 1 lime slice

Directions:

1. Serve cranberry juice and seltzer water over ice.
2. Squeeze your lime slice into your drink.
3. Place in the drink or on the rim for a great, flavorful garnish.
4. Enjoy!

Calories : 12 oz of this flavorful low calorie beverage is only around 65 calories!

Low Calorie Energy Drink – Lemon Lime Energy – 25 Calories

This drink is another favorite of mine. Friends love this recipe. It’s really easy and it’s also very good for you. I love lemon lime drinks, and this drink is a great substitute for those who love Sprite, but hate Diet Sprite!  Enjoy the added benefits of Vitamin C and get a great energy boost to start your day off right.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet of Emergen-C (Lemon-Lime flavor)
• 12 oz of lemon seltzer water
• 1 lime slice
• 1 tsp of Splenda or Stevia (to taste)

Directions:

1. Pour your seltzer water into a glass.
2. Pour the entire contents of one packet of Emergen-C Lemon Lime in.
3. Squeeze your lime slice into your drink.
4. Place in the drink or on the rim for a great, flavorful garnish.
5. If you’d like it a little sweeter, add some Splenda, to taste.
6. Enjoy!

Calories : 12 oz of this flavorful low calorie beverage is only around 25 calories!

Low Calorie Drink – Strawberry Lemonade – 25 Calories

This is the best summer drinker, ever. Period. My favorite. Strawberry lemonade! Make it by the pitcher or by the glass, either way – your friends and family will thank you.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz your favorite sugar-free lemonade
• 1/2 cup of washed, sliced fresh strawberries
• Mint sprig (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. In a blender, puree your lemonade and strawberries.
2. Pour into your glass over ice.
3. Garnish with a mint sprig. (Optional)
4. Enjoy!

Variation:

Don’t have a blender? Simply mash your strawberries in a plate with a fork. Pour the pulp and juice into your glass of sugar-free lemonade and stir.

Calories : 12 oz of this low calorie strawberry lemonade is only around 25 calories!

More Low Calorie Ideas: