8 Alcoholic Drinks Ranked From Most Calories to Least

By Anthea Levi
November 21, 2018
Credit: TS Photography/Getty Images
Wine? Beer? Mixed drink? Here’s our guide to choosing the healthiest sips at holiday parties.
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What's the lowest calorie alcohol?

News flash: A single night out can cost you a shocking 1,000 calories in alcohol alone. During this season’s flurry of festivities, those liquid calories can add up fast–and that’s before you even get to holiday party snacks, sweets, and the heavy breakfast to cure your next-day hangover. Before you know it, you’ve sabotaged the desk lunches you diligently meal prep every week.

The good news is that you don’t need to swap your chardonnay for seltzer at every social gathering (though alternating between non-alcoholic and boozy beverages during the night is always a smart idea). Just make wiser decisions when it comes to choosing what to drink.

RELATED: 7 Ways to Keep Alcohol From Ruining Your Diet

Here, Health’s contributing nutrition editor Cynthia Sass, RD, walks us through the highest- and lowest-calorie beverages you can order at the bar–whether you’re at your company’s end-of-year gathering, out with friends, or just whipping something up at home for the holidays.

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Margarita

Here’s a healthier way to enjoy your evening cocktail. By using avocado, mango, and orange juice you’ll get a big dose of essential vitamins and minerals that help fight wrinkles and cancer. Watch the video to see a demonstration.

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Gin and tonic

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142 calories per 1.5 oz. gin, 4.5 oz. tonic

Don’t let the word “water” fool you: Tonic water is generally made with high-fructose corn syrup, the same sweetener that’s found in cola. A 12-ounce can of tonic contains eight teaspoons of added sugar. Opt for sugar-free seltzer or club soda for a hit of bubbles instead.

RELATED: 8 Low-Calorie Cocktails That Will Help You Stick to Your Healthy Eating Goals

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Red wine

Yes, small amounts of alcohol, including wine, are thought to be good for your health. But are you sabotaging yourself with a heavy-handed pour? It's all too easy, and common, to consume too much. Watch this video to find easy ways to stick with the recommended serving size of wine, every time.

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Martini

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124 calories per 2.25-oz. serving

Because a classic martini is made from just gin and vermouth, a type of fortified European wine, it’s not exactly nourishing, Sass says.

Keep in mind that all types of alcohol have been shown to increase breast cancer risk, even when consumed in moderation.

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White wine

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121 calories per 5 oz.

A glass of chilled white wine can be totally refreshing during this hectic time of year, but pick the type you sip on carefully. Dry white wines, such as a sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, tend to have lower sugar content. Sweeter varieties like Riesling could have closer to 165 calories per serving.

RELATED: 15 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

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Light beer

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103 per 12 oz.

Beer’s often thought of as the ultimate bloat-bringer, but it may not be all that bad. In one study of over 70,000 women, researchers found that those who drank moderate amounts of beer had lower blood pressure than those who drank wine or spirits. “Beers contain several B vitamins,” explains Sass. “A 12-ounce beer also packs more calcium, magnesium, and selenium, which is a key antioxidant, than a serving of wine.” The regular version will set you back closer to 160 calories per 12 ounces.

RELATED: The Hangover Cures Health Editors, Experts, and Influencers Actually Use

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Vodka soda

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97 calories per 1.5 oz. vodka

Sure, it’s a little basic, but a vodka soda may be your healthiest choice if you’re in the mood for hard alcohol. When you combine a shot of vodka with seltzer, you skirt excess calories—and a nasty hangover. “Soda water or club soda is calorie-free since it’s just bubbly water,” explains Sass. “It’s also a good cocktail mixer because it hydrates and contains no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Plus, the bubbles may slow you down so you don’t slam the drink.”

RELATED: The Alcohol You Can Actually Drink on the Keto Diet

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Champagne

Searching for a cocktail that’s just peachy? Look no further. This peach melba cocktail is made from raspberries that are packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants and a dollop of peach nectar for sweetness. Watch the video to see how simple it is to make the champagne-based cocktail in your kitchen.

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By Anthea Levi