Easy Low-Calorie Cocktail

Thinking of having a special night with your Special Other? And looking for a low-calorie cocktail to have so as not to ruin your week-long clean-eating habits? We’ve got you covered! FYFG coaches Mia and Bunny interview Vanessa Rabadon, Head Bartender from Kampai, Poblacion Makati, on an exclusive cocktail mix that is low-calorie.

Did you know that many cocktail drinks are sweetened with heavy syrup, and pre-made daiquiris and margaritas still add up on calories? Not exactly what you need now especially if you’ve been conscious of added sugars and empty calories.

Coach Tips to Enjoy Your Cocktail

Coach Mia and Coach Bunny both enjoy their occasional cocktail drinks too. Here are a few tips to keeping your drink low-calorie.

Skip the Mix-ins and pre-made mixers. Pre-made mixers such as pre-made daiquiris and margarita blends are high in sugar and calories.
Avoid adding in juice, tonic water, and sugary sodas. Opt for natural (unflavored) seltzers instead.
If using fruit, spices, or herbs, use Fresh. Using freshly squeezed lemon or lime, spices and herbs gives better flavor.

Low-Calorie “Fresh Start” Cocktail by Vanessa

Vannessa creates exclusively for us her low-calorie cocktail called “Fresh Start”

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO SHE CREATED ESPECIALLY FOR FYFG!

“FRESH START” RECIPE

Equipment: Cocktail Shaker and a rocks glass (also called lowball glass, old fashioned glass)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Havana 3 Años Rum (or a light rum like Bacardi Superior)Calories 97

1/2 oz Honey syrup (dissolve 2 parts honey 1 part water) Calories 65

juice of 1/2 lemon Calories 29 *Van’s tip if lemon isn’t available: Use calamansi, add about 5ml apple cider or wine vinegar, or to taste

5 grams mint leaves (or a few sprigs)Calories 0

Garnish with lemon zest and mint sprig

Procedure:

In a shaker combine all ingredients. Add some ice and shake. Double strain and pour over a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish and zest with lemon peel and mint sprig.

*Drink Moderately. We recommend enjoying up to 2 servings to keep it to less than 500 calories

Meet Vanessa “Van” Rabadon

Van has garnered impressive credentials in the industry of bartending and mixology.

2015 World Class Philippines Participant, Diageo World Class Bartending competition
2017 Top 10 Finalists La Maison Cointreau Cocktail Competition
2018 Top 3 Finalists Whisky Live Mentorship Program
2019 Ranked #10 Global Finals Brocktail Competition
2019 1st Runner up Whisky Live Mentorship Program
2020 World Class Philippines Participant, Diageo World Class Bartending competition

Although she began her career as a barista, she took on the challenge to become a Mixologist. Van has taken on roles as Head Bartender in LAX Bar, Bar Manager of Luna Bar Shanghai, China, and has served in a few bars in the Poblacion, Makati area. Currently, she is the Head Bartender of Kampai (Fermina St., Cor. Alfonso St., Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City, Philippines). Van is a proud single-parent of 3 children.