Cocktails are delicious, fun, and a great way to unwind after work. However, they’re not known for being particularly diet friendly. Down a couple of margaritas or cosmos, and before you know it, it’s like you drank an entire meal. Except that instead of nutrients and stuff that’s good for you, you consumed mostly just sugar and booze.
In case you might be feeling a little calorie-conscious (but do not, under any circumstances, intend to skip happy hour), here are seven skinny options from places all over town.
- Pepper Smash
If you can get over the infuriating and inappropriate use of the letter z, check out the “Skinnyz” section of the menu and try the Spa Day cocktail: Absolut citron, cucumber, strawberry, super-fresh fruit, and stevia. - Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
This spot makes a damn good mojito. The Bacardi Skinny Mojito (made with Bacardi rum, simple syrup, pungent mint, lime, and club soda) is almost as tasty. - Henderson Tap House
This bar shakes up a fine drink called the Skinny Senorita (Deep Eddy vodka, lime juice, and Splenda) and serves it on the rocks. - Yard House
This sporty chain is surprisingly calorie-count conscious: It has an entire sub-menu called Fresh & Skinny, with seven beautiful cocktails ranging between 140-200 calories. Options include two martinis (Lite Lemon Drop and the pretty Pure Cosmo) and a gin, strawberry, and cucumber concoction called Juniper Fusion. - Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar
Counting cals? The menu has four waistline-friendly libations, including the 120-calorie and very sexy-sounding Plaid Skirt (New Amsterdam red berry, raspberries, and lime) and the 100-calorie Skinny Basil Lemonade (Veev Acai Berry Liqueur, Agave Nectar Basil, lemon). - Green Papaya
Try the Skinny Pina Colada (coconut vodka, soda water, lime). If you order before 7 p.m., it’s only $5. So yeah, go ahead and get one for each hand (I would’ve linked the Garth Brooks song here, but good luck finding an actual Garth Brooks song on YouTube). - Seasons 52
I like this spot for its vegan menu, but I also appreciate its pretty Strawberry-Coconut Skinny Martini. It’s a vodka, pineapple-coconut water, and agave nectar creation that sounds almost healthy (okay, maybe that’s too far).
But seriously, a savvy drinker can save on calories just about anywhere. Here’s how: First off, remember that champagne is pretty low calorie, so champagne-based cocktails are generally a good bet. Next, order vodka with a little water (or soda water) and a lime. It’s simple, no-nonsense, and low-calorie. Also, keep an eye out: Lots of Mexican/Tex-Mex places sell a skinny margarita of some sort. Most importantly, however, bartenders are (mostly) very nice. Ask them for recommendations. They’ll work with you.
