About a month after I graduated college, my pants started to fit a little looser. I told myself that it was likely because I was incorporating more strength training into my routine… you know, gaining lean muscle. Ha. Now that I’m being honest with myself, it’s because I wasn’t at “Wednesday You Call Its,” The Pennant for pretty much anything on Thursdays… and I’m drawing a blank on Friday nights. Those cranberry vodkas, Micheloba Ultras (they’re only Ultra when you have one or two…), and jug wine evenings (not by myself….) didn’t help those jeans fit any looser…..

It’s been eleven years since my lifestyle looked even remotely similar to that (thank GOD), but, don’t get me wrong, I love a good cocktail now and again on the weekends. Now, I enjoy sipping my drink slowly, and savoring the conversation while doing so. That being said, I’ve come to perfect the way I take many of my cocktails, preferring them to be lower on the sugar scale and high in taste. I also prefer them to be a little on the lighter side (I really don’t need cocktails to be the reason for my pants fitting any tighter these days….)…..

All that being said, I’ve come up with a few tricks for imbibing without the bulge, and created a cocktail around these tips as well…. it’s pretty much my new favorite…. perfect after a day spent at the pool!

1. Clear Liquor: Pretty simple, stick with clear liquors, they have a lower calorie count. There are plenty to choose from, and you most definitely won’t be short changed in this arena…. vodka, tequila, gin…. just to name a few.

2. Low Cal Mixers: I hesitate to put “low cal” in there, because that isn’t a green light to use that artificial sweetener stuff. No, no…. My two favorite mixers are Zevia sodas + La Croix sparkling waters. Both are free from artificial sweeteners, but zero calories. Both of these were stocked at my sister’s Bachelorette party.

3. Use Fruit: One of the best ways to add a ton of flavor, without processed sugar and calories, is by using real fruit juice. As in, I stuck my grapefruit in a lemon juicer and collected the juice myself. It’s also amazing what these natural flavors will do!….muddling berries is also a great option.

4. On The Rocks Please: On the rocks is always a nice, light, and refreshing option…. and by on the rocks I mean my favorite blanco tequila with the juice of three limes and salt around the rim. Crisp, clean, refreshing, and light.

5. Water: Always good to have on hand, and always good to sip in between beverages. At least that’s my rule…..

Lighter Paloma 

1.5 oz tequila blanco
1/2 oz of agave nectar
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
La Croix Lemon Sparkling Water or Zevia Lemon Lime Soda
Salt

Combine the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker… and, well, shake. Using the leftover grapefruit, rub it around the rim of your cocktail glass and then dip the rim in sea salt. Fill the glass with ice, pour in cocktail mixture, then top off with your preferred sparkling beverage (La Croix or Zevia). Garnish with something pretty…. just for fun! Sip and enjoy!
__________

(Post Details || Cover-up | Hat | Bathing Suit | Gold Rimmed Glass | Cocktail Shaker)