10 Tips for Healthier Summer Cocktails

Enjoy libations without the guilt.

Cocktail Mixers - Not everyone is a wine drinker, so the next best step is to provide the chasers and mixers for Thanksgiving cocktails or for those who stay away from alcohol altogether.  (Photo: Annabelle Breakey/Getty Images)

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You’ve Been Drankin’ - Summer is all about going to the beach, hanging with friends and enjoying a fresh cocktail here and there. But if you are trying to watch calories and lose weight, happy hour can be your worst enemy. Here's how to enjoy your libations without the guilt. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: Annabelle Breakey/Getty Images)

Hydrate, Hydrate - It’s important to make sure you drink a lot of H20 on your period. It sounds odd, but water keeps your body from retaining water and helps to avoid painful bloating during menstruation. Warm or hot water or tea is better for cramps as hot liquids increase blood flow and relax muscles. (Photo: Brian Hagiwara/Getty Images)

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Drink Water After Every Cocktail - Alcohol is very dehydrating, so a cool glass in between drinks will help you pace yourself so you don’t overindulge. Remember, some cocktails have as many calories as a full meal, so filling up on water is an easy way to keep your consumption in check. (Photo: Brian Hagiwara/Getty Images)

Avoid Pre-Made and Frozen Margaritas - These margarita mixes can be loaded with sugar and calories — a whopping 700 per serving! If you want this tequila drink, ask for it to be made with fresh lime juice, a touch of triple sec and a splash of OJ. (Photo: Jamie Grill/Tetra Images/Corbis)

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Avoid Pre-Made and Frozen Margaritas - These margarita mixes can be loaded with sugar and calories — a whopping 700 per serving! If you want this tequila drink, ask for it to be made with fresh lime juice, a touch of triple sec and a splash of OJ. (Photo: Jamie Grill/Tetra Images/Corbis)

Try a Cosmo - Carrie Bradshaw’s drink of choice isn’t just flirty and pink. This vodka, lime and cranberry juice concoction has only 80-100 calories per martini glass. Now, that’s fabulous. (Photo: Tom Grill/Corbis)

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Try a Cosmo - Carrie Bradshaw’s drink of choice isn’t just flirty and pink. This vodka, lime and cranberry juice concoction has only 80-100 calories per martini glass. Now, that’s fabulous. (Photo: Tom Grill/Corbis)

Avoid a Long Island Iced Tea - This mix of liquor — gin, tequila, rum and vodka — is packed with sugar from the added triple sec and soda. One serving can rack up as many as 700 calories — that’s more than a Big Mac. (Photo: Mireya Acierto/Getty Images for Pure Leaf Iced Tea)

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Avoid a Long Island Iced Tea - This mix of liquor — gin, tequila, rum and vodka — is packed with sugar from the added triple sec and soda. One serving can rack up as many as 700 calories — that’s more than a Big Mac. (Photo: Mireya Acierto/Getty Images for Pure Leaf Iced Tea)

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Try a Glass of Wine - Did you know that a 5 oz. glass of wine has only 110-130 calories? Slash even more calories by asking for a wine spritzer — which is wine (red or white) with sparkling water and ice. (Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery)

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Try a Glass of Wine - Did you know that a 5 oz. glass of wine has only 110-130 calories? Slash even more calories by asking for a wine spritzer — which is wine (red or white) with sparkling water and ice. (Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery)

Photo By Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

Avoid Piña Coladas - Yes, these tropical drinks taste amazing, but cream-based cocktails like these are going to be high in fat and calories — almost 600 calories per serving. If you like rum, opt for a rum and diet coke (65-80 calories). (Photo: Bochkarev, Eugene/the food passionates/Corbis)

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Avoid Piña Coladas - Yes, these tropical drinks taste amazing, but cream-based cocktails like these are going to be high in fat and calories — almost 600 calories per serving. If you like rum, opt for a rum and diet coke (65-80 calories). (Photo: Bochkarev, Eugene/the food passionates/Corbis)

Try a Vodka and Soda - Not only is it refreshing on a hot day, but this clear cocktail is also low in calories. Vodka has 96 calories per 1.5 oz. serving and soda water has no calories at all. (Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for HELPS Teas)

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Try a Vodka and Soda - Not only is it refreshing on a hot day, but this clear cocktail is also low in calories. Vodka has 96 calories per 1.5 oz. serving and soda water has no calories at all. (Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for HELPS Teas)

Avoid White Russians - Just a small 5 oz. White Russian can clock in at 425 calories. Why? Because heavy cream, which is rich and fatty, is the base of this drink. (Photo: Annabelle Breakey/Getty Images)

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Avoid White Russians - Just a small 5 oz. White Russian can clock in at 425 calories. Why? Because heavy cream, which is rich and fatty, is the base of this drink. (Photo: Annabelle Breakey/Getty Images)

Try a Bloody Mary - Next time you brunch, try this tomato juice-based drink. A blend of celery, tomato juice, vodka, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce, this drink is low in calories and tastes absolutely amazing, especially if you are into spicy drinks. (Photo: Jason Bahr/Getty Images for The St. Regis Aspen Resort)

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Try a Bloody Mary - Next time you brunch, try this tomato juice-based drink. A blend of celery, tomato juice, vodka, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce, this drink is low in calories and tastes absolutely amazing, especially if you are into spicy drinks. (Photo: Jason Bahr/Getty Images for The St. Regis Aspen Resort)

Try a Light Beer - Like beer, but not the calories? Opt for a lighter version, which can come in as low as 100 calories per serving. From Corona Light to Bud Light to Pabst Blue Ribbon Light, there is something for you. (Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Try a Light Beer - Like beer, but not the calories? Opt for a lighter version, which can come in as low as 100 calories per serving. From Corona Light to Bud Light to Pabst Blue Ribbon Light, there is something for you. (Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)