For anyone watching their caloric intake, navigating the alcohol aisle can be a minefield of sugary, high-calorie options. The search for the lowest calorie liquor store drink often leads to spirits, but understanding how mixers, brands, and types of alcohol affect the final calorie count is essential.
The Top Contenders: Pure Spirits
Clear, unflavored distilled spirits are consistently the lowest calorie options, especially when served straight, on the rocks, or with zero-calorie mixers. The calorie content in these liquors comes almost entirely from the alcohol itself, with most 80-proof spirits containing roughly 96–100 calories per 1.5-ounce serving.
The King of Low-Calorie Spirits: Vodka
Vodka's neutral flavor makes it exceptionally versatile for low-calorie cocktails. When mixed with a calorie-free beverage, it creates a crisp, low-impact drink. The classic vodka soda, made with a 1.5-ounce shot and plain soda water, is a prime example, typically containing fewer than 100 calories. Other minimal-calorie mixers include diet tonic water, fresh citrus juice, or calorie-free flavorings. Flavored vodkas, such as those from Switch Vodka, often use natural or artificial flavors that add negligible calories.
Gin and Tequila: Close Runners-Up
Gin and tequila (especially blanco or silver) are very similar to vodka in terms of calorie count per serving. Like vodka, their calorie content can be controlled by choosing simple, calorie-free mixers. A gin and diet tonic or a tequila soda with lime are excellent low-calorie choices that offer more complex flavor profiles than plain vodka soda. Always opt for 100% agave tequila for a cleaner, additive-free drink.
Whiskey and Rum: Moderation is Key
Whiskey and white rum also offer relatively low calorie counts when consumed neat or with simple mixers. A 1.5-ounce pour of 80-proof whiskey contains about 96–97 calories, while a serving of white rum is comparable. For whiskey, ordering it on the rocks or with a splash of water is the lowest-calorie option. For rum, pairing it with diet cola creates a low-calorie Cuba Libre. Be cautious with dark rum, which may have slightly higher calorie content due to residual sugars from aging.
Hard Seltzers and Light Beers: Convenient Low-Calorie Cans
For those who prefer a ready-to-drink option, hard seltzers and light beers are excellent choices found at any liquor store. These beverages are specifically designed to have a lower calorie and carbohydrate profile than their traditional counterparts.
- Hard Seltzers: Brands like White Claw and Truly typically contain 90–100 calories per 12-ounce can, with a low sugar and carb count. The alcohol base is often a fermented sugar mash or a clear spirit, resulting in a light, fizzy drink with a hint of natural fruit flavor.
- Light Beers: Many light beers offer a calorie count of around 90–110 calories per 12-ounce bottle or can. Some ultra-light options, like Miller 64, can be as low as 64 calories. While calorie content is higher than a spirit and soda, light beers are a good way to enjoy a more traditional fermented beverage with fewer calories than a standard beer.
Navigating the Wine Aisle
Wine can be a moderate-calorie choice, but the type and sweetness level matter significantly. Dry varieties contain less residual sugar, resulting in fewer calories per glass.
- Dry Wines: A 5-ounce glass of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or dry red wine (like Pinot Noir) typically contains 120–130 calories.
- Sparkling Wines: Brut and Extra Brut champagnes and proseccos are good celebratory options, with a 4-ounce glass containing around 80–90 calories.
The Calorie Trap: What to Avoid
The biggest sources of calories in most alcoholic drinks are sugary mixers and liqueurs. To keep your drink low-calorie, avoid or minimize these ingredients:
- Cocktail Mixes: Pre-made margarita, mojito, or piña colada mixes are often loaded with sugar and can contain hundreds of calories per serving.
- Creamy Liqueurs: Baileys, Kahlua, and other cream-based liqueurs are high in sugar and fat, making them very calorie-dense.
- High-Sugar Sodas and Juices: Regular sodas, tonic water (which contains sugar), and fruit juices will quickly add a significant number of calories to your drink.
- Sweet Dessert Wines: Fortified wines like Port and Marsala can be very high in sugar and calories.
Comparison of Popular Low-Calorie Drinks
| Drink Type | Standard Serving | Approximate Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodka Soda | 1.5 oz vodka + soda water | ~97 | Use zero-calorie mixers. Add fresh lime for flavor. |
| Tequila & Lime | 1.5 oz tequila + lime juice | ~100 | Simple and flavorful. Use 100% agave tequila. |
| Hard Seltzer | 12 oz can | 90–100 | Pre-mixed and convenient. Flavors vary by brand. |
| Light Beer | 12 oz bottle/can | 90–110 | Ultra-light options exist for fewer calories. |
| Dry White Wine | 5 oz glass | 120–130 | Choose Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, etc.. |
| Champagne (Brut) | 4 oz flute | ~90 | A festive, lower-calorie choice. |
Smart Drinking Habits for Calorie Control
- Use Zero or Low-Calorie Mixers: Club soda, diet soda, and diet tonic water are your best friends.
- Flavor Naturally: Add flavor with fresh citrus wedges, herbs like mint or basil, or a dash of bitters instead of sugary syrups.
- Drink Responsibly and in Moderation: Limiting your overall intake of alcohol is the most effective way to manage your calorie consumption and weight.
- Order Skinny Cocktails: When at a bar, ask for 'skinny' versions of classic cocktails like a margarita, which use fresh lime juice and minimal sweetener.
For more detailed nutritional information on various alcoholic beverages, you can consult a reliable resource like BBC Good Food.
Conclusion
The lowest calorie liquor store drink is a combination of a pure, unflavored spirit, like vodka or tequila, and a zero-calorie mixer such as soda water. While pre-packaged options like hard seltzers and light beers offer convenience, customizing a drink with a clear spirit provides the most control over calorie content. By making smart choices and avoiding sugary mixers and liqueurs, you can enjoy a drink without derailing your health and wellness goals.
