I really love summer cocktails, but traditional margaritas, daiquiris, mudslides, and mojitos easily pack over 500 calories, largely from sugar! Make the most of your summer drinking with a refreshing low-calorie concoction like this one. The St. Germain liqueur adds just enough sweetness and floral flavor that you don’t have to rely on any added sugars. Mojitos have always been my favorite cocktail because the mint and lime are such a light and refreshing flavor combo. The addition of cucumber seltzer and elderflower liqueur add another layer of complexity!
Low Calorie Cucumber & Elderflower Mojito
A refreshing, light cocktail for summer boozing.
Ingredients
5 fresh mint leaves
1/2 lime, quartered
1.5 oz white rum
0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germain
1/2 cup ice
6 oz cucumber Spendrift seltzer
Optional: Sweetener of choice (Stevia, Splenda, raw sugar, etc.)
Directions
Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice. Add 2 more lime wedges and the elderflower liqueur, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with cucumber seltzer water. Stir, taste, and add a bit of sweetener if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.
PSA: Seltzer water is a low calorie mixer, therefore the alcohol in this cocktail will hit you faster than when you use a sugary mixer! Keep this in mind and be cautious. A small (16 participant) study in 2013 suggested that blood alcohol concentration is raised more from sugar-free cocktails, but drinkers do not notice this effect.
I personally appreciate the fast, happy buzz that comes from a low-cal mojito! You can, too, but be sure not to drink and drive. Have an awesome Memorial Day Weekend!!
Oh yeah! Also be sure to check out the VIDEO version of this recipe. Whaaaaat??!
Karolina's Kitchen 