From Sunny Days to Lyte Rays

With summer’s arrival, concerns about keeping a svelte beach body are on a lot of people’s minds. But at Republic Garden & Lounge you don’t have to forsake flavor to enjoy a low-calorie drink—just try the Lyte Ray cocktail. “This not-overly-alcoholic drink is really refreshing on a hot Charleston day,” says Evan Powell, general manager and the drink’s creator. His simple recipe can be whipped up at home; just be sure to use Voli Light vodka, Powell says, as it only has 74 calories per 1.5 fluid ounces—a calorie-conscious ray of hope.

Lyte Ray
(Makes 1)
2 lemon wedges
2 slices cucumber
1 ½ oz. Voli Light vodka
½ oz. St. Germain
2 oz. club soda

In a shaker, muddle one lemon and one cucumber over ice. Add vodka and St. Germain and shake well. Pour into a rocks glass, top with soda, and garnish with remaining lemon and cucumber.

Sign up to win this week’s giveaway: Two Lyte Ray cocktails, created by bartender Evan Powell, and an appetizer at King Street’s Republic Garden & Lounge. To enter, click here.