What is the lowest calorie drink to order at a bar?

A standard, sugary cocktail like a piña colada can contain over 300 calories, but finding what is the lowest calorie drink to order at a bar is much simpler if you know the right formula. The key is to combine a basic spirit with a zero-calorie mixer, effectively keeping your total calorie intake minimal while still enjoying a refreshing alcoholic beverage.

Quick Summary

The lowest calorie bar drink is typically a base spirit, like vodka, mixed with zero-calorie club soda and a citrus garnish. Options also include light beers, hard seltzers, dry champagne, and wine spritzers. Reducing sugar from mixers is key to lowering the calorie count of any cocktail.

Key Points

• Vodka Soda is the Lowest: A shot of vodka with zero-calorie club soda and a lime is one of the most reliable and lowest-calorie drink orders, totaling around 100 calories.

• Spirits are Low-Calorie on Their Own: The calories in liquor come from the alcohol itself; vodka, gin, tequila, and rum have comparable low-calorie counts when served neat.

• Mixers are the Problem: High-calorie cocktails get their bulk from sugary mixers like soda, syrups, and fruit juices, not the base spirit.

• Opt for Diet Mixers: To make popular drinks like a Gin & Tonic or Rum & Coke low-cal, simply ask for the diet or zero-sugar mixer version.

• Consider Light Beer or Seltzer: For beer drinkers, light beers and hard seltzers are excellent low-calorie alternatives to heavier craft beers or high-ABV options.

• Request 'Skinny' or 'No Syrup': To lighten cocktails like mojitos or margaritas, ask for no added sugar or simple syrup.

• Hydrate Between Drinks: Alternating between alcoholic beverages and water or club soda can help you stay hydrated and manage overall calorie intake.

The Undisputed Winner: A Spirit and Club Soda

When it comes to pure calorie efficiency, a simple spirit mixed with a zero-calorie mixer is the clear winner. The standard go-to is a Vodka Soda with Lime, which is typically the lowest calorie drink to order at a bar. Here's why this formula works so well:

• The Spirit: A 1.5 oz shot (or 45 ml) of 80-proof vodka contains around 97 calories, with virtually zero sugar or carbohydrates. Other clear spirits like gin, tequila, and white rum are in the same low-calorie range.
• The Mixer: Club soda (or seltzer water) is simply carbonated water with no calories, carbs, or sugar. This provides the volume and fizz of a mixed drink without adding a single calorie.
• The Garnish: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds flavor for a minimal calorie cost, typically around 10 calories for a full half-ounce.

Expanding Your Low-Calorie Horizons

Beyond the vodka soda, there are several other excellent low-calorie options available at most bars, proving you don't have to sacrifice variety for your diet.

• Light Beer and Hard Seltzers: For those who prefer beer or something ready-to-drink, light beers typically range from 90-120 calories per 12 oz, and hard seltzers are often in the 90-100 calorie range per can. Ultra-light beers can go even lower, sometimes under 80 calories.
• Dry Wine and Champagne: A standard 5 oz glass of dry wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir, is around 120-125 calories. Even better, a 4 oz glass of dry champagne is one of the lightest options, coming in at just 85-95 calories.
• Wine Spritzers: To lower the calorie count of wine even further, ask for a spritzer, which simply dilutes wine with zero-calorie club soda.
• Rum and Diet Cola: A low-calorie alternative to the classic Rum and Coke, this version replaces the sugary mixer with a diet soda to keep the calories under 100 per drink.
• Skinny Cocktails: For those who crave the flavor of a cocktail, ask for a 'skinny' version. This involves asking the bartender to omit or reduce the sugar or simple syrup. For example, a skinny margarita made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of agave or zero-calorie sweetener is a much lighter alternative to the traditional sugar-laden mix.

The Calorie Comparison Table

To put these options into perspective, here is a comparison of some popular bar drinks, highlighting why simple is often better for your waistline.

Drink (Standard Serving)	Estimated Calories (Approx.)	Why it's low or high
Vodka Soda w/ Lime	~100	Zero-calorie mixer, minimal calories from spirit.
Light Beer (12 oz)	90-120	Lower alcohol and carbohydrate content.
Dry Champagne (4 oz)	85-95	Lower alcohol by volume and minimal sugar.
Gin & Diet Tonic	~100	Replaces high-calorie regular tonic with diet version.
Dry Red Wine (5 oz)	~125	All calories from the wine, no sugary mixers.
Margarita (Frozen)	300+	Loaded with sugary pre-mixes and syrups.
Pina Colada	380+	Made with sugary syrups and high-calorie cream.
Regular IPA (12 oz)	200+	Higher alcohol content and more carbs than light beer.

How to Order a Smarter Drink at the Bar

Being proactive with your bartender is the best way to ensure your drink is low-calorie. Here are a few essential tips:

• Specify Your Mixer: Always ask for soda water, club soda, or a diet version of a mixer instead of regular soda or sugary juice.
• Request Fresh Citrus: For a flavor boost without the calories, ask for a wedge or squeeze of fresh lemon, lime, or orange.
• Ask for 'No Syrup': Many cocktails use simple syrup or other sugary syrups. You can request that the bartender leave this out entirely.
• Choose a Highball: A highball is a simple drink made of a base spirit and a mixer, like a Scotch and Soda. This is a safe and simple low-calorie formula.
• Control Your Portions: Consider ordering a smaller serving size or alternating between alcoholic and zero-calorie non-alcoholic drinks, such as sparkling water with a twist of lemon. For example, a wine spritzer is a great way to make a single glass of wine last longer and reduce total calorie consumption.

A Savvy Sipper's Conclusion

Making a low-calorie choice at a bar is not about restriction, but about making informed decisions. By understanding that the calories in most drinks come from sugary mixers and not the base spirit, you can easily navigate the menu. The classic spirit and soda water combination is your most reliable option for the lowest calorie drink to order at a bar, but light beers, dry wines, and diet-mixer cocktails also provide plenty of variety for a healthier night out. Being mindful of your choices and communicating clearly with your bartender ensures you can socialize and celebrate without compromising your nutritional goals. For more nutritional information on alcoholic beverages, see this guide from MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lowest calorie alcoholic spirit?

Generally, pure, hard liquors like vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey have the fewest calories per standard serving (1.5 oz), as all their calories come from the alcohol itself, with no added sugars or carbohydrates.

Why is a vodka soda so low in calories?

A vodka soda is low in calories because it combines a low-calorie base spirit (vodka) with a zero-calorie mixer (club soda). The total calorie count comes almost entirely from the vodka itself.

Can I make a mojito low-calorie?

Yes, you can make a mojito low-calorie by asking the bartender to use less or no sugar syrup. Some may use a zero-calorie sweetener instead, keeping the calorie count low while retaining the mint and lime flavors.

Are all hard seltzers low in calories?

Most hard seltzers are low in calories, typically ranging from 90-100 calories per 12 oz. However, some higher-alcohol versions or special flavors might contain more calories, so it's always best to check the label.

What's the difference between light beer and regular beer calories?

Light beers have fewer calories than regular beers because they contain less alcohol and fewer carbohydrates. This can mean a difference of 50-100 calories or more per 12 oz serving.

How can I reduce calories in a fruity cocktail?

To cut calories in fruity cocktails, ask for less sugary juice and more club soda. You can also request fresh fruit muddled or used as a garnish for flavor instead of relying on sweet mixers.

What is a wine spritzer and is it low-calorie?

A wine spritzer is a drink made by mixing wine with club soda or sparkling water. Because it dilutes the wine with a zero-calorie mixer, it is an effective way to reduce the calorie count of your drink.

Are there other low-calorie options besides vodka soda?

Yes, other options include light beers, hard seltzers, dry wines, champagne, and spirits with diet mixers like Rum and Diet Coke or Gin and Diet Tonic.