Which type of alcohol is low in calories?

Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, nearly as much as fat, making the amount and type you drink critical for calorie control. Understanding which type of alcohol is low in calories is key for those watching their intake without forgoing a social drink entirely.

Quick Summary

Clear spirits like vodka and gin are among the lowest-calorie alcoholic options. Lighter alternatives also include dry wines, light beers, and hard seltzers, especially when avoiding sugary mixers.

Key Points

• Clear Spirits: Unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila are among the lowest-calorie alcoholic options, containing only calories from the alcohol itself.

• Mixers Matter: Using zero-calorie mixers such as club soda or diet sodas is crucial for keeping cocktail calories low, as sugary mixers add significant calories.

• Lighter Beer: Opting for a light beer over a regular or craft variety can save 50 or more calories per 12-ounce serving.

• Dry Wine is Key: Choose dry wines, including dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or lighter reds like Pinot Noir, as they contain less residual sugar than sweeter wines.

• Hard Seltzers: Hard seltzers offer a low-calorie, low-carb alternative to traditional cocktails and beers, with many brands around 100 calories per can.

The Basics of Alcohol Calories

All alcohol contains calories, derived from the ethanol itself and any residual sugars present after fermentation. A gram of ethanol contains seven calories, nearly double that of carbohydrates or protein. For those mindful of their calorie intake, particularly during a weight loss journey, knowing where the calories in your favorite drinks come from is the first step toward making smarter choices. This guide will break down the options, helping you select a lower-calorie beverage without sacrificing enjoyment.

Clear Distilled Spirits

Clear spirits are often considered the go-to for low-calorie drinking because, in their pure, unflavored form, they contain no sugar and therefore have a predictable and relatively low calorie count per serving. The calories come exclusively from the alcohol content. This makes them versatile bases for low-calorie cocktails when mixed with zero-calorie beverages like club soda, diet tonic water, or water.

• Vodka: A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. Its neutral flavor makes it easy to mix with virtually anything without adding unnecessary sugar.
• Gin: Following closely, a standard 1.5-ounce pour of gin is around 97 calories. Its botanical flavors work well with low-calorie mixers like diet tonic water, which can save up to 60 calories compared to regular tonic.
• Tequila: An unflavored 1.5-ounce shot of tequila blanco also hovers around 97 calories. Tequila and lime juice with club soda is a simple, low-calorie mixed drink.
• Rum: White rum is another low-calorie option, with a 1.5-ounce serving containing about 97 calories. Pairing it with diet cola instead of regular can cut significant calories from a classic rum and coke.
• Whiskey: At around 100 calories per 1.5-ounce shot, whiskey is another fine choice. For the lowest calorie option, have it neat, on the rocks, or with water or soda.

Light Beers and Hard Seltzers

For those who prefer a beer or a bubbly beverage, light options offer a lower-calorie alternative to their full-bodied counterparts.

• Light Beer: Most light beers contain 90-110 calories per 12-ounce bottle, compared to the 150+ calories in a regular beer. The calorie reduction comes from a lower alcohol content and fewer residual carbohydrates. Some ultra-light beers offer even fewer calories.
• Hard Seltzers: These popular drinks are made from fermented cane sugar and sparkling water, and are celebrated for being low-calorie and low-carb. Most hard seltzers contain around 100 calories per 12-ounce can and often feature fruity flavors with zero grams of sugar.

Wine Choices

Wine enthusiasts can find low-calorie options by choosing dry varieties over sweet ones. The sugar content, and therefore the calorie count, is largely determined by how much sugar is left after fermentation.

• Dry White Wines: Varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio typically contain around 100-120 calories per 5-ounce glass due to their lower ABV and minimal residual sugar.
• Dry Red Wines: Lighter, drier reds like Pinot Noir and Merlot also make good choices, with a typical 5-ounce glass having around 120-125 calories.
• Sparkling Wine: Brut (dry) and extra brut sparkling wines, such as Champagne and Prosecco, are low in sugar and calories, often under 90 calories per 4-ounce glass.

Comparing Calories in Common Alcoholic Drinks

Drink (1.5 oz spirit or 12 oz beer)	Approx. Calories	Notes
Vodka (80-proof)	97	Mix with zero-calorie soda water.
Gin (80-proof)	97	Mix with diet tonic or club soda.
Tequila (80-proof)	97	Serve with fresh lime juice and soda.
White Rum (80-proof)	97	Use diet cola for a low-cal version.
Whiskey (80-proof)	97	On the rocks or with water/soda.
Light Beer	90-110	A significant calorie saving over regular beer.
Hard Seltzer	~100	Zero sugar in many popular brands.
Dry White Wine	100-120 (per 5 oz)	Avoid sweeter dessert wines.
Dry Red Wine	115-140 (per 5 oz)	Opt for lighter reds like Pinot Noir.

High-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks to Avoid

To effectively manage your calorie intake from alcohol, it is just as important to know what to avoid. The most calorie-dense drinks are typically those loaded with sugary mixers, syrups, and high-ABV content. Examples include:

• Creamy Cocktails: Drinks like White Russians, Mudslides, and Piña Coladas can have hundreds of calories due to high-sugar liqueurs and cream.
• Sugary Mixers: A standard rum and coke or gin and tonic can be very high in calories from the full-sugar soda or tonic water.
• High-ABV Brews: Heavy craft beers, stouts, and IPAs, particularly imperial varieties, can contain well over 200 calories per serving.
• Sweet Wines: Dessert wines, fortified wines like Port and Sherry, and very sweet white wines have a high sugar content, leading to a high calorie count.

Mindful Consumption and Making Smarter Choices

Even when choosing low-calorie alcohol, moderation is essential for both your health and weight goals. To keep your calories in check:

• Use Zero-Calorie Mixers: Always opt for diet tonic, diet sodas, club soda, or fresh citrus juice instead of sugary counterparts.
• Add Fresh Garnishes: Muddle fresh herbs like mint or basil, or add slices of cucumber or lemon to add flavor without calories.
• Pace Yourself: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated and slow your consumption.
• Go Simple: A drink ordered neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water is typically the lowest-calorie way to enjoy a spirit.

Conclusion

In summary, if you're looking for which type of alcohol is low in calories, your best bets are clear distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, and white rum. Other excellent options include light beers, dry wines, and hard seltzers. The key to keeping your overall drink calories low is not just the alcohol itself, but also the mixers you choose. By opting for zero-calorie mixers, fresh garnishes, and drinking in moderation, you can enjoy social occasions without derailing your health and weight management goals. Always remember that excess alcohol consumption, regardless of type, can have a negative impact on overall health. For more comprehensive health and wellness advice, including information on responsible alcohol consumption, consult resources like the CDC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which alcoholic drink is the absolute lowest in calories?

A vodka soda with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime is one of the lowest-calorie mixed drinks you can have, containing approximately 82 calories per 8-ounce serving.

Does light beer really have significantly fewer calories?

Yes, on average, a 12-ounce light beer has 90-110 calories, while a regular beer of the same size contains around 150 calories or more. The reduction is due to lower alcohol and carbohydrate content.

What's the difference in calories between red and white wine?

Dry white wines often have slightly fewer calories than red wines. However, the biggest calorie factor is sweetness, so a dry red or white wine is always a better low-calorie choice than a sweet dessert wine.

How can I reduce calories in a mixed drink at a bar?

Ask for your drink with a zero-calorie mixer like club soda or diet tonic. Request fresh citrus like lemon or lime instead of sugary juices or syrups. Opt for a simple, single spirit drink.

Is hard seltzer a genuinely low-calorie alternative?

Yes, most hard seltzers are low-calorie and low-carb, typically containing around 100 calories per can. Many are made from fermented cane sugar and flavored with fruit essences.

Is vodka or wine lower in calories?

A 1.5-ounce shot of vodka contains around 97 calories, while a 5-ounce glass of dry wine can have 100-125 calories. For the same amount of alcohol, vodka is often lower in calories, especially when mixed properly.

What kind of wine should I avoid for weight loss?

You should avoid sweet dessert wines, fortified wines like Port or Sherry, and sweet blended wines, as they contain high amounts of residual sugar and, consequently, more calories.