Noah Vinter
Alcoholic drinks are often loaded with calories and added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and health issues. However, there are many low-calorie alcoholic options for those who want to indulge without compromising their health. When choosing a drink, opt for clear hard alcohol like vodka, gin, tequila, or white rum, which tend to be lower in calories. Pair these with zero-calorie mixers like soda, selzter, or diet tonic to further reduce calorie intake. Additionally, consider using fresh fruit or herbs to add flavour instead of sugar or syrup. For wine lovers, a white wine spritzer made with club soda is a good choice, and if you're craving a beer, opt for a light beer, which usually has fewer calories. Ultimately, the key is to enjoy alcohol in moderation and be mindful of the mixers and additives used to keep the calorie count low.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lowest-calorie spirits | Vodka, tequila, gin, rum, whiskey |
| Lowest-calorie mixers | Sparkling water, diet soda, tonic water, seltzer, club soda |
| High-calorie mixers | Fruit juices, syrups, sugar |
| Lowest-calorie cocktails | White wine spritzer, Paloma, Cuba Libre, vodka soda |
| Lowest-calorie beers | Light beer, Lagunitas Daytime IPA |
| Lowest-calorie sparkling wine | Prosecco |
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What You'll Learn
Low-calorie spirits and mixers
Vodka is the spirit with the fewest calories, followed closely by tequila. Gin, rum, and whiskey contain around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot, according to FoodData Central. Higher-proof spirits (those with a higher ABV) have more calories.
When it comes to mixers, it's best to avoid tonic water, as it contains added sugar and therefore more calories. Instead, opt for low-calorie or unsweetened mixers like soda water, club soda, or sparkling water, which have minimal to no calories. You can also try using more ice in your drink to reduce the amount of mixer needed.
If you're looking for a simple, low-calorie cocktail, a vodka soda is a great option. It's made with vodka, soda water, and a squeeze of fresh citrus like lemon or lime, and has about 65 calories per ounce of vodka. Another easy option is tequila with lime, which is also very low in calories.
For a more complex cocktail, try a paloma, made with tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice or soda, and a splash of orange bitters. While most recipes call for extra sugar, you can skip this or use a calorie-free sweetener to keep the calorie count down.
If you prefer wine, a white wine spritzer is a good low-calorie option. Simply mix one part club soda with three parts wine, for a refreshing drink with about 75 calories. When it comes to red wine, stick to drier varieties and avoid sweeter options like Moscato or off-dry Rieslings.
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Low-calorie cocktails
When creating low-calorie cocktails, it's important to consider both the calories and the carbohydrates in the ingredients you're using. While most spirits contain zero carbs, mixing them with high-carb drinks (more than 15 grams of carbohydrates per 200 millilitres) can lead to weight gain.
Tips for creating low-calorie cocktails:
- Use low-calorie or unsweetened mixers such as soda water, diet soda, unsweetened tea or coffee, or sugar-free ginger ale.
- Use fresh or seasonal fruit instead of sugar or syrup to sweeten your cocktail. Good options include cantaloupe, lemon, peach, and oranges, as they are relatively low in carbs and calories.
- Mix your drink with sparkling water or seltzer water instead of tonic water, as tonic contains added sugar and more calories.
- Use more ice in your drink to increase the volume without adding calories.
- Adjust the ratio of your ingredients, using less soda or juice and more sparkling water or seltzer.
- Make your own sugar-free simple syrup or use a sugar alternative to sweeten your cocktail without adding calories.
Examples of low-calorie cocktails:
- Vodka soda: Vodka is the lowest-calorie spirit, so mixing it with soda water is a good low-calorie option.
- Tequila with lime: Tequila is a close second to vodka in terms of low calories. Adding lime and club soda creates a refreshing, low-calorie cocktail.
- Rum with diet coke: Switching out regular coke for a diet version is a simple way to cut calories.
- Gin Rickey: Build in a highball glass with gin, juice from half a lime, ice, and seltzer water.
- Skinny Moscow Mule: Use vodka, sugar-free ginger ale, and fresh grapefruit juice for a low-carb, low-calorie cocktail.
- Kombucharita: A twist on the classic margarita, this cocktail uses tequila, lime juice, agave, and kombucha for a fizzy, light, and low-sugar drink.
- Long Island Iced Tea with Diet Coke: This classic cocktail can be made lower in calories by using diet coke instead of regular coke.
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Low-calorie wines
When choosing a low-calorie alcoholic drink, it is best to avoid drinks mixed with simple sugars. Opt instead for drinks like vodka soda, tequila with lime, or rum with diet coke. Vodka is the spirit with the lowest calorie count, with tequila coming in at a close second.
If you are a wine drinker, there are several low-calorie options to choose from. A 5-ounce glass of low-calorie wine typically has 90-125 calories, lower sugar content, and lower alcohol content than a glass of regular wine, which contains 120-160 calories.
One of the best low-calorie white wines is Vidiano, a biodynamic wine from Greece with only 84 calories per 125ml serving. It is also organic and low in sulfites, so you are less likely to get a headache from drinking it. Rosé lovers might want to try Oddbird Sparkling Rosé, which has only 19 calories per serving.
Other low-calorie wines include:
- Chardonnay: A 148ml serving of this varietal has 103 calories, 0g sugar, 2.5g carbs, and 11.6% ABV.
- Pinot Noir: A 148ml glass of this light-bodied red wine has 80 calories, 0.5g sugar, 4.5g carbs, and 8% ABV.
- Sparkling wine: A 148ml glass of this bubbly, made from the Glera grape variety with small quantities of Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, has 84 calories and 11% ABV.
- Sparkling rosé: A 148ml glass of this wine has 85 calories and 9.6% ABV.
- Chenin Blanc: A 148ml serving of this light-bodied white wine has 104 calories, 0.07g sugar, 3.6g carbs, and 12% ABV.
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Low-calorie beers
When it comes to low-calorie beers, there are plenty of options available, from lagers to stouts and even gluten-free varieties. Here are some popular choices:
Modelo Oro
Modelo Oro is often regarded as one of the best-tasting beers in the ultra-light/low-calorie category. It offers a refreshing drinking experience without compromising on flavor.
Bell's Light Hearted Ale
Bell's Light Hearted Ale is a fantastic option for those seeking a "light drinking" beer. It has a surprisingly low ABV while maintaining a hoppy flavor profile.
Blue Moon Light Sky
Blue Moon Light Sky is a refreshing choice, offering a unique orange wheat flavor. With less than 100 calories and just over 3g of carbs, it's a perfect summer drink.
Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA
The Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty IPA is a great low-calorie IPA, with only 95 calories per serving. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for a flavorful yet low-calorie beer.
Athletic Lite
Athletic Lite is an excellent choice for those prioritizing calorie content over alcohol content. With only 25 calories, it's a smart option for those who enjoy the taste of beer but want to minimize their calorie intake.
In addition to these options, there are several other low-calorie beers available, such as Guinness, Yuengling Light Lager, and Anderson Valley Black Rice Ale. The market for low-calorie craft beers has seen a boom in recent years, so you're sure to find something that suits your taste preferences.
Remember, while these beers offer a reduced calorie count, excessive alcohol intake is associated with health risks. It's always important to consume alcohol in moderation and be mindful of your overall health and well-being.
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Calorie-reducing tricks
Alcohol is both a toxin and an inflammatory substance for our bodies. It can cause a water weight increase and is full of calories, which can lead to weight gain. However, this does not mean that you have to give up alcohol altogether. Choosing low-calorie alcoholic drinks and skipping sugary mixers can help minimise the extra calories you consume. Here are some tricks to reduce calories when drinking alcohol:
Choose low-calorie alcoholic drinks
Vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and whiskey are all low-calorie alcohols, with about 100 calories in 1.5 ounces. Light beer is also a good choice, with fewer calories and a lower alcohol content than regular beer. Hard seltzer is another refreshing, low-calorie alternative to cocktails, beers, and mixed drinks.
Skip sugary mixers
Instead of mixing your alcohol with sugary drinks or tonic water, opt for low-calorie or unsweetened mixers like soda, diet soda, or tonic water. You can also try mixing your drink with sparkling water or adding more ice to dilute the drink.
Use fresh or seasonal fruit instead of sugar or syrup
When creating cocktails, consider using fresh or seasonal fruit instead of sugar or syrup to sweeten your drink. Fruits like cantaloupe, lemon, peach, and oranges are relatively low in carbs and calories. You can also use herbs like mint and basil to add extra flavor without adding calories.
Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
If you're watching your weight, it's a good idea to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to keep your calorie intake in check. You can also try making your own mocktails at home using low-calorie or no-calorie ingredients.
Limit your drinking
If you're trying to lose weight, it's important to limit your drinking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. However, if you're trying to lose weight, you may need to limit your drinking even further.
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Frequently asked questions
Vodka is the lowest-calorie spirit, followed closely by tequila. Clear hard alcohol such as gin, white rum, and vodka are also low-calorie options. To keep the calories and carbs low, avoid sugary mixers and opt for low-calorie or sugar-free alternatives.
Some low-calorie mixers include soda, tonic water, sparkling water, and diet soda. You can also add fresh fruit such as lemon or lime wedges, or muddle fruits and herbs to add natural flavour.
Yes, hard seltzer is a refreshing, low-calorie alternative to cocktails, beers, and mixed drinks. White wine spritzers are also a great low-calorie option, as they can be made with just a small amount of wine and topped up with club soda or sparkling water.
Light beer typically has fewer calories and a lower alcohol content than regular beer. Additionally, prosecco is a bubbly and fruity drink that is relatively low in calories, with around 128 calories per 6-ounce glass.
