Low Calorie Spritzers with Fruit Ice Cubes

Low calorie spritzers are how I keep summer drinks fun without drinking a whole meal’s worth of calories. The trick is fruit-filled ice cubes that look gorgeous and slowly flavor the glass as they melt.

Drinks should be simple, especially in the summer. These come together with a few cubes, a pour, and a quick stir.

Freeze the fruit cubes the night before so they are rock solid and ready when guests arrive.

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Why You’ll Love These Low Calorie Spritzers

• They taste bright and fruity without the sugar crash
• These skinny spritzers feel indulgent but stay light on calories
• The fruit ice cubes make every glass look like a treat

Ingredient Notes

These are just notes to help you shop; you will find the exact measurements in the recipe card below. There is a lot of room to play here, so use what looks best.

• Assorted fruit: berries, kiwi, and citrus peel all freeze beautifully
• Water: fills the trays so the fruit freezes into clear cubes
• Diet lemon-lime soda: keeps the drink fizzy and light; regular works too
• Vodka: a clean base; rum is lovely if you prefer it
• Fresh mint: adds a cool, herbal lift

The only gear you really need is a couple of ice cube trays and tall glasses. A small cutting board helps for dicing the fruit.

How to Make Low Calorie Spritzers

Making low calorie spritzers is really two short steps: freeze the fruit cubes ahead, then build the drink when you are ready. The cubes do all the heavy lifting on flavor and looks.

1. Tuck diced fruit into the wells of an ice cube tray
2. Pour water over the top and freeze until solid, about 4 hours or overnight
3. Pile the frozen cubes and a few mint leaves into a glass
4. Pour over 3 parts soda to 1 part vodka and give it a gentle stir

This makes about 8 drinks, and you can freeze the cubes up to 1 week in advance. Just keep the trays covered so the fruit does not pick up freezer smells.

Storage Options

The beauty of this recipe is that the prep stores so well. Make the cubes ahead and the drinks come together in seconds.

1. Keep frozen fruit cubes in a covered tray or bag for up to 1 week
2. Pour each spritzer fresh, since the soda goes flat once mixed
3. Store any leftover diced fruit in the fridge for up to 2 days

Variations & Substitutions

Once you have the basic skinny spritzer down, the flavors are wide open. Swap a few things to match the season or the crowd.

1. Use sparkling water for a zero-proof, even lighter version
2. Try rum or a splash of prosecco in place of the vodka
3. Freeze herbs like basil or mint right into the cubes
4. Mix in watermelon, peach, or pineapple for a different fruit profile

What to Serve with Low Calorie Spritzers

Low calorie spritzers are made for easy summer grazing, so pair them with snacks you can pick up by hand. A few savory bites balance the fruity fizz.

1. Warm, savory ham, scallion, and cheddar muffins
2. A platter of fresh veggies and dip
3. Salty chips or popcorn for crunch
4. A comforting bowl of creamy stovetop cauliflower mac and cheese

Before you fill the trays, here are a few questions that tend to come up.

Make a big batch of cubes, set out a few bottles, and let everyone build their own. It is the easiest way to keep a hot afternoon feeling festive and light.