Which drink has the most calories? A deep dive

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the CDC, sugary drinks are a major contributor to added sugars in the average American diet. When you ask which drink has the most calories, the answer isn't a simple one; it depends heavily on ingredients, preparation, and serving size, with some specialty milkshakes and cocktails topping the list for calorific density.

Quick Summary

This article explores the beverages with the highest calorie counts, from specialty coffee drinks and smoothies to creamy cocktails and sugary sodas. It breaks down the key ingredients that contribute to calorie density and offers healthier alternatives for mindful consumption.

Key Points

Hidden Calories: Many beverages, not just food, are major sources of excess calorie intake due to high sugar, fat, and alcohol content.
Blended Drinks are Calorie Traps: Commercial milkshakes and specialty smoothies, packed with ice cream, syrups, and sweetened bases, are often among the most calorific drinks.
Coffee Drinks Add Up: Syrups, whipped cream, and whole milk transform simple coffee into a high-calorie dessert, with some large blended coffee drinks exceeding 500 calories.
Cocktails and Liqueurs are High in Calories: Alcohol itself adds calories, but mixers like sugary juices and cream escalate the total, making creamy cocktails and sweet liqueurs very calorie-dense.
Mindful Alternatives Exist: Choosing water, black coffee, or a spirit with a diet mixer can drastically reduce your calorie consumption from drinks.
Serving Size Matters: The calorie count of any beverage is highly dependent on its serving size and ingredients, so checking nutritional information is crucial.

Unmasking the Calorie Kings of the Beverage World

When we think about our daily calorie intake, food usually gets all the attention. However, for many, the majority of their excess calories come from what they drink. From morning coffee to evening cocktails, liquid calories are often forgotten, yet they can have a significant impact on weight management and overall health. Understanding which drink has the most calories is the first step toward making more informed dietary choices.

The Blended Bombs: Smoothies and Milkshakes

At the top of the list for sheer calorie density are often blended drinks like smoothies and milkshakes. While homemade smoothies can be a healthy, nutrient-packed option, those from commercial shops can be calorie bombs. They are frequently loaded with sweetened yogurt, fruit juices, and added sugars, pushing their calorie counts into the 300-500 calorie range and higher. Milkshakes are even more notorious, combining high-fat ingredients like ice cream, whole milk, and syrups to create a drink that can easily exceed 500 or even 1,000 calories in a single serving.

Specialty Coffee and Tea Drinks

Your seemingly innocent morning latte or afternoon tea can be hiding a substantial number of calories. A simple black coffee has virtually zero calories, but add syrups, whipped cream, and whole milk, and the numbers skyrocket. A Venti-sized Matcha Crème Frappuccino from Starbucks, for example, can contain over 500 calories due to its high sugar and fat content. These drinks are essentially desserts disguised as beverages, and their popularity makes them a common source of hidden calories for many.

Alcohol: Cocktails and Liqueurs

Alcohol itself contains 7 calories per gram, nearly double that of carbohydrates or protein. When mixed with sugary juices, syrups, and creamy ingredients, cocktails can become some of the most calorie-dense drinks available. The White Russian, for instance, blends vodka with coffee liqueur and heavy cream, resulting in a drink that can clock in at over 500 calories. A Piña Colada, with its coconut milk and rum, is another major offender, often exceeding 500 calories in a single glass. Liqueurs, with their high sugar content, also pack a significant punch, with some like Baileys Original Irish Cream hitting 230 calories in a 2.5 oz serving.

Comparison of Calorie-Dense Beverages

Here is a comparison table showcasing the calorie counts of various high-calorie drinks to illustrate the difference. Note that these are average values and can vary based on specific brands and recipes.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories
White Russian	8 oz	~568
Piña Colada	6.8 oz	~526
Long Island Iced Tea	Varies	~780
Starbucks Matcha Crème Frappuccino (Venti)	24 oz	~520
Milkshake (chain restaurant)	16 oz	>500
Margarita	4 oz	~168
Regular Soda	12 oz	~150
Craft Beer	12 oz	~170-350

Lists of High-Calorie Ingredients and Alternatives

High-Calorie Ingredients to Watch For:

Added Sugars: Syrups, sweetened juices, and mixers are a major source of empty calories.
Full-Fat Dairy: Whole milk, heavy cream, and ice cream significantly increase calorie and saturated fat content.
Alcohol: Higher-proof liquors and those with added sugar (liqueurs) contain more calories.
Coconut Cream: Often used in cocktails, this adds a large amount of fat and calories.

Lower-Calorie Alternatives:

Water and Unsweetened Tea/Coffee: The gold standard for hydration with zero calories.
Spirit and Diet Mixer: Opt for a spirit with diet soda or club soda to save hundreds of calories.
Homemade Smoothies: Use whole fruits, unsweetened yogurt, and a low-calorie liquid base to control sugar and calories.
Light Beer or Wine: While not calorie-free, these are significantly lighter than many cocktails.

Conclusion: Mindful Drinking for Better Health

In the quest to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, paying attention to what we drink is just as important as monitoring our food intake. The question of which drink has the most calories is answered not by a single item, but by a category of beverages rich in added sugars, fats, and alcohol. These include specialty coffee drinks, creamy cocktails, and restaurant-style milkshakes. By being mindful of these hidden liquid calories and choosing healthier alternatives, you can significantly reduce your daily intake without feeling deprived. It’s a simple change that can yield substantial health benefits over time, proving that sometimes, less is more when it comes to what's in your cup.

For more detailed nutritional information on alcoholic beverages, consult the resource provided by the University of Florida Health: Calorie Count - Alcoholic beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it varies, extremely high-calorie milkshakes and certain custom-made, blended coffee drinks often contain the most calories, with some recipes exceeding 1,000 calories per serving.

Not necessarily. Store-bought smoothies frequently contain high-calorie ingredients like sweetened juices, flavored yogurts, and syrups, which can make them surprisingly high in calories.

Yes, many do. The alcohol itself contains calories, and when mixed with sugary sodas, juices, or creams, cocktails can become very high in calories. Liqueurs, due to their high sugar content, are also very calorific.

A standard 12-ounce can of regular soda contains around 140-180 calories, mostly from sugar. Opting for diet or zero-calorie versions can eliminate these calories.

Empty calories are those that come from solid fats and/or added sugars and provide little to no nutritional value. Sodas and many specialty coffee drinks are examples of beverages that provide primarily empty calories.

Yes, 100% fruit juice can be high in calories and sugar, similar to soda, though it may contain some vitamins. It lacks the fiber of whole fruit, which can lead to blood sugar spikes.

You can reduce calories by switching from sugary sodas and juices to water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee. For cocktails, use diet mixers, and for coffee, use lower-fat milk and avoid flavored syrups and whipped cream.