Over 25 Lightened Up Summer Cocktails

When the temperatures rise, there’s nothing better than cooling off with a refreshing drink—but that doesn’t mean you have to reach for sugary, calorie-loaded cocktails. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, lounging by the pool, or just enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, these healthy summer cocktails are the perfect way to stay cool and energized.

These long hot days of summer make me thirsty.  You know how I love my water and even my naturally flavored water, but there is something about a warm summer night that makes me crave a cocktail.  Not one that is loaded with sugar and tons of calories, but one that is lightly sweet and equally refreshing.

And let's be honest, there are some days that I spend all day with my children and I JUST NEED A COCKTAIL.  Keeping it real here, folks.   

Ah...the sweet sips of moderation.

That's what it's all about.  I don't want to be that person who can't have a cocktail or a cookie and enjoy myself.  I want to make healthier choices and STILL have fun.  Life is way too short to be that strict with my diet.  One cocktail can have up to 400 calories (sometimes more) and why waste calories on that?  Now we can all enjoy our cocktails guilt-free all summer long.  (All in moderation of course)

It's 5:00 somewhere...let's kick it with some cocktails!

Berry Wine Spritzer from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Lightened Up Pink Starburst Cocktail from Happy Food Healthy Life

Lemon Thyme Bourbon Cocktails from The Roasted Root

Sugar Free Mojito Wine Spritzer from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Skinny Paloma from Eating Bird Food

Blueberry Lavender Mojito from Amee's Savory Dish

Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail from The Adventure Bite

Lightened Up Moscow Mule from Lifestyle by Joules

Healthy Green Tea Mint Sangria from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Low Carb Margaritas from All Day I Dream About Food

Strawberry Ginger Kombucha Cocktail from Heart of a Baker

Summer Peach Sangria from Namely Marly

Creamy Vanilla Coconut Mojito from Cotter Crunch

Homemade Bloody Mary from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Lightened Up Sparkling Sangria from Heather's French Press

Skinny Strawberry Lime Spritzer from Peas and Crayons

Cranberry Mojito from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Raspberry Lemonade Sangria from Food Done Light

Blackberry Cucumber Skinny Mojito from Eating Bird Food

Blackberry Bramble from The Whole Smiths

Cucumber Mojitos from Back to Her Roots

Stardust Dazzler from Rachel Cooks

Clementine Lime Mimosas from Avocado Pesto

Mango Margaritas from The Lemon Bowl

Lemon Raspberry Mojito with Muddled Blueberries from Food Faith Fitness

Peach Sangria from Nosh and Nourish

Celery Cucumber Gimlet White Sangria from Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Don't get me wrong, I still love my ice cold white wine (preferably Sauvignon Blanc) in the summer too.  Don't yell at me, but I like to put ice cubes in my already freezing cold wine to water it down a bit. And even though I love my wine, sometimes  you just need a fun drink.

Tell me, which cocktail will you make first?  I think I may start with those Cucumber Mojitos.  There is nothing better than cucumber and mint together, and in a cocktail too!

Thanks for stopping by! CHEERS!