Theo Nash
Alcoholic drinks are often loaded with calories and added sugar, which can contribute to health problems and weight gain. However, there are several low-calorie alcoholic options that can help you manage your weight and overall calorie intake. The best low-calorie alcoholic drink for you depends on your taste preferences and health goals. Some of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks include vodka soda, tequila with lime, light beer, rum and diet coke, white wine spritzers, and hard seltzers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lowest-calorie spirits | Vodka, tequila, gin |
| Calories per 1 oz shot | 60-70 calories |
| Calories per 1.5 oz shot | 96-97 calories |
| Calories per 12-ounce beer | 95 calories (Michelob Ultra) |
| Calories per 6-ounce glass | 128 calories (Prosecco) |
| Calories per 5-ounce drink | 75 calories (White wine spritzer) |
| Calories per 7.5-ounce serving | 135 calories (Rum and Diet Coke) |
| Calories per 1.5-ounce shot | 97 calories (Rum) |
| Calories per 2-ounce shot | 105 calories (Whiskey) |
| Calories per 1-ounce shot | 64 calories (Sweet vermouth) |
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What You'll Learn
Vodka soda
When it comes to alcoholic drinks, calories can add up quickly, especially when mixers are involved. Vodka soda is a great choice if you're looking for a low-calorie alcoholic beverage. It's a simple drink to make, requiring just three ingredients: vodka, soda water, and a squeeze of fresh citrus juice, such as lemon or lime.
Vodka itself has about 65 calories per ounce, and when you mix it with soda water and a squeeze of citrus, the calorie count for the entire drink only goes up slightly. An 8-ounce vodka soda has approximately 82 calories, making it one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks available.
What sets vodka soda apart from other drinks is that it contains little to no added sugar. This makes it an excellent choice for those watching their weight. The soda water and citrus juice are virtually calorie-free, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink without derailing your health goals.
When comparing alcoholic drinks, it's important to consider not only the calories but also the volume of alcohol. Vodka soda offers a good balance, allowing you to enjoy a drink without consuming excessive calories. Additionally, the crisp, clear, and refreshing taste of vodka soda makes it a pleasant choice for those seeking a lighter option.
To enhance the flavour of your vodka soda, you can add a citrus wedge or fresh or frozen berries for a touch of colour and extra flavour. Vodka soda is a smart choice for those who want to make healthier decisions without compromising on taste and enjoyment.
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Tequila with lime
If you're looking for a low-calorie alcoholic drink, tequila with lime is a great option. It's an easy drink to make, and it's also very low in calories compared to other alcoholic beverages.
The liquor itself has approximately 96 to 105 calories per shot, and adding a lime wedge will only increase the calorie count slightly. A single serving of tequila with lime has around 214 calories, with a relatively low calorie density of 45 calories per 100g.
To make your drink even lower in calories, you can mix the tequila with club soda or seltzer water instead of lime juice. You can also add fresh herbs and fruits to enhance the flavor without adding significant calories. If you're looking for a refreshing twist, try adding a splash of grapefruit-flavoured sparkling water and a sprinkle of salt to your tequila and lime.
While tequila with lime is a healthier option than many other alcoholic drinks, it's important to remember that alcohol itself contributes to weight gain, and even low-calorie drinks should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Rum with diet coke
When it comes to choosing alcoholic drinks with fewer calories, it's best to avoid those mixed with simple sugars. Instead, opt for drinks with calorie-free sweeteners or fresh herbs for added flavour. A good example is rum with diet coke, which has just 69 calories in a typical serving.
Rum and Coke, also known as a Cuba Libre, is a popular drink made by pairing white rum with Coca-Cola. By swapping the regular Coke for Diet Coke, you can significantly reduce the calorie count. A 7.5-ounce (225-mL) serving of rum and Diet Coke contains only 135 calories, compared to 200 calories in the same serving size of the regular version.
This simple switch is an effective way to cut calories without compromising on taste. It's important to note that the exact number of calories in a rum and Diet Coke may vary depending on the brand and the specific measurements of rum and mixer used. However, as a general rule, this drink is a good choice if you're looking for a low-calorie alcoholic beverage.
When it comes to alcohol, it's not just the mixer that matters. The type of alcohol you choose also plays a role in the overall calorie count. Clear liquors like vodka, tequila, and gin typically have around 60–70 calories per 1-ounce shot. Vodka, in particular, is known for being the lowest-calorie spirit. However, when mixed with high-calorie ingredients, the overall calorie count of the drink can increase significantly.
In addition to rum with diet coke, there are other low-calorie drink options to consider. Tequila with lime, for instance, is a simple and low-calorie drink. If drinking tequila straight isn't for you, you can mix it with club soda, mint, or coconut water to create a refreshing and low-calorie cocktail. Hard seltzers are another good option, as they combine seltzer water with alcohol made from fermented cane sugar, resulting in a typically low-calorie beverage.
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Light beer
When it comes to alcoholic drinks with the least amount of calories, it's important to consider not only the type of alcohol but also the mixers and the serving size. While giving up alcohol altogether might be the most effective way to reduce calorie intake, it's not always necessary to completely eliminate it.
- Miller 64: 64 calories, 2.8% ABV.
- Bud Light Platinum: 137 calories, 6% ABV.
- Coors Light: 102 calories, 4.2% ABV.
- Bud Light: 110 calories, 4.2% ABV.
- Sapporo Light: 119 calories, 3.9% ABV.
- Michelob Ultra: 95 calories, 4.2% ABV.
- Genny Light: 100 calories, 4% ABV.
While light beer can be a lower-calorie option, it's important to remember that excessive consumption of alcohol, regardless of type, can contribute to weight gain and have negative health impacts. Enjoying alcoholic beverages in moderation and as part of a balanced diet is recommended. Additionally, pairing alcoholic drinks with healthy snacks and staying active can also help offset the impact of the extra calories.
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Hard seltzer
If you're looking for a low-calorie alcoholic drink, hard seltzer is a great option. This refreshing beverage combines seltzer water with alcohol made from fermented cane sugar, typically boasting various fruity flavours. While the exact calorie count varies by brand and flavour, a 12-ounce (355-mL) serving of mango hard seltzer, for example, is a low-calorie option. Leading brands like Mike's Hard Seltzers offer 330ml cans in multiple flavours, each containing 100 calories at 5% ABV, making them a popular choice for those on a low-carb or low-sugar diet.
While hard seltzer is low in calories and carbs, dietitians advise moderation in consumption. Its easy drinkability and lack of fullness compared to beer can lead to drinking more than intended. Enjoy hard seltzers in moderation, sticking to one a day for women and two for men.
To summarise, hard seltzer is a low-calorie alcoholic beverage, typically offering fewer than 100 calories per 330ml can, with a similar ABV to beer. It's a refreshing, fruity option that's also low in sugar and carbs, making it a healthier alternative to traditional spirits and mixers, especially for those on keto or gluten-free diets. However, as with any alcoholic drink, moderation is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with hard seltzer.
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Frequently asked questions
Vodka is the spirit with the fewest calories, with around 96 to 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot. Clear liquors like tequila, gin, and rum are also low-calorie options, with around 60-70 calories per 1-ounce shot.
Cocktails made with vodka and soda, tequila and lime, or rum and diet coke are low-calorie options. A white wine spritzer is another great choice, with about 75 calories per 5-ounce drink.
Light beers typically have fewer calories than regular beers. Michelob Ultra, for example, has just 95 calories per 12-ounce beer.
Wines, such as Prosecco, have around 128 calories per 6-ounce glass. White wine spritzers are also a good choice, as they contain fewer calories and less alcohol than a large glass of white wine or rosé.
Yes, it's best to avoid drinks mixed with simple sugars and opt for drinks with minimal added sugars. You can also try making drinks at home using fresh herbs, citrus, or fruit instead of high-calorie mixers.
