What is the healthiest alcoholic drink to order at a bar?

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to NHS data, the calories in a large glass of wine can equal a jam doughnut, revealing that many alcoholic beverages are surprisingly high in calories. So, what is the healthiest alcoholic drink to order at a bar without sacrificing your well-being? Choosing wisely involves looking at calories, sugar content, and potential benefits from ingredients like antioxidants.

Quick Summary

This guide ranks the least unhealthy alcoholic drinks and cocktails, providing a breakdown of calories, sugar content, and potential benefits. It includes tips for making smart choices at the bar and offers insight into ingredients to look for and avoid.

Key Points

Prioritize Clear Spirits: Opt for clear liquors like vodka, gin, or tequila mixed with zero-calorie club soda and fresh citrus for minimal calories and sugar.
Choose Dry Wines: Select dry (brut or extra brut) champagne or red wine for lower sugar content and potential antioxidant benefits, but remember to drink in moderation.
Customize Cocktails: Ask for 'skinny' versions of drinks like mojitos or margaritas, which use fresh juice and omit sugary syrups to significantly reduce calories.
Avoid Sugary Mixers: Stay away from creamy cocktails, sodas, and sweetened juices, as they are major sources of hidden calories and sugar.
Hydrate Between Drinks: Alternate each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and help reduce overall alcohol consumption.
Practice Moderation: The single most important factor is moderate consumption. Stick to recommended guidelines to mitigate health risks associated with alcohol.

Navigating the Bar Menu: Making a Smarter Choice

Choosing a healthier alcoholic drink can be a simple matter of knowing which options offer lower calories, minimal sugar, and potentially beneficial compounds like antioxidants. While no alcoholic drink is a 'health food,' some are certainly less detrimental than others, especially when enjoyed in moderation. The key is to understand the composition of different beverages and make informed swaps. For example, a pure spirit mixed with a zero-calorie mixer is almost always a better choice than a cocktail loaded with sugary syrups. Understanding these distinctions empowers you to enjoy a night out while keeping your health goals in mind.

The Healthiest Alcoholic Drinks Ranked

Here is a list of some of the healthiest (or least unhealthy) alcoholic drinks you can order at a bar, along with the reasons they make the list:

Vodka Soda with Lime: This is arguably one of the cleanest and simplest drinks. A standard vodka soda has roughly 100 calories, as vodka contains virtually no carbs or sugar. Paired with calorie-free club soda and a squeeze of fresh lime for vitamin C, it's a refreshing and low-impact choice.
Tequila with Lime: Like vodka, tequila is a pure spirit with a low-calorie count (around 100 calories per 1.5 oz shot) and zero sugar when consumed straight or on the rocks. Some studies suggest that the agave plant from which tequila is made contains compounds that may aid digestion, though this is primarily anecdotal evidence.
Dry Champagne: For celebratory occasions, a glass of dry (brut or extra brut) champagne is a great option. A 4 oz serving contains only about 85-90 calories and minimal sugar compared to sweeter sparkling wines. Its effervescence can also help you feel full faster, encouraging slower consumption.
Light Beer: For beer lovers, switching to a light beer significantly reduces calorie intake compared to regular or craft beers. A 12 oz can of light beer contains between 90 and 120 calories, with lower alcohol by volume. Some light beers also contain B vitamins, though this is not a substitute for a balanced diet.
Red Wine: Often touted for its health benefits, red wine contains potent antioxidants called polyphenols, including resveratrol, which may benefit heart and gut health. A standard 5 oz glass contains about 125 calories. However, moderation is crucial, as high intake can reverse any potential positive effects.

Comparison of Common Bar Drinks

To help you visualize the differences, here is a comparison of common bar drinks based on approximate calorie and sugar content per standard serving.


Drink	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Sugar Content	Key Health Note
Vodka Soda	1.5 oz spirit + soda	100	Minimal/Zero	Pure spirit, zero-calorie mixer.
Light Beer	12 oz	105	Low	Fewer carbs and calories than regular beer.
Dry Champagne	4 oz	85-90	Minimal	Elegant, low-calorie, and effervescent.
Red Wine	5 oz	125	Low	Rich in heart-healthy antioxidants.
Gin & Tonic (Diet)	1.5 oz spirit + diet tonic	98	Minimal/Zero	Classic taste with zero-calorie mixer.
Classic Margarita	4 oz	170+	High	Often contains sugary mix. Opt for skinny version.
Piña Colada	7 oz	380+	Very High	Creamy, sugary, and calorie-dense.

Healthier Cocktail Customizations

If you prefer mixed drinks, you can customize many popular cocktails to make them healthier.

Skinny Margarita: Request a margarita with fresh lime juice and a small amount of agave nectar instead of a pre-made mix, which is often full of sugar.
Mojito (no syrup): A traditional mojito is made with rum, muddled mint, lime juice, and simple syrup. Ask for it to be made with fresh mint, lime, rum, and topped with club soda, skipping the sugar entirely.
Gin Rickey: This simple cocktail features gin, fresh lime juice, and club soda. It’s a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative to a gin and tonic.

Making Smart Choices at the Bar

Be a label reader: Even if you're not at a bar, check labels on pre-mixed drinks, hard seltzers, and kombuchas. Sugar content varies widely, and some options marketed as 'healthy' can still be loaded with sweeteners.
Go clear: Clear spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila tend to contain fewer congeners (compounds that contribute to hangovers) than dark spirits like whiskey or rum. While some dark liquors like whiskey have antioxidants, the overall health impact is minimal.
Request fresh ingredients: Opt for drinks made with fresh citrus juice and herbs over artificial, sugary syrups and concentrated juices. Fresh ingredients add flavor naturally without the extra calories.
Stay hydrated: For every alcoholic drink, try to have a glass of water. This helps slow your consumption and keeps you hydrated, which is essential as alcohol is a diuretic.
Eat something: Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach can intensify its effects. Eating a nutrient-dense meal beforehand can help balance blood sugar and slow alcohol absorption.

The Importance of Moderation

While this article highlights some healthier choices, it is crucial to remember that moderation is the most important factor for overall health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Exceeding these limits can increase the risk of various health problems, including liver disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Ultimately, the healthiest decision is always to drink responsibly, or not at all.

Conclusion

When seeking the healthiest alcoholic drink at a bar, the best strategy is to prioritize simple, low-sugar options. Pure spirits mixed with zero-calorie soda and fresh citrus, dry wines, or light beers are top contenders for those looking to manage calorie and sugar intake. For those who enjoy a bit more complexity, mindful ordering of cocktails with fresh ingredients is key. Remember that regardless of the drink, the volume consumed is the most critical factor for health. By staying mindful and sticking to moderation, you can enjoy social occasions without derailing your wellness journey. Enjoy your next drink responsibly, knowing you made the smartest choice for your body. For more information on responsible drinking, you can consult resources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions

A vodka soda with a squeeze of fresh lime is one of the lowest-calorie mixed drinks you can order, with approximately 100 calories per serving.

Red wine contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which may offer some heart and gut health benefits in moderation. However, excessive consumption can negate these potential positives, and other lifestyle factors are often more influential.

A 'skinny' margarita made with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a small amount of agave nectar is an excellent low-sugar choice. Another option is a mojito prepared with fresh mint and lime, but no simple syrup.

Hard seltzers are generally a healthier, low-calorie alternative to sugary cocktails and beer, typically containing around 90-100 calories per can. It's best to choose brands without added sugar.

Drinks like Piña Coladas, Long Island Iced Teas, and many pre-made mixes are loaded with added sugars and creams, making them very high in calories and detrimental to health goals.

No. The most critical factor for health is moderation, regardless of the drink. Even low-calorie drinks can cause health problems if consumed excessively. Stick to recommended moderate drinking guidelines.

Use zero-calorie mixers like club soda, diet tonic water, sparkling water, and fresh citrus juice (lemon or lime). Avoid regular soda, fruit juices, and sugary pre-made mixes.