How to Make a Pitcher of Low-Calorie Mojitos

Trim the calories in your mojito.

A minty mojito sounds amazing on a hot summer day. A typical mojito can carry more than 200 calories, making it tasty but tough on your midsection. Skip the sugary simple syrup in favor of a no-calorie sweetener and you'll bring the calories down to about 140, says "Fitness" magazine. Put your feet up and enjoy this Cuban treat with no guilt.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup no-calorie sweetener
• 1.5 cups water
• Large bowl or saucepan
• 2 limes
• 12 mint leaves and 3 sprigs for garnish
• Long-handled spoon
• Ice, crushed if possible
• 2 cups white rum
• Club soda, preferably with lemon lime essence

Instructions

1. Mix the sweetener and the water in a large mixing bowl or saucepan until the powder is completely dissolved. Set aside.

2. Slice the limes into thin rounds. Place them in the pitcher with the mint leaves.

3. Fill the pitcher halfway with ice. Use a long-handled spoon to muddle the lime and mint in with the ice.

4. Pour the rum over the ice, add about half of the sweet syrup and muddle again with the spoon.

5. Fill the pitcher the rest of the way with club soda. If you prefer, you can substitute diet lemon-lime soda and skip the simple syrup.

6. Stir the contents of the pitcher until the mint and limes are distributed throughout. Pour the mojito mix into chilled glasses and top with a sprig of mint.

References

• Fitness Magazine: Drinks on Us: Low-Calorie Cocktails