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Stay hydrated with these fun summer cocktails!

  • Writer: Hanni Berger CEO JOYVIAL
    Hanni Berger CEO JOYVIAL
  • Jun 5
  • 4 min read

Skinny, low calorie summer cocktails

When I think of summer, I think of sunshine, the pool, Reggae music, and, yes, a drink in hand. But after learning how alcohol affects the body, I know it can leave me more dehydrated than refreshed. And in the summer heat, that’s the opposite of what our bodies need.


What our bodies really want is water, water and more water. However, every so often enJOYing a cocktail feels right, doesn’t it? But then again, your goal isn’t to add a ton more calories to your day or wake up suffering with a hangover.


With this conundrum in mind, the JOYVIAL executive health coaches and I created this list of hydrating summer cocktails that you and your body will love.


Be sure to check out the “Party Recovery” water ideas at the end to replenish and restore. These drinks not only hydrate but nourish you with ingredients your body will thank you for.


With that said…EnJOY!



Homemade Lemonadewith a twist

Skinny, low calorie summer cocktails

JOYVIAL executive health coach MJ loves homemade lemonade. It can be so tasty without all the added sugar you find in many store-bought brands. You can add in a splash of vodka for the adult twist.


Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water

  • Juice of 2 large lemons

  • 1 tbsp of organic pure maple syrup

  • For the adult beverage, add a splash of vodka


Why we like it:

Lemons support digestion and liver function, and they are high in vitamin C. The water and lemon just are naturally hydrating and the cocktail is free of processed sugars.



The Skinniest Margarita


Skinny, low calorie summer cocktails

The reason most margaritas aren’t that healthy for us (well, besides the alcohol) is the sugar and chemical filled margarita mix that is used so often.


EnJOY this refreshing version of a margarita that truly surprised me. It gives you the traditional margarita taste that I love but I still felt rehydrated with every sip. Two thumbs (or bottoms up) to this one!


Ingredients:

  • 1 Lime La Croix

  • Fresh squeezed lime juice

  • A splash of organic margarita mix (we love Simple Truth Organic)

  • To make it an adult beverage add a splash of Cointreau

  • Ice and lime wedge for garnish


If you like the frozen drink version, make sure to crush the ice separately and add it to the mix later as blending a soda can get messy!


Why we like it:

Low in sugar and calories, plus lime provides vitamin C and antioxidants. La Croix adds fizz without artificial ingredients.



Aperol Spritz Lite

Skinny, low calorie summer cocktails

JOYVIAL executive health coach Liani says that Aperol Spritz is her favorite summer drink. Aperol is a bright orange, bittersweet apéritif liqueur. Like other aperitifs it is meant to stimulate the appetite and is typically enJOYed before dinner.


Ingredients:

  • Aperol

  • Soda water

  • Some like to add prosecco as well but we invite you to try it without or just add a little to keep this drink most refreshing


Why we like it:

Aperol includes herbs like gentian root and rhubarb that support digestion and reduce inflammation. Soda water keeps it light and bubbly.




Cucumber Agua Fresca (with a Buzz)

Skinny, low calorie summer cocktails

I like this recipe a lot. It’s like drinking spa water with a twist! This recipe is incredibly hydrating and full of antioxidants.


Ingredients:

  • 2 English cucumbers

  • 12-15 mint leaves

  • ½ cup fresh lime juice

  • 2” piece of fresh ginger

  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

  • 4 cups water

  • You may elect a splash or two of vodka



  1. Peel the skin from the ginger

  2. Place the ingredients (holding back 2 cups of water) into a blender, blend until smooth

  3. Pour the mixture through a strainer

  4. Add the remaining 2 cups of water, stir and pour over ice

  5. Garnish with mint sprig or lime wheel


Why we like it:

Cucumber and mint are ultra-hydrating and detoxifying. Ginger aids digestion and reduces inflammation. Lime adds a bright antioxidant punch.




Watermelon Basil Cooler


Skinny, low calorie summer cocktails

Hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and beautifully refreshing, this drink screams summer.


Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh watermelon juice (blend and strain if needed)

  • Sparkling water

  • Handful of fresh basil leaves

  • Squeeze of lime

  • Optional: splash of vodka or gin

  • Ice


Why we like it:

Watermelon is 92% water and packed with electrolytes and lycopene (great for skin and heart health). Basil offers anti-inflammatory properties.





Coconut Lime Refresher


Skinny, low calorie summer cocktails

This is like a beach day in a glass. Naturally sweet and packed with electrolytes.


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup coconut water

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • Handful of mint leaves

  • For a little buzz add a little of light rum or tequila blanco

  • Ice


Why we like it:

Coconut water is nature’s electrolyte drink - perfect for hydration. Lime and mint enhance digestion and add a refreshing zip.




Party Recovery Waters

Skinny, low calorie summer cocktails

As alcohol is dehydrating recovery is all about water, water and more water. There are 3 ingredients we invite you to add to water:


Lemon juice: It’s alkaline, meaning it helps your body reduce inflammation. One lemon also delivers about 20% of your daily vitamin C requirement.


Lemon water: Add juice of 1 lemon to 16 oz glass.


Cucumbers: First, cucumbers are full of water, but they also offer a lot of antioxidants which delay cell damage and therefore slow down aging. Studies show that they also lower blood pressure and boost bone health.


Cucumber water: add as many slices of cucumbers into your water as you can fit while still being able to drink the water…ha! But seriously, add as much as you like.


Mint: Mint has been a household remedy for upset stomachs for generations. It’s great for anyone who could use digestive support. Its refreshing aroma also helps you stay alert making it perfect for a hungover morning.


Mint water: add ~10 mint leaves to your water. I recommend also adding lemon juice for all the reasons I shared before.



Remember, JOY is found in balance. Even though cocktails aren’t our coaching focus, celebrating life while supporting your health is at the core of what we do.


If you’re looking to feel vibrant in every part of your life, one of our JOYVIAL executive health coaches would love to guide you. Click the 'Contact' button or email info@joyvial.com to schedule your free discovery session.


Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, and for more tips on living your healthiest, most JOYful life.


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