Kicking back with a few summer cocktails? Choose wisely or you'll end up gulping way more calories than you think.

If you love the taste of sweet summer cocktails, you could be downing upwards of 500 calories apiece. Each standard shot (1½ fluid ounces) of 80-percent proof rum, vodka or gin has about 100 calories. Combine several of those with sugar-laden mixers--plus juices and soda--and you're likely throwing back more calories and sugar than you bargained for, especially if you're guzzling several drinks in one evening.

Always measure out the hard stuff. And forgo those overly sweetened bottled mixers; instead, choose 100% juice or use fresh fruits and herbs to flavor your drink. You can also choose to cut back on calories by using diet soda as a mixer--but be aware that studies have shown that you do get drunk quicker. Size also matters: Be sure you're sipping from an 8-ounce glass (or smaller!).

Or sip one of the delicious drinks below.

• Lighter Margaritas
• Frozen Mango Margarita
• Slimmed Piña Coladas
• Mint Julep (above)

• Lemon Drop Cocktail
• Cucumber Cocktail
• Watermelon Plata Tequila Cocktail
• Tequila Sunrise Punch
• Frozen Ouzo Daiquiri
• Passion Fruit Hurricane
• Sparkling Wine Sangria
• Sea Breeze Cocktail
• Fresh Whiskey Sours
• White Sangria
• Cranberry Flower Cocktail

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »