Unless you're going completely alcohol-free this Summer, the chances are you'll be enjoying a cocktail or two [1] at parties, BBQs and events. If you don't take into account the on the hidden calories in cocktails [2] derailing your healthy lifestyle and hindering your progress [3], you should keep the following three tips in mind.

Stick to Clear Cocktails

While there's always a healthy way to enjoy your favourite creamy cocktail [4], unless you're making it yourself, stick to a drink that has clear ingredients. Cocktails containing ingredients like Baileys are usually more calorific than clear ones, because they contain cream, which is high in saturated fat.

Go Sour

Sour fruit has less sugar than sweet fruit, so opting for a drink that uses a sour lemon or lime mixer instead of a sweet one like cola is one of the easiest ways to cut the sugar content in your cocktail. You'll get the added health benefits of lemon [5], like weight-loss support, by asking for a fresh squeeze instead of a bottled option.

Sip Water Between Drinks

Of all the reasons to drink water [6], one of the most important is that it keeps your body functioning normally. Alcohol is a diuretic (it makes you wee more) which causes dehydration, so it's important to stay on top of your water intake [7]. If you aren't drinking the correct amount of water throughout the day, drinking alcohol could further dehydrate you. Asking for more ice in your drink will make it last longer, therefore stopping you from overdrinking and overloading on empty calories, as well as giving you a bonus of extra hydration.