Firstly, how is it August? I feel like my life is flashing before my eyes.  It’s giving me anxiety!

Now that that’s out of the way, I always feel like I dive head first into summer during the months of June and July, indulging in each treat that the warm months have to offer – like I can’t get those things other times of the year (ice cream anyone?).  So now that August has popped up (and I’m heading to the lake with friends in 23 days), I get to feeling like I should rein it in and get back on track with a healthier lifestyle that will help me glide into the rest of summer with a lot of energy and not a lot of extra summer poundage.  I’m devoting August to a slimming down and getting into a workout routine (which I’ll admit I’ve never really had before).  So cheers to that!

I realized on a recent trip to Chicago how good some of these lower cal cocktails can be and decided to share a couple of my favorite recipes with you today! 

• Nobody can deny that a Mojito is perfect for the sweltering summer and this guiltless version tastes just as good with a little less sugar than usual and a ton of fresh mint.
• The second treat above is a Grapefruit Crush and is one that I love for parties because you can make a quick batch and it’s a pretty pink hue if made with Ruby Red (instead of regular is pictured here).  Or go even lower cal and use a sparkling grapefruit water.
• Third is called ‘Running in Rio‘ and it’s one that I’ve had on my must-try list all summer and this weekend I’m giving it a try with a little tequila and some jalapeno that I have on hand.
• I’m saving the best for last.  In Chicago a few weekends ago I remembered how much I love sweet tea vodka.  With a bit of crystal light lemonade and some sparkling water, it’s the perfect 80 calorie cocktail.  I just love it.