Top-Recommended Low Calorie Cocktail Options for Summer

If you enjoy a great cocktail at the end of a hard day, but prefer not to indulge in too much sugar or calories, there are still many great options to choose from at your local pub that won’t set your nutrition goals back. Continue below for a list of some of the top-recommended and most frequently ordered low calories cocktails that are the perfect refreshing finish to a long work day. You may be surprised to learn which drink comes in at the lowest calories!

Downtown Indianapolis Skinny Cocktails
Downtown Indianapolis Skinny Cocktails 317-822-5070

Cocktails Under 200 Calories

You do not have to jeopardize your summer fitness plan, nor ruin your nutrition goals, every time you want to relax and have some cocktails. Instead, just stick to some popular alcoholic refreshments that are made with simple ingredients, and do not have any added sugars. Here are some top-recommended cocktails that come in at under 200 calories per drink, in order from lowest to highest:

Champagne

Nutrition: 90 Calories
Add some fresh fruit or a splash of juice for added flavor.

Vodka & Soda With Lime

Nutrition: 100 Calories
Ingredients: Vodka, Soda Water, and a Lime Wedge

Rum & Diet Coke

Nutrition: 100 Calories
Ingredients: Rum, Diet Coke, Lime Wedge

Sazerac

Nutrition: 135 Calories
Ingredients: Whiskey, Absinth, Bitters, Sugar, and Water

Gin & Tonic With Lemon

Nutrition: 150 Calories
Ingredients: Gin, Tonic Water, and Lemon Wedge

Old Fashioned

Nutrition: 155 Calories
Ingredients: Bourbon, Bitters, and Sugar

Paloma

Nutrition: 165 Calories
Ingredients: Tequila, Grapefruit Juice, Soda Water, and a Lime Wedge
For fewer calories, forgo a sugar-coated rim.

Mojito

Nutrition: 170 Calories
Ingredients: White Rum, Simple Syrup, Mint Leaves, Lime Wedge

Martini

Nutrition: 175 Calories
Ingredients: Vodka or Gin, Vermouth (Olives Optional)
For less calories, order it “dry” and forgo the olives.

Gimlet

Nutrition: 180 Calories
Ingredients: Any Liquor, Rose’s® Sweet Lime Juice, and Lime Wedge
For less calories, swap Rose’s® for a dash of simple syrup and fresh-squeezed lime.

➡ When in doubt, stick to some general rules of thumb for concocting a lo-calorie, skinny drink:

☑ Avoid premixed drinks, mixes, syrups, and liqueurs.
☑ Swap soda for sparkling water or soda water.
☑ Swap red wine for white wine.
☑ Choose simple recipes with few ingredients.
☑ Use fresh fruit to enhance flavor.

Delish Skinny Cocktails in Downtown Indianapolis

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious summertime cocktail list and drink specials! We have a full bar stocked with all your favorites, including premium liquors, wine, beer, and more. So if you need a new “Gay-thering” place for your group, trust English Ivy’s bar and restaurant for phenomenal food, fun, and friendship!

317-822-5070

How to Make a Budget-Friendly Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie is a great dish for any occasion, whether you are entertaining a few friends, catering for a large party, or simply treating yourself to a treat. It’s a treat that offers options, which means there is something to meet all tastes and palates. Furthermore, a charcuterie allows you to indulge in small gourmet delicacies that you would otherwise pass up at the grocery store.

Although charcuterie boards can be made into endless combinations, the price tags for the bits and pieces can easily add up. For this reason, many people pass on charcuterie altogether, and opt for a more conventional and predictable fruit and veggie tray instead. But the truth is, charcuterie CAN be affordable, and without having to make any sacrifices on taste or quality. All you have to do is know where to look.

Continue reading to learn some budget-friendly tips for curating a charcuterie board.

Downtown Indianapolis Eatery
Downtown Indianapolis Eatery 317-822-5070

Curating Your Charcuterie

A charcuterie board is simply a diverse spread of gourmet or artisanal meats, cheese, breads, condiments, vegetables, and more. The ways to prepare a charcuterie plate are infinite, and do not have to include all of the above-mentioned food groups. You can choose to be as creative as you like, using any combination of any finger foods imaginable. A good range is 3 to 5 ingredients, at least. You can use a serving tray, wooden cutting board, flat white plate, stone platter, or fancy serving ware. You can better decide on ideas by choosing a theme, seasonal items, non-regional selections, or simply your own favorite things to eat!

Although you are free to be as creative as you like, there are a few helpful guidelines to follow when preparing a charcuterie board. When it comes to meat options, be sure to have 2 ounces of meat per person. If you are feeding a larger group, increase the weight to 5 ounces per person; and be sure to serve a lot of bread for larger crowds, especially if the charcuterie is the main course. Additionally, keep a good ratio of salty, sweet, and sour for a diverse and multi-layered taste and texture experience. This will further ensure you have something for everyone!

Buying Charcuterie Items

You don’t have to visit the local gourmet grocers to make a great charcuterie plate either. Your neighborhood grocery is sure to have a special section that offers a wide range of home-made, artisanal, gourmet foods. Typically, this section is found in the deli or produce areas. Carefully read the price tags on cheeses and meats, taking into consideration the weight of each, in order to find the right items within your budget. There should also be a clearance section for last chance items, which are also great deals.

Cost-Effective Items to Consider for Your Board:

    ❧ Olives
    ❧ Nuts
    ❧ Dried Fruit
    ❧ Cheese
    ❧ Small pickles
    ❧ Cocktail Onions
    ❧ Antipasto
    ❧ Tri-Peppers
    ❧ Celery
    ❧ Carrots
    ❧ Radishes
    ❧ Smoked Sausage
    ❧ Salami
    ❧ Pepperoni
    ❧ Paté
    ❧ Anchovies
    ❧ Sardines
    ❧ Blood Oranges
    ❧ Peaches
    ❧ Cranberries
    ❧ Preserves and Jams
    ❧ Ground Mustard
    ❧ Olive Oil
    ❧ Honey
    ❧ Crackers
    ❧ Wafers
    ❧ Bread
    ❧ Biscuits

Come to English Ivy’s for Tasty Finger Foods and Handhelds!

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to learn about our delicious appetizers, starters, small plates, and handhelds we have to offer. Our downtown Indianapolis pub and eatery is located in the Historic Saint Joseph Neighborhood, with both lot and street parking available, so visiting us is never a hassle! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. Our neighborhood prices and kind service sets us apart from other bars and restaurants around, so you will surely be pleased with our Downtown bar and restaurant!

317-822-5070