Summer social life is upon us and that means weddings, barbecues, beach days, and so many other events that usually include casual cocktails. And while we love cutting loose occasionally, what we don’t love is the next-morning sluggish feeling that prevents us from performing the way we want in our workouts. With that in mind, we set out to find the best healthy-ish cocktails and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) that promote balance, without sacrificing taste.
VODKA-SODA UPGRADE
Say hello to your plus one to any summer event: Sapsucker The Lime Vodka One. As the world's first organic, plant-based sparkling tree water, this better-for-you RTD offers subtle bubble along with 46 naturally occurring minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Sustainably sourced and at 110 calories and four percent ABV, this is a summer refresher you can feel good about.
While the alcoholic version is exclusive to LCBO, the non-alcoholic version of Sapsucker is available for direct shipping across North America with flavor that will not disappoint.
Sipsapsucker.com; $18.99/eight-pack
CLEAN KOMBUCHA
The buzz is real: Jiant Hard Kombucha tastes as good as it is for you. Coming in four different flavors—Gingerly, Guavaente, Hicamaya, and the Original—there’s no shortcuts or compromises when it comes to this pair-with-anything drink. Using the cleanest and most responsibly sourced ingredients, this low-sugar beverage is just 120 calories.
Jiantkombucha.com; $11.99/four-pack
PASS THE WINE
Sip on notes of golden apple, ripe pear, and a hint of tropical fruits such as guava and passionfruit with the Lifevine 2020 California Chardonnay. It’s hard to imagine making it to your workout with the typical vino-induced morning-after headache—but Lifevine wine is anything but typical. At zero sugar per serving, the 14.3 percent ABV wine leaves nothing behind but good taste.
Lifevinewines.com; $18/bottle
THE SWITCH-UP
Light and refreshing, we’re reaching for a VIDE Grapefruit Tequila Soda. The combination of tequila blanco, lightly carbonated water, and hint of natural grapefruit flavor makes this RTD a great choice for any occasion. With zero sugar and carbs, and only 99 calories, you can feel good before (and after!) sipping on this 5 percent ABV cocktail.
And when you choose any VIDE cocktail, you’re doing a solid for the environment too. Partnered with Climate Neutral, a non-profit organization that works towards carbon neutrality, VIDE measures and offsets their carbon footprint with each RTD can they produce.
drinkvide.com; $10.99/four-pack
IT’S TEA-RRIFIC
While we’re spilling the tea about Loverboy Hard Iced Tea, don’t you dare try knocking over our glass. The perfect blend of organic brewed tea, botanicals, juices, and monkfruit, Loverboy’s RTDs come in three mouthwatering flavors: White Peach Tea, Lemon Iced Tea, and our fave, Hibiscus Pom. With zero sugar and at 90 calories, we’re enjoying every ounce of better-for-you drinking with Loverboy this summer.
drinkloverboy.com; $13.99/six-pack
BRUNCH MADE SIMPLE
Specifically created for people who want to feel good about what they’re drinking, the Miami Cocktail Mimosa Spritz delivers all the taste at 110 calories, with no sugar added. By combining organic rosé and a splash of freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice, Miami Cocktail has created the perfect no-fuss Sunday cocktail at 4.2 percent ABV.
Plus, you can choose from four other low-cal twists on the classic cocktail: the Mango Peach Rosé Bellini Spritz, the Grapefruit & Hibiscus Paloma Spritz, the Elderflower & Ginger Margarita Spritz, and the Sunrise Rosé Sangria Spritz.
Miamicocktail.com; $12.99/four-pack
Like anything, alcohol consumption should always be done in moderation—especially if you’re committed to living a healthy lifestyle. If you enjoy a good cocktail as much as you do a sweaty workout, click here for 4 Rules for Fit Women Who Like to Drink.
