Lower-calorie choices for alcoholic drinks


Definition

Cocktails are alcoholic drinks. They consist of one or more types of spirits mixed with other ingredients. They are sometimes called mixed drinks. Beer and wine are other forms of alcoholic beverages.

Cocktails contain extra calories that you may not have been counting if you are trying to lose weight. Cutting back on how much you drink and choosing lower-calorie options may help to avoid undesired weight gain and improve your overall health.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines a standard drink as a drink containing roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol. This amount can be found in:

Alternative Names

Low-calorie spirits; Low-calorie mixed drinks; Low-calorie alcohol; Low-calorie alcoholic beverages; Weight loss - low-calorie cocktails; Obesity - low-calorie cocktails

Information

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OPTIONS

For beer and wine, try choosing lower-calorie options, such as:

Limit higher-calorie options, such as:

Keep in mind that "craft" beers often contain more calories than commercial beers. This is because they may have more carbohydrates and extra ingredients that add up to a richer flavor -- and more calories.

To get an idea of how many calories are in a can or bottle of beer, read the label and pay attention to:

Choose beers that have fewer calories per serving and pay attention to how many servings are in the bottle or can.

Beers that have a higher ABV number will have more calories.

Many restaurants and bars serve beer in a pint, which is 16 oz and therefore contains more beer and calories than a 12-ounce (355 mL) glass. (For example, a pint of Guinness contains 210 calories.) So order a half pint or smaller pours instead.

Distilled spirits and liqueurs are often mixed with other juices and mixes to make cocktails. They are the base of the drink.

One "shot" (1.5 oz or 45 mL) of:

The calories in common mixed drinks as they are typically served are below:

Pay attention to the size of your drink since this will affect its caloric content.

Mixers can add up in terms of calories. It is best to choose fresh, mixed drinks with low-sugar sweeteners, herbs, whole fruits, and vegetable mixers. If you enjoy mixed drinks, think about how you can use fresh, low-calorie mixers for taste. Almost anything can be put in your blender and added to a distilled spirit.

TIPS FOR WATCHING YOUR CALORIES

Here are some tips for watching your calories:

Look for nutrition facts labels on bottles and cans of alcohol.

WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Talk with your provider if you are having trouble controlling your drinking.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Rethink your drink. www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/rethink-your-drink/. December 27, 2023. Accessed August 13, 2024.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website. What is a standard drink? www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink. Accessed May 10, 2024.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website. Alcohol calorie calculator. www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/tools/calculators/calorie-calculator.aspx. Accessed May 10, 2024.


Review Date: 5/14/2024
Reviewed By: Stefania Manetti, RDN, CDCES, RYT200, My Vita Sana LLC - Nourish and heal through food, San Jose, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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