The 7 Lowest-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks

One of the downsides of cocktails is that, without even realizing it, you may be consuming a big chunk of your daily calories with just a few casual drinks. Many alcoholic beverages are full of added sugars, which usually means they are also high in empty calories (i.e., calories that contain little to no nutritional value).

Habitually drinking high-calorie, high-added-sugar alcoholic drinks can result in both short-term and long-term health issues and there is no health benefit gained from drinking alcohol if you currently don't drink. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to health problems such as weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. To help prevent this, we've compiled a list of cocktails that taste delicious and refreshing, but are low in added sugars and calories.

As part of a balanced diet, you should consume alcohol in moderation. It is recommended that men consume no more than two drinks a day, and no more than one for women. However, there are many options and opportunities to get creative when it comes to lower-calorie alcoholic drinks. Read on for seven of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drink options to guide you in a positive direction that enables you to have that cocktail, scale back on calories and still feel good afterward, both inside and out.

White Wine Spritzer (75 calories, 6-8% Alcohol By Volume)

White wine spritzers are a great option if you're in the mood for a cocktail with less calories and less alcohol. You can begin with a 1-to-3 pour of one part club soda to three parts wine. White wine spritzers are generally a 5-ounce drink and contain about 75 calories (from approximately 3 ounces of wine). The most recommended varieties of white wine for this beverage are sauvignon blanc, riesling or pinot grigio because they all have powerful aromatic qualities, fruity flavors and mild tannins. White wine spritzers are smooth, crisp and refreshing—and far lighter in both flavor and calories than a large glass of white wine or rosé.

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Vodka Soda (82 calories, 10% ABV)

A vodka soda is crisp, clear, incredibly refreshing and simple to make. It calls for vodka, club soda and a bit of freshly squeezed citrus, such as lemon or lime. It never hurts to add the citrus wedge to the glass, and maybe some fresh or frozen berries too for a pop of color. This beverage has about 65 calories per ounce of vodka (there's usually about 1.5 ounces in a drink), while the soda water and freshly squeezed citrus juice (such as lemon or lime) are nearly calorie-free. An 8-ounce vodka soda has about 82 calories.

Michelob ULTRA (95 calories, 4.2% ABV)

Michelob ULTRA yields the lowest calorie count when it comes to the world of light beers. At just 95 calories per 12-ounce beer, Michelob ULTRA is actually quite enjoyable. It has a powerful yet smooth flavor, and feels incredibly light both during and after drinking. It allowed me and my husband to enjoy ourselves out with friends while adhering to our nutritional goals, and neither of us felt bloated at all after drinking beer, which is always a much-welcome bonus!

Prosecco (128 calories, 12% ABV)

Prosecco is often poured and shared for toasting—and with around 128 calories per 6-ounce glass, this crisp, fresh, bubbly beverage is certainly worth celebrating! This fizzy, light and fruity drink is perfect for slow sipping, which helps when trying to be mindful of how many calories and how much alcohol you are taking in. Prosecco is also carbonated, which can be more filling than noncarbonated alcoholic beverages and may ultimately slow down the pace at which you are drinking. A slow-and-steady drinking pace can help with clarity about how many calories are being consumed. Please note that prosecco is not Champagne, which contains more alcohol and has about 140 calories per glass.

Ranch Water (131 calories, 6.9% ABV)

The unofficial drink of West Texas, ranch water is a simple highball drink made with fresh lime juice, tequila, Topo Chico (a brand of sparkling mineral water from Mexico) and a fresh lime wedge for garnish. There are around 131 calories in a 10-ounce ranch water, which can be considered low-calorie, considering the volume of the beverage. This refreshing, crisp drink is perfect for a hot summer day under the sweltering sun.

Vodka Martini (120 calories, 40% ABV)

There's nothing like quite like the sound of an ice-cold martini stirring up on a Saturday night. Luckily for fellow martini lovers, this timeless beverage has earned a spot on this list. A classic 6-ounce vodka martini, made with 1.5 ounces of vodka and 1/3 ounce of dry vermouth (and water from dilution), contains about 120 calories. If you're looking to scale down some more on calories, considering pivoting to plain chilled vodka in a martini glass. It's also important to mention that if you're a fan of the dirty martini, adding olive brine to this beverage tags on about 20 more calories and adds sodium, which can cause temporary bloating.

Please note that a vodka martini is different from a gin martini, which is made with 2 ounces gin and 1 ounce vermouth and dials in at around 200 calories per 6-ounce serving.

Tequila with Fresh Citrus Juice (128 calories, 38% ABV)

If you're looking for smooth drink to sip on throughout the night, tequila with fresh lime is incredibly refreshing, with a beautiful balance of sweet, earthy and tangy flavors. A 2-ounce pour of tequila is about 128 calories and is perfect on the rocks or poured over a jumbo cocktail ice cube. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice or orange juice (my personal favorite) and garnish with a slice of fresh citrus.

Tips for Including Alcohol in a Healthy Diet

• Drink in moderation—no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women.
• Sweeten cocktails with natural sources of sugar, such as citrus or fruit. Making homemade syrup and adding small amounts is another way to control the sugar in your drink.
• If you're in the mood for wine, enjoy red wine in moderation. While it's not one of the lowest-calorie options, it contains an antioxidant called resveratrol, which has been linked to better heart and gut health.
• Alternate drinking alcohol with drinking water to lessen the dehydrating side effects.
• Consume alcohol with nutrient-dense foods like proteins, healthy fats and complex carbs to help balance blood sugar and support healthy alcohol metabolism. This involves the liver, kidneys, digestive tract, lymphatic system, respiratory system and skin working to naturally flush out toxins—including alcohol—from our bodies.
• The morning after you drink, don't fast. Eat a balanced meal containing protein, healthy fats and complex carbs after waking up, and consume electrolytes to help restore fluid balance and resolve dehydration. Electrolyte support can come from coconut water, bananas, watermelon, avocado or electrolyte supplements.
  

Our Expert Take

When it comes to drinking alcohol and monitoring calorie intake, there are several refreshing options, and an approach of "all things in moderation" is reasonable if that works for you. It is recommended that adults drink in moderation by limiting intake to one to two drinks in a day. By consuming low-calorie alcoholic beverages, individuals can enjoy a refreshing cocktail without compromising their healthy lifestyle goals or consuming excessive amounts of added sugars.

Ultimately, each person knows their own body, mind and tendencies best. Being mindful of calorie intake, personal limits and decision-making abilities while drinking can help to maintain consistent efforts toward a healthy and thriving lifestyle, while still being able to enjoy a few low-calorie drinks. Moderation and healthy habits are key.