How Many Calories Are in a Long Drink of Peach? A Comprehensive Guide

Ready-to-drink (RTD) peach long drinks can contain as few as 99 calories per can, while a homemade version with a standard peach liqueur and sugary mixer can exceed 200 calories. The total calorie count is heavily influenced by the specific ingredients and proportions used.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a peach long drink varies widely, depending on the alcohol type, mixers, and whether it's a ready-to-drink canned version or a homemade concoction.

Key Points

• Variable Calories: The calorie count for a peach long drink depends heavily on the specific ingredients and whether it's a ready-to-drink can or a homemade mix.

• Mixers are Key: Sugary mixers like juice can dramatically increase the calorie count, while zero-sugar options or soda water keep it low.

• Ready-to-Drink Options: Canned versions, particularly 'zero sugar' lines, are the lowest calorie options, often under 100 calories per serving.

• Alcohol Matters: The base spirit's proof and sugar content affect calories. Pure spirits have calories from alcohol only (7 kcal/gram), while liqueurs add sugar.

• Control Your Creation: For homemade drinks, use unsweetened spirits and zero-calorie mixers. Flavor can be added with fresh fruit instead of syrups.

What is a Peach Long Drink?

Originating in Finland for the 1952 Summer Games, the original long drink was a simple, refreshing mix of gin and grapefruit soda. The concept has since been expanded to include a variety of spirits and fruit flavors, including peach. Today, a peach long drink can refer to several different preparations:

• A ready-to-drink (RTD) canned beverage, which typically contains a blend of gin or vodka, real fruit juice or flavoring, and is often sparkling.
• A homemade cocktail mixing a peach-flavored spirit, such as peach schnapps or peach vodka, with mixers like juice, soda, or tonic water.
• A simple highball made with peach-flavored liquor and a splash of soda water.

The calorie content differs significantly based on which of these varieties you are enjoying.

Decoding the Calories: The Key Ingredients

The calorie load of any alcoholic beverage is primarily derived from the alcohol itself, with additional calories coming from mixers and added sweeteners. Understanding the caloric contribution of each component is key to knowing how many calories are in your peach long drink. One gram of pure alcohol contains about 7 calories. For comparison, fat has 9 calories per gram, while carbohydrates and protein have 4 calories per gram.

Caloric Breakdown of Common Ingredients:

• Alcohol: Higher proof liquors will contribute more calories. A standard 1.5 fl oz (45 ml) shot of 80-proof spirit (like gin or vodka) is approximately 97 calories. Peach schnapps, a lower-proof liqueur, contains sugar, so its calorie count is different from a straight spirit.
• Mixers: This is where calories can escalate quickly. Standard fruit juices and regular sodas are high in sugar and calories. Using diet sodas or low-calorie mixers can drastically reduce the total calorie count.
• Flavorings and Syrups: Adding extra peach syrups or grenadine for flavor and color can introduce significant amounts of sugar and calories. Using fresh fruit or a sugar-free alternative can mitigate this.

Calorie Breakdown of Common Peach Long Drink Versions

Different preparation methods lead to very different calorie totals. Here’s a look at some common variations and their approximate calorie counts.

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Canned Peach Long Drinks

For those who prefer convenience, canned options are widely available and their calorie counts are clearly labeled. For instance:

• The Long Drink Company Peach Cocktail advertises around 110 calories per 12 oz can.
• The Long Drink Zero Sugar Peach offers an even lower option, with just 99 calories and 0g of sugar per can.

Standard Homemade Peach Long Drink

This is a cocktail typically made with a peach-flavored liqueur and a mixer. A popular example is a variation of the 'Woo Woo' or a similar peach and cranberry concoction. A typical recipe might use peach schnapps and cranberry juice. With schnapps containing sugar and fruit juice also being high in sugar, the calorie count can be substantial. A similar drink, a Peach and Cranberry Sangria, was calculated to have 196 calories. Depending on the glass size and proportions, a homemade version could easily reach or exceed 200 calories.

Low-Calorie Homemade Peach Long Drink

To reduce calories, one can choose zero-sugar mixers and opt for a higher-proof, unsweetened peach vodka. Since vodka has 0g of sugar, the calorie content comes purely from the alcohol. Combining peach vodka with a diet ginger ale or soda water would significantly cut down on calories. The calories would primarily come from the spirit, plus a minimal amount from any added fresh fruit.

Calorie Comparison of Peach Long Drinks

This table illustrates how ingredients impact the final calorie count.

Drink Type	Primary Alcohol	Mixer	Estimated Calories	Notes
RTD Canned (Standard)	Gin or Vodka	Juice, Soda	110-150 calories	Precise nutritional facts are typically labeled.
RTD Canned (Zero Sugar)	Gin or Vodka	Artificial Sweetener, Soda	~99 calories	No added sugar, lowest calorie option.
Homemade Standard Cocktail	Peach Schnapps	Cranberry Juice, Soda	180-250+ calories	High in added sugar and fruit juice calories.
Homemade Low-Calorie	Peach Vodka (0 sugar)	Diet Ginger Ale, Soda Water	~120-150 calories	Calories mostly from alcohol; assumes a 1.5 fl oz serving.

Tips for a Lower-Calorie Peach Long Drink

For those looking to enjoy a peach long drink without excessive calories, several strategies can be employed:

• Choose a Low-Sugar Spirit: Opt for a regular vodka infused with a few peach slices instead of a sweet peach schnapps or premixed liqueur.
• Select Diet Mixers: Always choose diet sodas, sugar-free tonic water, or soda water instead of their regular, sugar-laden counterparts.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Muddle fresh peach slices or a few berries for natural flavor without the high calories of syrups.
• Control Portions: Use a measuring cup to pour your alcohol and mixers. This helps prevent overpouring and adds consistency to your calorie tracking.
• Incorporate Water: Use sparkling water to top off your drink, adding fizz and volume without adding calories.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a peach long drink is highly variable, ranging from under 100 in a zero-sugar, ready-to-drink can to over 200 in a standard, homemade cocktail. The primary factors influencing this number are the type of alcohol used, the sugar content of the mixers, and the overall portion size. By making mindful choices about your ingredients, such as opting for a zero-sugar spirit and diet mixers, you can significantly reduce the calorie impact without sacrificing the enjoyable peach flavor.

For more information on alcohol calories, consult an authoritative resource such as Alcohol Change UK, which provides detailed guidance on the caloric content of various drinks.

How to create a low-calorie peach long drink at home

Creating your own drink allows for precise calorie control. Here are the steps:

1. Select your base spirit: Choose a clear, unsweetened spirit like gin or vodka. The calorie count per 1.5oz shot will be around 97 calories.
2. Add natural peach flavor: Muddle a few fresh peach slices at the bottom of your glass. This provides flavor and a hint of sweetness without refined sugar.
3. Choose a zero-calorie mixer: Use soda water, diet tonic water, or diet ginger ale to fill your glass. These add fizz and volume without extra calories.
4. Consider a garnish: Add a wedge of lemon or a sprig of mint for extra aroma and flavor, keeping calories to a minimum.
5. Calculate the total: The total calories will simply be the calories from your base spirit. Enjoy your drink, knowing you've made a healthier choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are canned peach long drinks healthier than homemade ones?

Not necessarily. Many canned RTDs, especially the zero-sugar versions, have very low calories (around 99). However, a homemade drink can be just as low in calories if you use an unsweetened spirit like peach vodka and zero-calorie mixers.

How many calories are in peach schnapps?

Peach schnapps is a sweetened liqueur, so its calorie count is higher than an unflavored spirit of the same volume. The total calories depend on the brand, but a shot can have upwards of 100 calories or more due to its high sugar content.

What's the best low-calorie mixer for a peach long drink?

The best low-calorie mixers are soda water, diet tonic water, or diet ginger ale. These options add fizz without the high sugar and calories found in regular juices and sodas.

Does using fresh peach instead of juice reduce calories?

Yes. Muddled fresh fruit provides flavor with less sugar and fewer calories than the concentrated sugar found in most fruit juices. It is a much healthier option for adding authentic peach taste.

Is a peach-flavored vodka drink lower in calories than a peach schnapps cocktail?

Generally, yes. Unsweetened peach-flavored vodka contains no sugar, so its calories come only from the alcohol. A peach schnapps cocktail uses a sweetened liqueur, which increases the total calorie count.

Does alcohol have calories?

Yes. One gram of pure alcohol contains approximately 7 calories. This is a significant source of calories in any alcoholic beverage, separate from any sugars or other ingredients in the drink.

How can I find the most accurate calorie count for my specific long drink?

The most accurate method is to calculate it yourself. Measure the volume of your spirit and each mixer, find their individual calorie counts (which are often available online), and add them together. For RTD cans, the nutritional facts are printed on the packaging.