Warm weather is already upon us here in NC! It’s put is in the mood for some cocktails and mocktails. These versions are a little lighter than the originals, and some make great mocktails. Don’t forget alcohol is one of the 4 macronutrients! It has 7 calories per gram. That doesn’t mean you can indulge in a nice cocktail every so often, just be mindful! If you’re triggered by alcohol, this probably isn’t the post for you, but we have provided non-alcoholic options! Please enjoy these recipes and drink responsibly!
Shout out to my husband Lane for all his help with these recipes!
How to make a lower calorie “simple syrup” we used for these cocktails :
- Combine 1:1 measurements of splenda and water and shake to mix well. This might dissolve better if the water is a warm.
- Store this in a mason jar in the fridge and use when needed
Fruit-jito
Fruity with a little bit of fizz, delicious! This one also makes a great mocktail.
Recipe
- In the bottom of a pint glass, muddle 3-4 mint leaves, 3-5 blueberries, 1-2 strawberries
- In shaker, combine:
1.5 oz white rum
1.5 oz fresh lime juice
.75 oz simple syrup
- Shake to combine
- Put ice over muddled fruit, strain shaker over ice.
- Top with club soda/fruit seltzer – we used Good & Gather unsweetened Watermelon Sparkling Water
Faux St. Clement Martini
Citrus and botanicals make a yummy pair in this one. Garnish with a slice of lime if you’re fancy.
Recipe
1.5 oz Botanical Gin
1.5 oz Orange Juice
0.75 oz Lime juice
0.75 oz Simple Syrup
2 dashes Orange Bitters
- Shake to combine, strain over ice in a rocks glass
Daiquiri
Very simple. Super refreshing, great for a humid summer’s day.
Recipe
2 oz Rum
2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1.5 oz Simple Syrup
- Shake and strain over ice
Old Fashioned
Sometimes the classics are the best. Use our lighter simple syrup recipe (above) to out a lighter twist on this old favorite.
Recipe
2 oz Rye or Bourbon
1.5 oz Simple Syrup
2 dashes aromatic bitters
2 dashes chocolate bitters
- Express an orange peel around the rim and garnish with the peel and a cherry
Mock Fruit Gimlet
My favorite mocktail. Fruity, fizzy and refreshing. Just what you need after some yard work on a hot day.
Recipe
3-4 mint leaves
3-4 Blueberries
2-3 Strawberries
2 oz lime juice
2 oz simple syrup
- Muddle mint and fruit.
- Pour in lime juice and simple syrup.
- Shake to combine and strain over ice.
- Top with club soda and garnish with mint (mine is from our own garden)
I hope you guys enjoy these recipes! Pin them for later and let me know in the comments below which one you’re most excited to try!
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