Guilt-Free Summer Wines, Beers, and Cocktails Ranked

Think about summer. What comes to mind? Swimming? Hiking? Tanning? Drinking? Lounging? Few things feel better than basking in the sun with a refreshing drink in hand.

But if you're indulging in a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine, you might be consuming a ton more calories than you think you are.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but consuming alcohol without adjusting your diet or exercise habits will result in weight gain. Even the lightest of beers and clearest of vodkas have calories, so be mindful when you make your next drink.

What's hiding in your drink?

Frozen piña colada

The average frozen pina colada has 300-350 calories. That's the same thing as eating a bagel with cream cheese, or a Snickers bar!

What can you make instead? 

If you're really craving that pineapple-coconut flavor, try this:

• 4 oz. coconut-flavored seltzer (you can also use coconut water, but be mindful that 1 cup contains almost 50 calories)
• 3 oz. pineapple juice (half of one small can)
• 1 oz. light rum
• 4 or more large ice cubes

Put ice, rum, and pineapple juice into a blender. Blend to desired consistency, adding more ice as needed. Stir in coconut-flavored seltzer. 

For a non-frozen variation, ditch the ice. Instead, shake the ice, rum, and pineapple juice. Pour over ice, and top with seltzer. Squeeze in some lime juice if desired.

This refreshing (and hydrating!) drink is only 120-150 calories! You can have twice the fun with less guilt.

Incorporating seltzer or club soda into your cocktails isn't just healthy--it's smart. You're doing your body good by hydrating at the same time as you're consuming alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the body, leading to hangovers.

Read on for even more drink ideas to have a guilt-free summer.