What's more fattening, beer or mixed drinks? Calorie counts compared

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, alcohol contains a high concentration of calories—seven calories per gram, nearly as much as pure fat. When it comes to deciding what's more fattening, beer or mixed drinks, the answer isn't always straightforward and depends heavily on the specific beverage and serving size.

Quick Summary

This article analyzes the caloric content of beer versus mixed drinks, detailing how ingredients like mixers and alcohol content impact the final calorie count. It explains how to make informed choices for weight management, highlighting that while a standard beer might contain fewer calories than a sugary cocktail, excessive consumption of any alcohol can lead to weight gain.

Key Points

Mixers are a major calorie source: Many mixed drinks get their high calorie counts not from the alcohol, but from the added sugary sodas, juices, and syrups.
Alcohol slows down fat burning: The body processes alcohol before any other calorie source, meaning your metabolism's fat-burning capabilities are temporarily reduced.
High-ABV drinks carry more calories: Both stronger beers and spirits contain more calories due to a higher alcohol content by volume.
Portion size is critical: A small serving of a concentrated drink might contain fewer calories than a large serving of a less concentrated one.
Beer calories vary widely: The caloric content of beer can range from under 100 for a light beer to over 200 for a strong craft brew.
Low-calorie options exist in both categories: You can find low-calorie light beers, and spirits mixed with calorie-free options like club soda or diet sodas.

Calorie Culprits: The Real Story Behind Your Drink

Many people associate weight gain with heavy, dark beers, while perceiving mixed drinks as lighter or more sophisticated options. The reality is far more complex. While a standard 12-ounce beer averages around 150 calories, some elaborate mixed drinks and craft beers can pack in significantly more, sometimes exceeding 400 or even 500 calories in a single serving. The culprit isn't just the alcohol itself, but the sugar and other carbohydrates added to the drink.

How Alcohol Affects Weight Management

Beyond just the raw calorie count, alcohol can interfere with weight management in several ways. First, the body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over burning fat, effectively putting your fat-burning process on hold. Additionally, alcohol consumption can trigger a desire for high-fat, high-sugar junk foods due to its impact on appetite-regulating hormones and reduced inhibitions. This can lead to consuming more calories than you normally would, exacerbating weight gain.

The Mixed Drink Problem: Sugar and Portion Size

When it comes to mixed drinks, the calories can quickly get out of hand. While a 1.5-ounce shot of plain 80-proof spirits like vodka or whiskey is relatively low in calories (around 95-100 calories), the mixers are where the sugar and calories hide. A vodka soda is a low-calorie option, but adding a sugary mixer like tonic water, juice, or soda can skyrocket the calorie count. A large, fancy cocktail like a margarita or a piña colada can contain as many calories as a small meal.

A Closer Look at Beer and Mixed Drink Calories

This comparison table illustrates how different choices can affect your caloric intake. It's important to remember that these are average figures and can vary based on specific brands and recipes.


Drink Type	Serving Size	Average Calories	Key Calorie Sources
Light Beer	12 oz	~100	Alcohol, Minimal Carbs
Regular Beer	12 oz	~150	Alcohol, Carbohydrates
Craft IPA	12 oz	180-200+	Higher ABV, More Residual Sugars
Distilled Spirit (neat)	1.5 oz	95-100	Alcohol Only
Vodka Soda	7.5 oz	~105	Alcohol, Calorie-Free Mixer
Vodka Tonic	7.5 oz	~170-190	Alcohol, Sugary Tonic Water
Margarita	12 oz	~450+	Alcohol, Sweet and Sour Mix, Sugars
Piña Colada	8 oz	~465+	Alcohol, Cream of Coconut, Fruit Juices

The Problem with Craft Beers

While regular beer might be a moderate option, the rise of craft beers has added a new variable. Many craft beers, particularly those with higher alcohol by volume (ABV), also have a much higher calorie count. A session IPA, for instance, might be around 100 calories, while a heavier double IPA could easily push 200 or more per 12-ounce serving. These higher-ABV, higher-calorie beers can quickly negate the perceived advantage of choosing beer over a mixed drink.

How to Choose Wisely

For those watching their caloric intake, moderation is key. A light beer or a simple mixed drink with a low-calorie or zero-calorie mixer is generally the best choice. If you prefer the flavor of a mixed drink, try using soda water or diet soda instead of regular mixers. Alternatively, a neat pour of a spirit contains only the calories from the alcohol itself. The ultimate goal is to be mindful of both the alcohol content and the mixers being added.

Conclusion: It's Not the Category, But the Content

Ultimately, the question of what's more fattening, beer or mixed drinks? doesn't have a single answer. A light beer is less fattening than a sugary margarita, but a strong craft beer can easily surpass a simple vodka soda. The key takeaway is that the specific ingredients and portion sizes matter far more than the general category. By paying attention to alcohol percentage, mixer choices, and overall serving size, you can make more informed decisions to align with your health and wellness goals.

For more detailed nutritional information on various beverages and health guidelines, consult resources from reputable health organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 12-ounce serving of regular beer (~150 calories) often contains more calories than a 1.5-ounce shot of a distilled spirit (95-100 calories). However, a simple mixed drink with a low-calorie mixer can be comparable to or less than a light beer.

No, beer calories can vary significantly. Light beers typically have around 100 calories per 12 ounces, while regular beers average about 150 calories. Higher-ABV craft beers, like many IPAs, can contain 180 to over 200 calories.

The biggest source of calories in most mixed drinks are the mixers. Sugary sodas, fruit juices, and syrups can drastically increase the total calorie count, far exceeding the calories from the alcohol itself.

Yes, light beers are specifically brewed to have a lower calorie and alcohol content, making them a better choice for those monitoring their calorie intake.

The term 'beer belly' is a bit misleading. All alcohol calories, not just from beer, can contribute to weight gain, especially around the middle, because the body prioritizes processing alcohol, slowing down fat metabolism.

For lower-calorie mixed drinks, choose spirits like vodka or gin and mix them with calorie-free options such as club soda, seltzer, or diet tonic water.

Yes, alcohol can affect the hormones that control appetite and lower inhibitions, which often leads to consuming more food, particularly unhealthy snacks.