What's the Best Alcoholic Drink for Low Calories?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, moderate drinkers have lower mortality rates compared to heavy drinkers. While moderation is key, for those watching their waistline, knowing what's the best alcoholic drink for low calories is crucial to enjoying a night out without derailing your diet.

Quick Summary

This comprehensive guide explores low-calorie alcoholic options, comparing the calorie counts of different types of alcohol like spirits, wine, and beer. It offers practical advice on choosing beverages and mixers to minimize calorie intake, along with delicious low-calorie cocktail recipes for diet-conscious drinkers.

Key Points

Spirits are generally lowest in calories per serving.: A standard shot (1.5 oz) of 80-proof vodka, gin, rum, or tequila contains under 100 calories.
Avoid sugary mixers to save calories.: Calorie-laden mixers like juice, soda, and syrup can dramatically increase a drink's total calorie count.
Opt for zero-calorie mixers.: Club soda, soda water, diet tonic, and a squeeze of fresh citrus are excellent, low-calorie alternatives.
Dry wine is a good moderate choice.: A 5 oz glass of dry red or white wine has around 120-125 calories, offering a balanced option.
Light beer is best for beer lovers.: Light beer options typically contain around 100 calories per bottle, far less than regular beer.
DIY cocktails offer maximum control.: Making your own low-calorie cocktails at home ensures you know exactly what's in your drink.

Understanding the Calories in Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages contain calories, primarily from the ethanol itself, and from any added sugars, starches, or mixers. A shot (1.5 ounces) of standard 80-proof liquor, such as vodka, gin, rum, or tequila, contains approximately 97 calories. By understanding the sources of calories, you can make smarter choices.

The Role of Mixers

One of the most significant factors in determining the final calorie count of a mixed drink is the mixer. A 1.5-ounce shot of vodka mixed with a standard cranberry juice cocktail can jump from under 100 calories to over 200 calories. In contrast, using a zero-calorie mixer like soda water with a squeeze of lime keeps the total calorie count near the base spirit's value.

Comparing Spirits, Wine, and Beer

When it comes to pure alcohol, stronger spirits contain more calories per volume than beer or wine. However, serving sizes are key. A typical 1.5-ounce shot of spirits is significantly smaller than a 12-ounce bottle of beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine. A light beer typically contains around 108 calories, while a glass of red or white wine averages 120-125 calories. Therefore, choosing a low-calorie alcohol depends heavily on both the drink itself and the portion size.

Best Choices for Low-Calorie Drinking

Spirits with Zero-Calorie Mixers: A simple vodka soda, gin and tonic with slimline tonic, or a tequila and soda are excellent choices. Spirits have no carbs and few calories on their own, and pairing them with a zero-calorie mixer keeps the drink light.
Dry Wines and Champagne: A 5-ounce glass of dry wine (red or white) contains about 120-125 calories, while a 4-ounce glass of champagne is even lower, at around 84 calories. Drier options generally have less sugar and, therefore, fewer calories.
Light Beer: For beer drinkers, light beer is the best option, often containing around 100 calories per 12-ounce bottle. This provides a satisfying beer experience with a fraction of the calories of a regular craft beer.
Wine Spritzers: A white wine spritzer, made with wine and club soda, can cut the calorie count significantly while still providing a crisp, refreshing drink.

Low-Calorie Cocktail Recipes

Making your own cocktails at home allows for total control over ingredients and calorie count. Here are a few simple recipes:

Vodka and Soda with Lime: Combine 1.5 oz vodka with 4-6 oz sparkling water or club soda over ice. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Skinny Margarita: Mix 1.5 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and a splash of orange juice over ice. Use a sugar-free sweetener if desired. Serve in a salt-rimmed glass.
White Wine Spritzer: Combine 5 oz dry white wine with a generous splash of soda water over ice. Garnish with an orange or lemon slice.

Comparison of Common Alcoholic Drinks by Calories


Drink (Serving Size)	Approx. Calories	Best for Calorie-Counting?
1.5 oz 80-Proof Spirits (e.g., Vodka)	97	Yes, with zero-calorie mixers
12 oz Light Beer	108	Yes, a solid choice for beer drinkers
5 oz Dry Wine (Red or White)	120-125	Yes, a moderate and satisfying option
4 oz Champagne	~84	Yes, one of the lowest options
8 oz Vodka Tonic (with regular tonic)	200	No, mixers add significant calories
8 oz Margarita (standard)	~280	No, high in sugar and calories

Making Conscious Decisions

Choosing a low-calorie alcohol is a conscious decision that requires attention to detail. Always consider the following factors:

Read Labels: For pre-mixed beverages, canned cocktails, or bottled mixers, always check the nutrition label for sugar and calorie content.
Order Smart at the Bar: When ordering mixed drinks, specify a zero-calorie mixer like club soda or diet soda. Ask for a squeeze of fresh citrus instead of sugary syrups.
Drink in Moderation: Regardless of the calorie count, excessive alcohol consumption is linked to numerous health issues. The healthiest approach is always to enjoy alcohol in moderation.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water between alcoholic beverages can help you consume less overall and mitigate the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

Conclusion

The quest for the best alcoholic drink for low calories leads to a few clear winners: spirits paired with zero-calorie mixers, dry wines, and light beers. The key is avoiding high-sugar mixers and keeping portion sizes in check. By being mindful of your choices, you can enjoy a drink without undoing your efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The lowest-calorie option per drink is typically a 1.5 oz shot of spirits mixed with soda water and a squeeze of lime, keeping the total under 100 calories. Ultimately, the best choice is the one you enjoy most, consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain, distilled spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and tequila have the lowest calories per ounce, averaging around 97 calories for a 1.5-ounce serving.

Yes, light beers are a much better option for weight loss compared to regular beer. They typically have fewer calories, with some containing around 100 calories per serving.

A great low-calorie mixed drink is a vodka soda with a squeeze of lime. It contains just the calories from the vodka and none from the mixer, keeping the drink under 100 calories.

A standard 5-ounce glass of wine (120-125 calories) has fewer calories than a standard 12-ounce can of regular beer (156 calories), but more than a 12-ounce can of light beer (108 calories).

To reduce calories, use zero-calorie mixers like club soda, diet soda, or diet tonic. You can also flavor your drinks with a splash of fresh juice or a squeeze of citrus instead of sugary syrups.

Yes, champagne is a relatively low-calorie alcohol choice. A 4-ounce glass contains approximately 84 calories, making it a festive and guilt-free option.

Look for drinks with lower alcohol by volume (ABV), avoid high-sugar mixers and syrups, and be mindful of your overall portion size to keep calorie counts in check.