Cheers! Summer in New York City is here, and you can finally cash in on the long, cold months of prepping your beach bod.
But before you go reaching for another strawberry daiquiri at that poolside tiki bar, keep in mind that the average mixed cocktail clocks in at about 300 calories or more, depending on the ingredients. Sugary syrups and processed flavorings only stack on top of the already calorie-rich spirits.
But you can still drink!
Summer is a time to celebrate life and live days to the fullest, to indulge in things that the colder weather doesn’t always allow for, especially in NYC.
And rather than sacrificing your waistline in the name of fun, or enacting your own personal summer prohibition, here are 5 guilt-free cocktails perfect for summer that will keep you fitting into that swimsuit you’ve been hiding in your closet since the fall.
Make the most of these precious summer days the way they should be: in the sun and having fun. Oh, and don’t forget your drink.
1. Sparkling Sangria
Some of the easiest light libations are a snap to make yourself, such as a sparkling sangria, made with only three ingredients.
Take a bottle of your preferred sparkling wine (not the expensive stuff!), and combine it in a large pitcher with a few splashes of 100% pineapple or peach juice before topping the rest off with club soda to give it a fun fizz.
Not only is it a satisfying drink you’ll definitely want refills of, it’s a great for summer entertaining too.
Of course, if you did want to try a master mixologist’s take on the sparkling concoction, pop down to Barraca on the corner of Greenwich and Bank Streets, where they have their own Sangria Lab. Their amazing sparkling peach sangria is but one in your flight of choices.
2. Mojito
A summertime cocktail classic, the mojito has been changed and twisted so much that at times it’s only recognizable by its mounds of muddled mint.
But when you go back to the original recipe hailing from Havana, Cuba, you find that simplicity is what makes it undying. Consisting of white rum, mint, club soda, lime and sugar cane, a mojito done correctly comes in at under 150 calories.
Just to be safe, tell your bartender to be gentle with the sugar.
And if you’re looking to find a flavorful yet low-cal tweak for your Cuban pick-me-up, hunker down in Astoria’s dim and intimate Sparrow Tavern on 29th Street and 24th Avenue, and ask them for their Blueberry Lavender Mojito. Neither you, nor your waistline will regret it.
3. Cosmopolitan
Carrie Bradshaw worshippers rejoice! The Cosmopolitan makes it onto the list of slimming summer sipping.
First debuting in the 1930’s, way before the girls made it to the Big Apple, the Cosmo is made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and freshly squeezed lime juice, a refreshing “whenever” cocktail that stays on its game even in the heat.
If you really want to channel your inner Samantha or Charlotte, take to the heights of the Press Lounge on West 48th and 11th in Hell’s Kitchen, a swanky “no sneakers” rooftop lounge with unparalleled skyline views and even further impressive cocktail creations.
The Calibri, their twist on the classic cosmopolitan, adds in fresh fruit puree with a touch of prosecco. Keeping your legs fierce as you rock those new Jimmy Choos, this delectable drink is only a toe over the 150-calorie mark. Fabulous!
4. Old Fashioned
polkadotbride For our Cocktail Friday today, I'm going for a classic! This old-fashioned whiskey cocktail is an old world tart treat that oozes sophistication and charm. Drunk best with jazz music in the background, in dark corners with a crackling fire. You'll need: Sugar Cube Angostura Bitters 3 oz of Whiskey 1 orange slice 1 lemon slice “Old Fashioned” Glass – think a beautifully cut, short thick glassed tumbler Ice (optional) Method: 1. Place the sugar cube into the glass. Wet the sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters – two or three should be fine. Add a short splash of water or club soda if you prefer. 2. Crush the sugar with a wooden meddler or a strong spoon. Make sure you rotate the glass so the sugar and bitters leaves a tang on the sides of the glass, much like a lovely warm coat. Add the whiskey, orange and lemon slice and stir slightly. Add the ice cube and serve. We want to see your own Cocktail Fridays! Join our Friday afternoon tradition by hashtagging your drink #cocktailfriday and check out polkadotmade.com for plenty more cocktail recipes! x Ms Polka (Photo by Polka Dot Bride)
If you’re looking for something with less bark and a little more bite, the timeless Old Fashioned is your guy.
Developed during the 19th century and finally coined in the 1880’s, this slow-sipper combines the zest of summer citrus with the smooth, warm finish of Bourbon and is usually served up using a sugar cube and an orange slice with a dash of Angostura bitters.
The Hotel Delmano speakeasy in Williamsburg on the corner of North 9th and Berry Streets took the iconic drink and brought it into this century. This craft cocktail bar doesn’t just echo the feel of old New York; it has the libations to match.
Their signature "The Fogerty", sticks to the ageless recipe but uses sage-infused syrup instead of a probably-processed sugar cube for an even smoother palate, making this a cool nightcap for any warm summer night.
5. Frozen Margarita
One of the best-known summer drinks, with one of the worst reputations for being among the most caloric cocktails you can order, is the beloved frozen margarita.
Nothing screams feeling like a kid in summer like a slushy. Add in some tequila and you get a bunch of big kids ready for a party. High fructose corn syrup is usually used to keep them sweet, but if done right, the frozen margarita can be surprisingly low-cal refresher on sweltering summer days.
Use natural limeade made with real juice and add your desired level of tequila, which is one of the least caloric alcohols in existence. Blend up the concoction with a few chunks of ice and you have surefire libation to beat the heat and bag a buzz.
If you’re looking to dine out with some of these frozen potions, sail on out to Ho’ Brah, a surfer-inspired taco joint that uses fresh ingredients like agave nectar and real fruit in their margarita creations.
Though some will have to catch a sizable wave to make it to the Staten Island spot on 412 Forest Ave, the Bay Ridge joint on 3rd Ave between 86th and 87th Streets luckily also serves up their famous frozen margarita flight, which give you four miniature specialty margaritas of the day.
Check out 13 Things You Definitely Gotta Do to Have the Best July Ever in NYC.
Drink Up: [Feature Image Courtesy: Gotham]