Voli vodkas, such as the lemon-flavored one used in this Pink Pussycat, have fewer calories than other brands.

From now until New Year’s we have a slew of parties on our calendar. There’s nothing wrong enjoying a festive drink or two, but too much eggnog (343 calories per cup) or fruity cosmopolitans (213 calories in 4 ounces) can take a toll on our waistline. So we wouldn’t mind cutting calories where we can, given all the other holiday goodies vying for our attention. And that’s where low-calorie Voli vodka comes in.

Made in Cognac, France, the line includes plain and flavored vodkas, including lemon, orange vanilla, espresso vanilla, and raspberry cocoa, with fewer calories to slim down those cocktails. The plain “Lyte” vodka, for example, tastes rich and smooth, yet contains only 74 calories per 1.5 ounces versus the same amount of distilled 80-proof vodka, which contains 104 calories. (We had always heard that vodka has fewer calories than other liquors, but we were surprised to learn calorie content is about equal with that of rum and whiskey.)

Voli’s raspberry-cocoa-infused vodka contains 80 calories per 1.5-ounce serving, versus a similar product, which weighs in at 88 calories. We agree, that’s not much of a difference, but over time, those calories can add up. The Voli version of a dry martini (at 156 calories) will save you 60 calories — the amount in a Tootsie Pop!

Voli trims the calories in its vodkas by reducing the proof, since the alcohol is what accounts for most of the calories in booze. Your basic vodka is 40 percent alcohol by volume; Voli’s are 30 percent. And less alcohol means we’re less likely to end up like Melanie Griffith in that party scene from Working Girl.

Check out Voli’s website for festive cocktail ideas, such as the Shakerato Shot (using vanilla and espresso), the Raspberry Cocoa Kiss (with raspberry cocoa, Baileys and Chambord) and the Creamsicle (orange vanilla and ginger ale). We also love My Darling Clementine, since we associate those delightful citrus fruits with this time of year.

Below is a recipe for this festive, bubbly Pink Pussycat, with about 170 calories per glass.

Pink Pussycat
1 ounce Voli Lemon
½ ounce Chambord
Dash Mole Bitters
3 ounces Champagne
1 fresh blackberry for garnish

Shake and strain Voli, Chambord and bitters. Pour into a Champagne flute, then top with Champagne and garnish with a fresh blackberry.

To lighten up on calories and alcohol, we found that bitters and sparkling water can make for a festive cocktail alternative! Do you have any low-calorie recipes for cocktails (or mocktails) to keep the season light?

Tags: ale, Calorie, Chambord Liqueur Royale de France, Cognac, Distillation, Distilled beverages, Espresso, Food and drink, Food energy, France, low-calorie, Martini, Melanie Griffith, My Darling Clementine, New Year's Day, Non-alcoholic beverage, Vodka, Vodka infusion, Voli