Mason Delacroix
Alcoholic drinks are often loaded with calories and added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. However, this does not mean that you have to give up drinking entirely to stay healthy. Many low-calorie alcoholic beverages are available, such as hard seltzers, light beers, and clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila. These drinks are lower in calories when paired with zero-calorie mixers like soda water, diet tonic, or fresh lime juice. Additionally, you can reduce the calorie count of your favourite drinks by making them at home, using fresh herbs and fruits instead of sugary mixers, and watching your portion sizes. So, whether you're counting calories or just want to enjoy a drink without the guilt, there are plenty of options to choose from!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lowest calorie alcoholic beverage | Vodka |
| Calories in a 1.5-ounce shot of vodka | 97 calories |
| Calories in a 25ml shot of Smirnoff vodka | 56 calories |
| Calories in a 25ml shot of Captain Morgan's spiced rum | 50 calories |
| Calories in a 12-ounce light beer | 90-100 calories |
| Calories in a 12-ounce can of sugar-free Red Bull mixed with vodka | 125 calories |
| Calories in a 7.5-ounce rum and Diet Coke | 135 calories |
| Calories in a 12-ounce mango hard seltzer | 100 calories |
| Calories in a 12-ounce White Claw | 100 calories |
| Calories in a 12-ounce tequila and lime | Few |
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Vodka and soda
If you're looking for a low-calorie alcoholic drink, vodka and soda water is a great option. This simple cocktail contains just 133 calories for a 225-gram serving (approximately 8 ounces), making it a good choice if you're watching your weight but still want to enjoy a drink.
The key to keeping the calorie count low is to stick to a standard serving size and avoid adding extra ingredients that can increase the calorie content. For example, a single shot of vodka (1.5 ounces or 45 milliliters) contains about 100 calories, so a vodka and soda with a standard 2-ounce vodka pour will be slightly higher in calories. However, if you're looking to cut calories even further, you can use a lighter pour or opt for a low-calorie vodka.
To give your drink a little extra flavor without adding calories, you can add a slice of lemon or lime, or even switch out the soda water for a fruit-flavored seltzer water. These simple additions can enhance your drink without increasing the calorie count.
Compared to other alcoholic beverages, vodka and soda is a relatively low-calorie option. For example, a 12-ounce bottle of light beer typically contains 105 calories, while a regular beer has 145 calories. A 5-ounce glass of white wine has 120 calories, and a similar-sized glass of red wine has 125 calories. So, if you're looking for a refreshing and low-calorie alcoholic drink, vodka and soda is a great choice.
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Light beer
The number of calories in light beer can vary depending on the brand and flavour, but generally, a 12-ounce (360-mL) can of light beer contains around 80-100 calories. For example, Kirin Ichiban's light beer has only 90 calories per bottle, while Bud Light contains 110 calories per 12 ounces. Some light beers, like Miller 64, contain as few as 64 calories per serving, although this is on the lower end of the spectrum.
Remember, while light beer is a lower-calorie option, it's important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Hard seltzers
While hard seltzers are lower in calories and carbs, dietitians advise that they should still be consumed in moderation. The drinks are easy to consume and lack the filling effect of beer, making it easy to drink too many. The calories and alcohol content can add up, affecting both short-term judgment and long-term health if consumed in excess.
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Low-calorie mixers
When it comes to alcoholic drinks, it's not just the alcohol itself that can increase your calorie count—the mixers you use can have a big impact, too. Many alcoholic drinks are full of added sugars, which usually means they are also high in empty calories. However, there are plenty of low-calorie mixers that can be used instead.
One of the easiest ways to cut calories from your drinks is to mix them with sparkling water. Most sparkling water brands contain zero calories and zero sugar, making them an ideal replacement for sugary mixers. If you're looking for a mixer with a bit more flavour, diet sodas and sugar-free syrups are also a good option. For example, Sprite Zero is a popular low-calorie mixer that can be used in place of regular Sprite. Similarly, Coke Zero can be used in place of Coca-Cola when making a rum and Coke, reducing the calorie count from 200 to 135 per 7.5-ounce (225-mL) serving.
Fresh fruit is another great way to add flavour to your drinks without adding too many calories. Fruits like cantaloupe, lemon, peach, and oranges are relatively low in carbs and calories. You can also use frozen fruit, but be sure to read the nutrition label, as some frozen fruits are loaded with sugar. In addition to fruit, fresh herbs can be used to enhance the flavour of your drinks.
If you're looking for a low-calorie alternative to beer, light beer is a good option. It often has fewer calories and a lower alcohol content than regular beer. Michelob Ultra, for example, has just 95 calories per 12-ounce beer.
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Low-calorie cocktails
When it comes to alcoholic drinks, it is a well-known fact that they are loaded with calories and added sugar, which can contribute to health issues in the long run. However, there are many low-calorie alcoholic beverages and cocktails that can be enjoyed without compromising on taste. Here are some tips and recipes for low-calorie cocktails:
Tips for Low-Calorie Cocktails
- Use low-calorie mixers: Mix drinks with low-calorie options such as soda water, diet soda, unsweetened tea or coffee, or sparkling water.
- Choose spirits wisely: Spirits like vodka, tequila, rum, gin, and whiskey tend to have the lowest calories.
- Avoid sugar: Skip the sugar or use a calorie-free sweetener, such as sugar-free simple syrup or sugar-free maple syrup, to add sweetness without the extra calories.
- Fruit it up: Use seasonal fruits like lemon, lime, peach, oranges, or even frozen fruit instead of sugar to enhance the flavour.
- Watch your intake: While these cocktails are low in calories, excessive consumption will still lead to weight gain. Enjoy in moderation and pair with a healthy snack.
Low-Calorie Cocktail Recipes
- Gin Rickey: A refreshing cocktail made with gin, carbonated water, and lime.
- Rainwater: Also known as "ranch water," this cocktail includes tequila, lime, and a tajin rim, sometimes with a jalapeño twist.
- Long Island Iced Tea: Use Diet Coke instead of regular Coke to cut down on calories.
- Moscow Mule: Use sugar-free ginger ale and vodka for a low-carb drink.
- Vodka Seltzer: A simple and low-calorie cocktail with vodka, seltzer water, and hints of lemon, lime, or ginger.
- Skinny Moscow Mule: A low-sugar variation made with fresh grapefruit juice and a low-sugar ginger beer.
- Margarita: Tequila, lime juice, and agave are shaken with ice and served for a fizzy and light cocktail.
- Kombucharita: A margarita with a twist, using kombucha instead of soda for added probiotics.
- Espresso Martini: A classic cocktail that is surprisingly low in calories.
- White Wine Spritzer: A refreshing cocktail made with one part club soda and three parts wine, typically sauvignon blanc, riesling, or pinot grigio.
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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, tequila, and gin usually have around 60–105 calories per 1 oz shot.
Some low-calorie alcoholic drinks include:
- Vodka with plain seltzer, zero-calorie soda, or water with a zero-calorie drink mix powder
- Tequila with club soda, coconut water, or lime
- Light beer
- Champagne
To make your alcoholic drinks lower in calories, you can:
- Choose low-calorie drinks, limit sugary mixers, and watch portion sizes
- Use fresh or frozen fruit instead of sugar or syrup to sweeten your drinks
- Mix your drink with sparkling water or diet soda
