How to Make a Low-Calorie Cocktail That Still Tastes Amazing

April 14, 2025

Fresh Flavour, Fewer Calories: Cocktail Ideas that Hit the Spot

Let’s be honest — sugary, syrupy cocktails can be tasty... but they also leave us feeling sluggish and regretful the next day. When you're spending time and effort into making something with care, why not whip up a low-calorie cocktail that still brings flavour, fun and a touch of flair?

Whether you're the kind of person who loves hosting a Saturday backyard BBQ or simply enjoys an evening reward after wrangling the littlies into bed, there’s a brilliant way to spice up your home bar scene without sacrificing taste (or your health goals). And yes — you can totally create your own ingredients using homebrew supplies. Let’s talk about how to do just that.

Keep It Light, But Keep It Interesting

The trick with low-calorie cocktails isn’t to ditch flavour — it’s about choosing the right building blocks. Here’s your blueprint:

Choose a clean base spirit like vodka, gin or white rum — go for something unsweetened and neutral that won’t add in extra sugars unnecessarily.
Use sugar-free mixers and fresh citrus. Soda water, fresh lemon or lime juice, and herbal teas can be magic on the palate without expanding your waistband.
Add flavour with precision. That’s where the beauty of home crafting comes in — you can tailor each batch to be light, flavourful and totally guilt-free.

Craft an Herbal-Inspired Cocktail at Home

Ready for a standout recipe that not only tastes fancy but can also be made in your own kitchen? Let’s start with a splash of creativity and a glance at one of my favourite products for punchy, low-cal concoctions —Still Spirits Herbal Liqueur Flavouring. This little bottle brings bold, aromatic herbal charm when mixed with vodka or another neutral base. Perfect for when you're creating spirits at home but still want something sharp enough to stand with the pros!

What I love about it is that it's loaded with character — earthy, rich and balanced with a botanical kick. It’s also remarkably easy to use. Pour it in, mix well, let it settle, and boom — sophistication in a glass, ready for action.

Candeece’s Herb Garden Spritz (Low-Cal Steps Ahead!)

30ml of neutral vodka (bonus points if it's homemade)
10ml of Still Spirits Herbal Liqueur
Splash of soda water
Fresh cucumber ribbon
Handful of mint leaves
Juice of 1/4 lime

Shake the vodka, herbal liqueur, lime and mint with ice, pour over fresh cubes in a tall glass, and top with soda. Finish with the cucumber ribbon coiled for that touch of visual perfection. It’s smooth, refreshing and way lighter than your typical cocktail offerings — calorie-wise and taste-wise.

The Perks of Flavouring at Home

Back when I got into brewing, I used to think making flavoured spirits was low-key wizardry. Turns out, with the right essence (and a clean playful spirit), it's dead simple. With options like Still Spirits Herbal Liqueur Flavouring, you're in total control of intensity and sweetness. That means no hidden sugars and no weird preservatives. It’s just the way homebrewing lovers want things — full authority, full flavour.

Better yet, you’re building something personal. Whether it’s for a Saturday get-together or a cheeky midweek moment once the kids have gone full-ninja into bed, knowing how to mix your own herbal liqueur keeps the experience personal, affordable and—let’s be fair—the envy of your mates.

Low-Cal Doesn’t Mean Low-Creativity

Want even more inspiration? Try one of these easy adds:

A cold brew tea concentrate for an earthy twist (go smokey or passionfruit, depending on your mood)
Homemade spice infusions using cinnamon or star anise in your spirit base
Crushed berries for colour without needing syrups

You’re not limiting yourself – you’re refining your cocktail game. It’s like perfecting your brew recipe — once you get the balance right, there’s no going back.

A Toast to DIY, Low-Cal & Local Flavour

From flavouring spirits to brewing beer, if there’s one thing every homebrewer understands, it’s that better taste doesn’t come from big-budget labels — it comes from hands-on effort, a bit of know-how, and the right tools at your side. Just like making a silky pale ale or smooth stout, crafting a killer low-cal cocktail is all about balance, heart and a sprinkle of creativity.

Got questions, ideas or that flicker of pride about the first flavour you nailed? Bring that same passion to your cocktail shaker. Or better yet, pop in and grab the gear to start flavouring your spirits exactly how you like.

Cheers to living (and sipping) well – one handmade cocktail at a time!

With a splash of citrus and loads of joy,
Candeece