Low Calorie Happy Hour Specials

by Chase Rosen

While happy hour may be a great excuse to knock back a drink a few drinks to “relax”- remember that what you’re drinking could be loaded with calories.  Did you know that a single chocolate martini has more calories than a McDonald’s grilled chicken sandwich?  That’s because there are 7 calories per gram of alcohol in comparison to the 4 calories per gram of protein or carbohydrate.

But that doesn’t mean happy hour has to be a diet downer!  Here are three tasty and low calorie alternatives to consider the next time you’re out.

1. Bloody Mary with Shrimp: With only 78 calories and zero grams of fat, this colorful drink is always a healthy choice! There are also loads of vitamin C and A, potassium and folates, a key nutrient that can help lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

CC Image courtesy of Muy Yum on Flickr

  • 22 ounces reduced-sodium V8
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 10 dashes Tabasco
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 3 ounces vodka, optional
  • Ice cubes
  • 4 cooked shrimp

2. Blueberry Lime Margarita: 125 calories and a nice buzz later, your body will thank you for the influx of vitamin A and C!

CC Image courtesy of Wonderyort on Flickr

  • 2 cups ice
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup blueberry nectar
  • 1/4 cup seltzer
  • 2 tablespoons frozen limeade
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 3 ounces tequila, optional
  • 1 lime wedge
  • Coarse salt

3. Strawberry Coconut Daiquiri: This refreshing cocktail is loaded with 70% of the daily value of vitamin C! With only 112 calories and 12g carbohydrates, this smoothie will do a body good!

CC Image courtesy of _jeanette7 on Flickr

  • 2 1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen (not thawed) strawberries, (about 12 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 3 cups ice cubes
  • 3/4 cup coconut-flavored rum, such as Malibu

 

(All recipes are courtesy of allrecipes.com)

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