With summer just around the corner and the weather finally catching on early, folks across the country are dusting off their beach towels, getting their sunscreen ready, eyeing up every backyard BBQ spot within reach, and gearing up to throw the garden party of the season.

But before you invite your friends over and set up the lawn chairs, here’s something to think about: Have you considered which drinks are least likely to mess with your diet?

It turns out that a single pint of 4% beer can contain around 180 calories, which is about the same as a large slice of pizza.

And a large glass of red wine (8.5 oz)? Well, that can add up to around 228 calories.

If all this is making you worry, don’t sweat it. Here are some low-calorie cocktail options to help you enjoy your summer buzz without blowing your daily macros.

Vodka and Soda

Vodka and soda isn't going to win any awards in a creative mixology contest, but this simple combo is a classic for a reason. With one of the lowest-calorie alcohols on offer, supplemented with a typically zero-calorie mixer, you can sip these all day without feeling it on your waistline. And, of course, you can adjust the size and flavour of your drink as much as you want just by changing the amount of soda.

Flavoured vodkas, low-calorie food flavourings, artificial sweeteners, or even a drop of fruit juice, can help to make this cocktail more interesting at a minimal calorie cost.

Calories in vodka and soda: 100

Calories in pint of 4% lager: 180\

Calories in large (250ml) glass of red wine: 228

Smirnoff Bloody Mary

Bloody Marys can be highly unpredictable in terms of calorie count, as the ingredients can vary so much between recipes. If you’re making your own at home, however, following the recipe on the Smirnoff website will provide a delicious and lower-calorie, bare-bones version of this classic cocktail.

The ingredients for the Smirnoff Bloody Mary are as follows:

• 50ml Smirnoff no.21
• 150ml tomato juice
• Dashes Worcestershire sauce

Calories in Smirnoff Bloody Mary: 160

Calories in pint of 4% lager: 180

Calories in large (250ml) glass of red wine: 228

Pomegranate Martini

If you want to feel like James Bond, while also keeping your waistline trim (and enjoying a bit of exotic fruit), a pomegranate Martini — courtesy of toneitup.com — may just be the drink for you.

The ingredients for this cocktail are as follows:

• 1 oz. Vodka
• 1/4 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice
• 2 tbsp. Sparkling water
• 1 orange slice (squeezed)
• 1 tbsp. Pomegranate seeds

Combine all the ingredients (except the pomegranate seeds) in a mixer with ice, and shake (not stir) well for 5 seconds before serving. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds on top as garnish.

Calories in Pomegranate Martini: 111

Calories in pint of 4% lager: 180

Calories in large (250ml) glass of red wine: 228