10 Tips for Healthier Summer Cocktails

Enjoy libations without the guilt.

woman with a drink

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woman with a drink

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Drink Water After Every Cocktail

Avoid Pre-Made and Frozen Margaritas - These margarita mixes can be loaded with sugar and calories — a whopping 700 per serving! If you want this tequila drink, ask for it to be made with fresh lime juice, a touch of triple sec and a splash of OJ. (Photo: Jamie Grill/Tetra Images/Corbis)

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Avoid Pre-Made and Frozen Margaritas

Try a Cosmo - Carrie Bradshaw’s drink of choice isn’t just flirty and pink. This vodka, lime and cranberry juice concoction has only 80-100 calories per martini glass. Now, that’s fabulous. (Photo: Tom Grill/Corbis)

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Try a Cosmo

Avoid a Long Island Iced Tea - This mix of liquor — gin, tequila, rum and vodka — is packed with sugar from the added triple sec and soda. One serving can rack up as many as 700 calories — that’s more than a Big Mac. (Photo: Mireya Acierto/Getty Images for Pure Leaf Iced Tea)

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Avoid a Long Island Iced Tea

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Try a Glass of Wine - Did you know that a 5 oz. glass of wine has only 110-130 calories? Slash even more calories by asking for a wine spritzer — which is wine (red or white) with sparkling water and ice. (Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery)

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Try a Glass of Wine

Photo By Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

Avoid Piña Coladas - Yes, these tropical drinks taste amazing, but cream-based cocktails like these are going to be high in fat and calories — almost 600 calories per serving. If you like rum, opt for a rum and diet coke (65-80 calories). (Photo: Bochkarev, Eugene/the food passionates/Corbis)

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Avoid Piña Coladas

Try a Vodka and Soda - Not only is it refreshing on a hot day, but this clear cocktail is also low in calories. Vodka has 96 calories per 1.5 oz. serving and soda water has no calories at all. (Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for HELPS Teas)

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Try a Vodka and Soda

Avoid White Russians - Just a small 5 oz. White Russian can clock in at 425 calories. Why? Because heavy cream, which is rich and fatty, is the base of this drink. (Photo: Annabelle Breakey/Getty Images)

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Avoid White Russians

Try a Bloody Mary - Next time you brunch, try this tomato juice-based drink. A blend of celery, tomato juice, vodka, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce, this drink is low in calories and tastes absolutely amazing, especially if you are into spicy drinks. (Photo: Jason Bahr/Getty Images for The St. Regis Aspen Resort)

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Try a Bloody Mary

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Try a Light Beer