Lena Savoie
Alcoholic drinks are often loaded with calories and added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and health problems. However, there are many low-calorie alcoholic beverages that can be enjoyed without compromising weight-loss plans. Clear liquors like vodka, gin, tequila, and white rum are typically low in calories, with about 60-70 calories per 1-ounce shot. These can be paired with zero-calorie sodas or drinks, such as seltzer, soda, or lime juice, to create low-calorie cocktails. Light beers, such as Michelob Ultra, also offer a lower-calorie option with a typical count of 95 calories per 12-ounce beer. For wine lovers, a 5-ounce white wine spritzer made with 1 part club soda and 3 parts wine is a great choice, containing approximately 75 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks | Vodka, gin, tequila, light beer, dry wines, selzers |
| Vodka calories | 96-97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot |
| Light beer calories | 60-100 calories per 12-ounce beer |
| White wine calories | 75 calories per 5-ounce glass |
| Prosecco calories | 128 calories per 6-ounce glass |
| Ranch water calories | 131 calories per 10-ounce drink |
| Martini calories | 120 calories per 6-ounce drink |
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What You'll Learn
Clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila
Clear liquors, such as vodka, gin, and tequila, are often recommended as some of the lowest-calorie alcoholic beverages. These spirits contain the least amount of calories as they are almost entirely ethanol without added sugars. Vodka, for instance, has around 100 calories per 50ml shot, while gin and tequila contain approximately 110 calories per shot.
However, it is important to note that the calories in these drinks come from the alcohol itself, with each gram of alcohol containing 7 calories. Therefore, the stronger the liquor, or the higher the amount of alcohol per volume, the more calories it typically contains. For example, whisky has roughly 110 calories per shot, while sugary spirits like sambuca contain around 160 calories.
When consuming clear liquors, it is advisable to avoid mixing them with high-sugar beverages like Coke, Red Bull, or lemonade, as these can add hundreds of calories to your drink. Instead, opt for low-calorie mixers like soda water, diet tonic, or fresh lime juice. For instance, a vodka soda with a squeeze of lime or a tequila with lime juice are excellent low-calorie options.
Additionally, choosing low-calorie drinks, limiting sugary mixers, and watching portion sizes can help you make smarter drinking choices. Apps like Drinkaware can also help you track your alcohol consumption and provide clarity on how many calories you are consuming.
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Light beer
When it comes to alcoholic drinks with the least amount of calories, light beer is often a top choice. Compared to regular beer, light beer typically has fewer calories and a lower alcohol content, making it a good option for those who want to enjoy the taste of beer while watching their weight.
Budweiser Select 55
With only 55 calories and 1.9 carbs per 12 ounces, Budweiser Select 55 is an excellent choice for those counting their calories. However, some find that it doesn't live up to their taste expectations, comparing its flavour to an old hard taco shell.
Miller 64
Miller 64 is another light beer option with a similar calorie count, coming in at 64 calories and 2.4 carbs per 12 ounces. While it claims to be "perfectly balanced", some drinkers describe its taste as resembling sour limeade.
Michelob Ultra
Michelob Ultra is a well-known light beer, with 95 calories and 2.6 carbs per 12 ounces. It has a powerful yet smooth flavour and is a popular choice for those looking to balance their nutritional goals with their enjoyment of beer. However, some describe its taste as a sugary malt juice.
Bud Light
As the best-selling beer in America, Bud Light has 110 calories and 4.2% ABV per 12 ounces. However, it is often criticised for its flavour, which some compare to fermented cardboard.
Coors Light
Coors Light contains 102 calories and has an ABV of 4.2%. While it has a slightly higher calorie count than some other light beers, it may be a good option for those who find regular Coors to be flavourless.
Medalla Light
Medalla Light offers 83 calories per 10 ounces, with an ABV of 4.0%. This beer is particularly enjoyable when sipped on a beach in Puerto Rico, although it's also available at gas stations in Florida.
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Low-calorie mixers
When choosing a low-calorie alcoholic drink, it is best to skip drinks mixed with simple sugars. Instead, opt for drinks mixed with one of the following low-calorie mixers.
Soda water
Soda water is a great low-calorie mixer. You can mix it with vodka, gin, or tequila for a refreshing, low-calorie drink. You can also add a squeeze of lime or lemon, or even some bitters, to enhance the flavour.
Diet tonic water
Diet tonic water is another good option for a low-calorie mixer. It can be paired with gin or vodka for a refreshing drink.
Coconut water
Coconut water is a healthy, low-calorie mixer. Mix it with tequila for a tasty, low-calorie cocktail.
Grapefruit juice
Grapefruit juice is a nutritious and low-calorie mixer. Just make sure to use 100% freshly squeezed grapefruit juice to avoid added sugars.
Light beer
If you're a beer drinker, light beer is a good choice for a low-calorie option. It typically has fewer calories and a lower alcohol content than regular beer.
In addition to choosing low-calorie mixers, you can also reduce the calorie count of your drinks by limiting sugary mixers and watching your portion sizes.
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White wine spritzers
If you're looking for a low-calorie alcoholic drink, white wine spritzers are a great option. They are typically made with a 1-to-3 pour of one part club soda or sparkling water to three parts wine, resulting in a crisp and refreshing beverage with fewer calories and a lower alcohol content than a full glass of wine.
To make a white wine spritzer, fill a large wine glass with ice and pour over the wine and soda water. You can garnish it with a lemon slice or a sprig of mint. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can replace the soda water with lemonade or ginger ale. You can even add a splash of vodka to your spritzer for an extra kick, though this will increase the calorie count.
Compared to other alcoholic beverages, white wine spritzers are a lighter option. For example, a 12-ounce beer typically contains around 95 calories, while a glass of Prosecco has approximately 128 calories. So, if you're watching your calorie intake, a white wine spritzer is a good choice.
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Hard seltzers
The low-calorie nature of hard seltzers has contributed to their popularity, particularly among health-conscious consumers. In 2020, 40% of American consumers opted for hard seltzers over cocktails. The simple ingredient list and refreshing taste of hard seltzers have made them a preferred choice for those seeking a lighter alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
While hard seltzers are marketed as a healthier option, it is important to remember that they are still alcoholic drinks and should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, the refreshing and delicate fruity flavours of hard seltzers might make it easy to forget that you are consuming alcohol, potentially leading to excessive drinking. Therefore, it is recommended to enjoy hard seltzers in moderation, with one drink per day for women and two for men as a general guideline.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single alcoholic beverage with the least amount of calories, but some drinks are generally lower in calories than others. Clear liquors like vodka, gin, tequila, and white rum are typically low in calories, with around 60-105 calories per 1 oz shot. Light beers, prosecco, and white wine spritzers are also good low-calorie options.
It is best to pair alcoholic drinks with zero-calorie mixers such as soda water, seltzer, or diet soda. Fresh citrus like lemon or lime can also be added for flavor without many extra calories.
Yes, cocktails like a vodka soda or "ranch water" (tequila, seltzer, and lime) are low in calories, typically containing around 100 calories. A white wine spritzer is another good option, with about 75 calories for a 5-ounce drink.
In general, it is best to choose drinks that are low in carbs and avoid sugary mixers and high-calorie cocktails like margaritas or long islands. Be mindful of portion sizes, as a typical 12 oz beer has around 140 calories, while a 6 oz glass of wine has the same amount.
