It's summertime, which means sun, water and fun, along with cold thirst-quenchers. We tend to drink more high-calorie drinks during the summer, but it doesn't have to be that way.

TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED:

• Use more or larger ice cubes.

• Use smaller glasses.

• Add extra club soda or any other low- or no-calorie soda. (Keep in mind, tonic water has calories.)

• Drink red or white wine at 25 calories per ounce, or ultralight beer.

• Steer clear of drinks that are really desserts (creamy liqueurs, anything with cream or ice cream).

• Alcohol is a double whammy: It lowers your inhibitions so you end up not only drinking more (more calories) but also eating more food (more calories).

Drink recipes at www.dietdetective.com include:

COTTON CANDY

• 2 ounces vanilla vodka

• 2 ounces light ruby red grapefruit juice

• 1 ounce 2-percent milk

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into a 5-ounce martini glass.

Calories: 145