Staying on track with a diet is a roller coaster. Some are easy and full of energy, and other days require more effort to stay focused on your goal. So far, I’ve truly enjoyed the experience of living a healthier lifestyle, but if you know me at all, you know that I love a good cocktail (which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly always “diet-friendly”). There’s no doubt that going out with friends is best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand, but when we are focused on socializing, we may not realize that those cocktails can be packed with carbs, calories, and sugar. BUT, don’t freak out yet, because your diet and cocktails don’t have to be mutually exclusive. All you have to do is pay attention to what is going into your drink and choose ingredients that will be easier on your body. To help you get a good start, I’m sharing my Low-Cal Sparkling Coconut Mojito recipe with you today. This one is perfect to sip while sitting poolside, so grab a cocktail napkin and a sunny umbrella, and get mixing…

Low-Cal Coconut Mojitos

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh mint
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp. raw coconut nectar
• ¼ cup rum
• 1 cup coconut water
• ice
• sparkling water

Instructions: Start with a cocktail shaker (I love this one), and mix your fresh mint with your lime wedges in the bottom of the shaker. Next, add in your raw coconut nectar, rum, and a cup of coconut water.

Fill to the top with ice, close your shaker, and shake, shake, shake! Do this until your cocktail is thoroughly mixed and chilled. Fill two glasses with ice (or jars, like I did), and pour your cocktail into the glasses. Top off with sparkling water, a few sprigs of fresh mint, and a summer-ready cocktail umbrella!

Let me tell you, this cocktail recipe is not one to miss. I’m loving how refreshing it is for summer, and even more than that… how easy it is on my diet! I know I’ll be sipping this low-cal cocktail for the rest of summer. I can’t wait for you guys to try it at home.

Cheers! Xx GM

Photos: Jessi Burrone for GrayMalin.com