9 Lowest Calorie Alcoholic Drinks for Weight-Conscious Drinkers

Are you trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying the occasional alcoholic beverage? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with balancing their social life and fitness goals, especially when it comes to drinking alcohol. The good news is that you don’t have to completely give up your favorite drinks to stay on track with your health objectives.

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, calories can add up quickly. Many popular cocktails and mixed drinks contain hundreds of calories from added sugars, syrups, and other high-calorie mixers. However, by making smart choices and opting for low calorie alcoholic drinks, you can significantly reduce your caloric intake without sacrificing the enjoyment of a good drink.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the nine lowest calorie alcoholic drinks that you can order at a bar or make at home. Whether you prefer vodka soda, light beer, hard seltzer, white wine, or tequila with lime, we’ve got you covered with detailed information about each option, including calorie counts and tips for making them even healthier.

Why Calories in Alcohol Matter

Before we dive into our list of the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks, it’s important to understand why monitoring your alcohol calories is crucial for weight management and overall health.

Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, making it nearly as calorie-dense as fat, which has 9 calories per gram. When you add mixers, fruit juices, and syrups to your drinks, the calorie count can skyrocket. Studies have shown that excessive calorie intake from alcoholic beverages can contribute to weight gain and obesity over time.

Additionally, alcohol can lower your inhibitions and increase your appetite, potentially leading to overeating. This combination of high-calorie drinks and increased food consumption can significantly impact your weight loss or maintenance efforts.

However, this doesn’t mean you need to avoid alcohol entirely. By choosing low calorie options and practicing moderation, you can enjoy alcoholic beverages as part of a balanced lifestyle.

1. Vodka Soda

Vodka soda is arguably one of the most popular low calorie alcoholic drinks, and for good reason. This simple combination of vodka and club soda (also known as seltzer water) contains just 133 calories per 8.5-ounce (255-mL) serving.

What makes vodka soda such a great choice is its simplicity. Vodka itself contains approximately 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot (the standard serving size), and club soda is calorie-free. This means you’re only consuming calories from the alcohol itself, with no added sugars or syrups.

How to make it even better:

• Add fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing twist
• Squeeze in some fresh lime or lemon juice for extra flavor without significant calories
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic touch
• Use high-quality vodka for a smoother taste
• Try flavored seltzers for variety without adding calories

The versatility of vodka soda makes it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re at a casual gathering or a formal event. It’s also incredibly easy to make at home, requiring just two ingredients and ice.

2. White Wine

White wine is an elegant and sophisticated choice that’s also relatively low in calories. A standard 6-ounce (180-mL) glass of white wine contains approximately 148 calories, making it one of the lower-calorie alcoholic options available.

White wine comes in numerous varieties, each offering unique flavor profiles and characteristics. Popular options include:

• Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, refreshing, and often with citrus or grassy notes
• Pinot Grigio: Light-bodied with subtle fruit flavors
• Chardonnay: Can range from light and crisp to rich and buttery
• Riesling: Often slightly sweet with floral and fruity notes
• Moscato: Sweet and fruity, though typically higher in calories due to residual sugar

Generally, drier white wines tend to have fewer calories than sweeter varieties because they contain less residual sugar. If you’re watching your calorie intake, opt for wines labeled “dry” or “brut.”

Pro tips for enjoying white wine:

• Make a wine spritzer by adding sparkling water to extend your drink and reduce overall calorie intake
• Add fresh fruit like strawberries or peaches for natural sweetness without many additional calories
• Serve it well-chilled for maximum refreshment
• Pour into a proper wine glass to enhance the aroma and enjoyment

3. Hard Seltzer

Hard seltzer has exploded in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. These fizzy, flavored alcoholic beverages are incredibly refreshing and typically contain just 99-110 calories per 12-ounce (355-mL) can, depending on the brand and flavor.

Hard seltzers are made by fermenting cane sugar and then adding carbonation and natural flavors. Unlike traditional cocktails or even beer, they typically contain very little sugar and carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for those following low-carb or keto diets.

Popular hard seltzer flavors include:

• Mango
• Black cherry
• Lime
• Grapefruit
• Watermelon
• Raspberry
• Passionfruit

Most hard seltzers have an alcohol content of around 4-6%, similar to light beer. The combination of low calories, low carbs, and refreshing flavors has made hard seltzer a go-to choice for health-conscious drinkers.

Things to consider when choosing hard seltzer:

• Check the label for calorie and carb content, as some brands may vary
• Look for options with natural flavors rather than artificial sweeteners
• Some brands offer higher alcohol content versions, which will have more calories
• Keep them well-chilled for the best taste experience

4. Tequila with Lime

If you prefer your spirits straight, tequila with lime is one of the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks you can enjoy. A standard 1.5-ounce (42-mL) shot of tequila contains approximately 97 calories, and a lime wedge adds virtually no calories, bringing the total to just 99 calories.

Tequila is made from the blue agave plant and comes in several varieties, including blanco (silver), reposado (rested), and añejo (aged). Blanco tequila is typically the choice for mixed drinks and shots, while aged varieties are often sipped slowly to appreciate their complex flavors.

Benefits of choosing tequila:

• Contains no carbohydrates or sugar when consumed straight
• The agave plant contains compounds that may have health benefits
• Versatile for both shots and mixed drinks
• Available at various price points and quality levels

Low-calorie ways to enjoy tequila:

• Take it as a shot with lime and salt (the traditional way)
• Mix with club soda and fresh lime juice for a simple cocktail
• Add a splash of coconut water for electrolytes and subtle sweetness
• Combine with fresh mint and lime for a low-calorie mojito variation
• Use it as the base for a skinny margarita with fresh lime juice and a sugar-free sweetener

When purchasing tequila, look for 100% agave tequila rather than “mixto,” which contains other sugars and additives. Pure agave tequila offers better quality and flavor.

5. Light Beer

For beer lovers who are watching their calorie intake, light beer is an excellent alternative to regular beer. A typical 12-ounce (360-mL) can or bottle of light beer contains approximately 100-110 calories, compared to 140-200 calories in regular beer.

Light beer achieves its lower calorie count by reducing both the alcohol content and carbohydrates. While some beer enthusiasts argue that light beer lacks the robust flavor of regular beer, many brands have improved their recipes significantly in recent years, offering better taste without the extra calories.

Popular light beer options:

• Michelob Ultra: 95 calories, 2.6g carbs
• Miller Lite: 96 calories, 3.2g carbs
• Bud Light: 110 calories, 6.6g carbs
• Coors Light: 102 calories, 5g carbs
• Corona Light: 99 calories, 5g carbs

Light beer is perfect for situations where you want to enjoy multiple drinks over an extended period, such as during sporting events, barbecues, or social gatherings, without consuming excessive calories.

Tips for enjoying light beer:

• Serve it ice-cold for the best flavor
• Add a lime or lemon wedge for extra refreshment
• Try different brands to find one you genuinely enjoy
• Consider microbrew light options for more flavor variety

6. Gin and Diet Tonic

A gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that dates back to the British colonial era. While a traditional gin and tonic can contain 200+ calories due to the sugar in regular tonic water, you can easily cut this in half by switching to diet tonic water.

A gin and diet tonic made with 1.5 ounces (42 mL) of gin and 4 ounces (118 mL) of diet tonic water contains approximately 98 calories. The gin provides all the calories, while the diet tonic water is virtually calorie-free.

Understanding gin:

Gin is a distilled spirit flavored primarily with juniper berries, along with various other botanicals that can include coriander, citrus peels, angelica root, and more. Different gin brands have unique botanical blends, resulting in varied flavor profiles from floral and citrusy to earthy and spicy.

Making the perfect low-calorie gin and diet tonic:

• Use plenty of ice to keep your drink cold and dilute it slightly
• Choose a quality gin that you enjoy the taste of
• Add fresh cucumber slices for a spa-like refreshment
• Garnish with lime or lemon for citrus brightness
• Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for complexity
• Adjust the gin-to-tonic ratio to your preference (more tonic means fewer calories per drink)

The beauty of gin and diet tonic is that it tastes remarkably similar to the full-calorie version, making it an easy swap for those looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.

7. Dry Martini

The martini is one of the most iconic cocktails in history, favored by everyone from James Bond to sophisticated bar-goers worldwide. While it’s not the absolute lowest calorie option on this list, a dry martini can still fit into a calorie-conscious lifestyle.

A classic dry martini made with 2.5 ounces (70 mL) of gin and 0.5 ounces (15 mL) of dry vermouth contains approximately 185 calories. The “dry” designation means less vermouth and more gin, which actually keeps the calorie count relatively moderate.

Martini variations and their calorie impacts:

• Extra Dry Martini: Even less vermouth, slightly fewer calories
• Dirty Martini: Adds olive brine, minimal calorie increase
• Vodka Martini: Similar calories to gin, just a different spirit

How to order a lower-calorie martini:

• Request it “dry” or “extra dry” to reduce vermouth
• Ask for it straight up (without ice in the glass) to avoid dilution
• Garnish with lemon twist or olives (olives add about 5 calories each)
• Sip slowly to savor the drink and make it last longer

The martini is a sophisticated choice that’s meant to be savored slowly. Because of its higher alcohol content and strong flavor, most people naturally drink it more slowly than other cocktails, which can help with overall calorie control throughout an evening.

8. Paloma

The Paloma is a refreshing Mexican cocktail that’s become increasingly popular in the United States. Traditional recipes often include added sugar, but you can easily make a lower-calorie version that contains approximately 169 calories.

To make a low-calorie Paloma, combine 1.5 ounces (42 mL) of tequila with 6 ounces (186 mL) of fresh grapefruit juice, ice, and a squeeze of lime juice. Skip the added sugar or simple syrup that many recipes call for, as the grapefruit juice provides natural sweetness and flavor.

Health benefits of grapefruit:

Grapefruit juice isn’t just delicious—it also provides vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. While it does contain natural sugars and calories, it also offers nutritional value unlike sugary mixers.

Making the perfect low-calorie Paloma:

• Use fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice when possible for the best flavor
• Add a splash of grapefruit-flavored sparkling water for fizz without calories
• Rim the glass with salt for traditional presentation
• Use pink or ruby red grapefruit for a sweeter flavor
• Add a sprig of fresh rosemary for an herbal note
• Substitute some of the grapefruit juice with club soda to reduce calories further

The Paloma is an excellent choice for those who find straight tequila too strong but still want a lower-calorie option than sugary margaritas. The tartness of grapefruit and lime balances perfectly with the tequila, creating a refreshing and satisfying drink.

9. Rum and Diet Coke

Rum and Coke is a classic cocktail that’s simple to make and widely enjoyed. By swapping regular Coca-Cola for Diet Coke, you can significantly reduce the calorie content while maintaining the familiar taste.

A 7.5-ounce (225-mL) serving of rum and Diet Coke contains approximately 135 calories, compared to 200 calories in a regular rum and Coke. That’s a savings of 65 calories per drink, which can add up significantly over the course of an evening.

Understanding the difference:

Regular Coca-Cola contains about 140 calories per 12-ounce serving, all from sugar. Diet Coke uses artificial sweeteners to provide the same sweet taste without the calories. While there’s ongoing debate about artificial sweeteners, switching to diet versions of sodas is one of the easiest ways to reduce calorie intake from alcoholic beverages.

Tips for making a better rum and Diet Coke:

• Use white rum for a cleaner taste, or dark rum for richer flavor
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness
• Use plenty of ice to keep it cold and refreshing
• Try Coke Zero Sugar if you prefer the taste over Diet Coke
• Adjust the rum-to-coke ratio based on your preference
• Garnish with a lime wedge for presentation

This drink is particularly popular because of its familiarity and ease of preparation. Almost every bar and restaurant carries both rum and diet cola, making it a reliable low-calorie option no matter where you are.

Additional Tips for Reducing Calories in Alcoholic Drinks

Beyond choosing inherently low-calorie drinks, there are several strategies you can use to reduce the calorie content of your favorite alcoholic beverages even further.

Make Drinks at Home

One of the best ways to control calorie content is to make your drinks at home rather than ordering them at bars or buying pre-mixed cocktails. Store-bought mixers and bar drinks often contain excessive amounts of sugar, syrups, and other high-calorie ingredients. When you make drinks yourself, you have complete control over every ingredient.

Use Fresh Ingredients Instead of Syrups

Replace sugar-laden simple syrups with fresh ingredients that add flavor without massive calorie additions:

• Fresh herbs: Mint, basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender can add complex flavors
• Citrus: Lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit provide tartness and brightness
• Cucumber: Adds refreshing, subtle flavor
• Berries: Muddle fresh berries for natural sweetness
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds spice and depth

Choose Diet or Zero-Calorie Mixers

When you need to add volume or sweetness to your drinks, opt for:

• Diet tonic water instead of regular tonic
• Diet soda instead of regular soda
• Sparkling water or club soda instead of juice
• Sugar-free energy drinks if you’re mixing those (though moderation is key)
• Flavored seltzers for variety without calories

Adjust Your Ingredient Ratios

You can significantly reduce calorie intake by modifying the proportions in your drinks:

• Use more ice to fill the glass with fewer liquid calories
• Add more sparkling water or club soda and less alcohol
• Increase the proportion of zero-calorie mixers
• Use less juice and more soda water in fruity drinks

Practice Portion Control

Standard drink sizes have grown over the years, but you don’t have to follow the trend:

• Use a jigger to measure alcohol accurately (a standard shot is 1.5 ounces)
• Choose smaller glasses to naturally limit portion sizes
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soda water
• Sip slowly to make your drink last longer

Skip the Sugar Rim

Many cocktails come with sugared rims that can add 50-100 calories. If you enjoy a rim on your glass, opt for salt, which adds flavor and tradition without significant calories, or skip it entirely.

Understanding Alcohol and Weight Management

While choosing low calorie alcoholic drinks is a step in the right direction, it’s important to understand the broader relationship between alcohol consumption and weight management.

How Alcohol Affects Your Body

When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it over other nutrients because it can’t be stored. This means that while your body is processing alcohol, it temporarily stops burning fat and carbohydrates. Additionally, alcohol can:

• Lower your inhibitions, leading to poor food choices
• Increase appetite and cravings, especially for salty or fatty foods
• Disrupt sleep quality, which can affect metabolism and hunger hormones
• Cause dehydration, which is sometimes mistaken for hunger
• Provide empty calories with little to no nutritional value

Moderation is Key

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans define moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Even when choosing the lowest calorie options, exceeding these recommendations can:

• Lead to excessive calorie intake
• Increase health risks
• Interfere with fitness and weight loss goals
• Affect sleep, recovery, and overall wellness

Strategies for Drinking Responsibly While Managing Weight

• Set a limit: Decide before going out how many drinks you’ll have
• Eat before drinking: Having food in your stomach slows alcohol absorption and helps prevent overeating later
• Stay hydrated: Drink water between alcoholic beverages
• Plan ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, adjust your calorie intake earlier in the day
• Track your intake: Use a food diary or app to monitor alcohol calories along with food
• Choose quality over quantity: Have one or two drinks you really enjoy rather than many mediocre ones

Common Questions About Low Calorie Alcoholic Drinks

Do low-calorie alcoholic drinks get you drunk faster?

Not necessarily. The rate at which you become intoxicated depends on the alcohol content (measured as alcohol by volume, or ABV), not the calorie content. However, drinks with less sugar and fewer mixers may be absorbed slightly faster since there’s less in your stomach to slow absorption. Always drink responsibly and know your limits.

Are sugar-free mixers safe?

Sugar-free mixers typically use artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or stevia. These have been approved by the FDA as safe for consumption. However, some people are sensitive to certain sweeteners or prefer to avoid them. If you’re concerned, opt for naturally calorie-free mixers like club soda, seltzer, or sparkling water.

Can I drink alcohol and still lose weight?

Yes, it’s possible to drink alcohol in moderation and still lose weight, provided you account for the calories and maintain an overall calorie deficit. However, alcohol can make weight loss more challenging due to its effects on metabolism, appetite, and decision-making. Many people find that limiting or eliminating alcohol accelerates their weight loss progress.

Which type of alcohol has the fewest calories?

Pure spirits (vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey) all contain approximately 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot and have zero carbohydrates. When consumed straight or with zero-calorie mixers, these are your lowest-calorie options. The calories come purely from the alcohol content.

Is wine or beer better for weight loss?

Light beer typically has fewer calories (100-110 per 12 oz) than wine (120-150 per 5-6 oz). However, wine contains beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols that may offer health benefits. The best choice depends on your personal preferences and how they fit into your overall diet plan.

The Bottom Line

Enjoying alcoholic beverages doesn’t have to derail your health and fitness goals. By choosing from these nine lowest calorie alcoholic drinks, you can significantly reduce your calorie intake while still participating in social occasions and enjoying your favorite libations.

Remember that the key to successful weight management while drinking alcohol involves multiple factors:

• Choosing lower-calorie drink options like vodka soda, hard seltzer, or light beer
• Making drinks at home with fresh, low-calorie ingredients
• Using zero-calorie mixers instead of sugary ones
• Practicing portion control and moderation
• Staying hydrated and eating properly
• Being mindful of how alcohol affects your food choices and overall behavior

Whether you prefer the simplicity of tequila with lime, the sophistication of a dry martini, the refreshing nature of hard seltzer, or the classic appeal of vodka soda, there’s a low-calorie option for every taste preference. By implementing the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can make informed choices that align with your health goals while still enjoying social drinking occasions.

Keep in mind that even the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle. If you’re working toward specific health or fitness goals, consider consulting with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian who can help you determine how alcohol fits into your individual plan.

Ultimately, the best drink choice is one that you enjoy, fits within your calorie budget, and allows you to maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol. Cheers to making smart, informed decisions about your beverage choices!

Sources:

• National Institutes of Health – Alcohol Consumption and Obesity
• USDA FoodData Central – Nutritional Database
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Moderate Drinking
• Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• CDC – Moderate Drinking