Looking for a way to enjoy a drink without consuming too many calories? Many alcoholic beverages can be high in calories, but there are plenty of options that won’t derail your nutrition goals.
Whether you’re watching your weight or simply trying to make healthier choices, these low-calorie alcoholic drinks offer flavorful alternatives that don’t sacrifice taste for fewer calories.
When choosing lower-calorie alcoholic drinks, the key is understanding which spirits, mixers, and preparation methods can help keep the calorie count down.
Simple spirits like vodka, tequila, and gin contain fewer calories per ounce compared to creamy liqueurs or sugary cocktails. You can further reduce calories by selecting zero-calorie mixers like club soda or diet beverages instead of juice or regular soda.
1. Vodka Soda
Vodka soda is one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks available, making it perfect for weight-conscious drinkers. A standard vodka soda contains only about 130-135 calories per serving.
The drink is simple to make – just combine 1.5 ounces of vodka with club soda and a squeeze of fresh lime. It contains zero sugar and zero carbs, which contributes to its low calorie count.
You can customize your vodka soda with different garnish options without adding many calories. A splash of cranberry can add sweetness without significantly increasing the calorie content.
For the best results, use a quality vodka like Tito’s and plenty of ice for a refreshing, guilt-free cocktail option.
2. White Wine Spritzer
White wine spritzers are a refreshing, low-calorie choice for those watching their alcohol intake. They contain about 75 calories per serving and have 6-8% alcohol by volume.
To make this simple drink, mix white wine with sparkling water. The sparkling water dilutes the wine, reducing both calories and alcohol content.
Many weight loss programs recommend white wine spritzers as a smart choice when you want to enjoy a drink without consuming too many calories.
You can add fresh fruit like strawberries for extra flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count. This makes the spritzer even more refreshing, especially on warm days.
3. Light Beer
Light beer is a great choice for those counting calories. Most light beers contain about 100 calories per 12-ounce serving, making them a better option than regular beers.
Michelob Ultra is one of the lowest-calorie options at just 95 calories with 4.2% ABV. This makes it popular among fitness enthusiasts.
Many breweries now offer light versions of their popular beers. These typically have about 50 fewer calories than their regular counterparts.
When choosing a light beer, check both the calorie count and the alcohol content. Some light beers maintain decent flavor while cutting calories.
4. Gin and Diet Tonic
Gin and diet tonic is a classic low-calorie cocktail choice that won’t derail your health goals. A standard serving contains about 120-130 calories, making it significantly lighter than many other mixed drinks.
The calorie savings come from using diet tonic water instead of regular tonic, which cuts out added sugars. A typical recipe includes 1-2 oz of gin mixed with 4 oz of diet tonic water.
For extra flavor without extra calories, add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon. You can also try flavored diet tonics that provide variety without adding calories.
5. Skinny Margarita
A skinny margarita is a lower-calorie version of the classic cocktail that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Most skinny margaritas contain around 100-150 calories per serving.
The basic recipe includes tequila, fresh lime juice, and a natural sweetener like agave nectar or a zero-calorie sweetener instead of sugary mixers. Some versions add a splash of orange juice for flavor.
To make one at home, combine 1.5 oz tequila, fresh lime juice, a small amount of sweetener, and ice in a shaker. Shake well and serve in a salt-rimmed glass.
You can also order skinny margaritas at restaurants like Applebee’s, where they offer a 100-calorie version.
6. Tequila with Lime
Tequila with lime is a simple yet refreshing low-calorie alcoholic option. A standard serving contains about 100 calories when made with 2 ounces of blanco tequila and fresh lime juice.
This clean drink has no added sugar, making it a smart choice for those watching their calorie intake. The combination of tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of sea salt creates a balanced flavor profile.
For the best taste, use fresh lime juice rather than bottled versions. You can serve this drink neat or over ice for a cooling effect.
This minimalist cocktail lets you enjoy tequila’s distinct flavor without the extra calories found in sugary mixed drinks.
7. Champagne
Champagne is a great choice for those watching their calories. A 4-ounce glass contains about 85 calories, making it more calorie-friendly than many other wine options.
The bubbles in champagne can also help you feel satisfied with less. This sparkling wine is perfect for celebrations or when you want something a bit fancy without consuming too many calories.
You can enjoy champagne straight or use it in cocktails like mimosas. Just be mindful of your portion size, as calories can add up quickly if you have multiple glasses.
For an even lighter option, look for brut or extra brut champagne, which contains less sugar.
8. Rum and Diet Cola
Rum and diet cola offers a tasty low-calorie option for those watching their intake. A standard serving contains around 120 calories per drink, significantly less than the regular version made with full-sugar cola.
Dark rum typically has about 97 calories per 1.5 oz shot, while diet cola adds virtually no calories. This makes it a smarter choice compared to the regular rum and cola that can contain 200+ calories.
You can customize this drink by choosing different rum varieties. Spiced rum adds flavor complexity without extra calories, while coconut rum (like Malibu) has slightly more calories but offers a tropical twist.
9. Prosecco
Prosecco is a fantastic low-calorie alcoholic option for those watching their weight. A typical glass contains about 100 calories, making it lighter than many other alcoholic beverages.
Some brands offer even lower calorie options. SYLTBAR Prosecco stands out as particularly diet-friendly with just 49 calories per glass, the lowest in the industry.
When choosing Prosecco for weight management, look for “brut” or “extra brut” varieties, which contain less sugar. Prosecco is typically served in smaller glasses than other wines, which naturally helps with portion control.
You can enjoy Prosecco on its own or use it as a base for low-calorie cocktails like a spritz with soda water.
10. Hard Seltzer
Hard seltzers are a top pick for low-calorie alcoholic drinks. Most brands contain only 100 calories per 12-ounce can.
White Claw, the original popular hard seltzer, has just 2 grams of sugar per can. Many people enjoy its light, refreshing taste.
Other brands like Ace Hill Vodka Soda in Lemon get high marks for flavor while keeping calories low. This makes hard seltzers perfect for summer gatherings.
Hard seltzers typically have a lower alcohol content than other drinks, usually around 4-5% ABV. The combination of bubbles, fruity flavors, and low calories has made them extremely popular.
11. Dry Martini
A dry martini is an excellent choice for those watching their calories. This classic cocktail contains about 97-200 calories per serving, depending on the size and recipe.
The traditional dry martini uses more gin and less vermouth than other variations. A typical recipe includes 2-2.5 ounces of gin and a smaller amount of dry vermouth.
You can make this drink even more calorie-friendly by skipping sugary additions. Just garnish with an olive or lemon twist for flavor without extra calories.
Dry martinis are sophisticated yet simple. They offer a strong flavor profile while keeping the calorie count relatively low compared to many other cocktails.
12. Ranch Water
Ranch Water is a popular low-calorie cocktail that originated in Texas. This refreshing drink combines tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico mineral water.
With approximately 80-142 calories per serving, Ranch Water is a great option for those watching their calorie intake. The exact calorie count depends on your pour sizes and whether you add sweeteners.
For a basic Ranch Water, you’ll need tequila, fresh lime juice, and sparkling mineral water. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a small amount of agave syrup, but this will increase the calorie count.
Canned versions like Lone River Ranch Water are also available, containing about 80 calories per can.
13. Rosé
Rosé wine is a great low-calorie option for those watching their weight. A standard 5-ounce glass of dry rosé typically contains about 120 calories, making it one of the lighter wine choices available.
For the lowest calorie count, look specifically for dry rosé varieties rather than sweeter ones. The drier the rosé, the fewer calories it will contain since it has less residual sugar.
Some rosé options, like Oddbird Sparkling Rosé, contain even fewer calories – just 19 per serving according to search results. This non-alcoholic alternative gives you the rosé experience with minimal calorie impact.
Rosé also pairs well with many foods, making it a versatile choice for social gatherings where you want to enjoy a drink without consuming too many calories.
14. Mojito (light)
The light Mojito is a refreshing option for those watching their calories. This cocktail uses fresh mint, lime juice, a touch of sugar, and light rum.
Traditional Mojitos can pack over 200 calories, but the light version cuts this down to about 100 calories per serving. The key is using less sugar and choosing a light rum.
You can further reduce calories by replacing sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia. Soda water adds fizz without any extra calories, making this a perfect summer drink that won’t derail your healthy eating plans.
15. Rum and Unsweetened Black Tea
Rum and unsweetened black tea makes a refreshing low-calorie cocktail option. This drink combines the smooth flavor of rum with antioxidant-rich black tea for a healthier alternative to sugary mixers.
You’ll get approximately 65-80 calories per serving, depending on your rum portion. This is significantly fewer calories than rum with cola or other sweetened drinks.
For the best flavor, brew a strong black tea and let it cool before mixing. You can add a squeeze of lemon or lime for extra flavor without adding many calories.
This cocktail works well with both white and dark rums, giving you flexibility based on your taste preferences.
16. Manhattan (light)
A Manhattan is a classic cocktail that typically contains bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. A light version can be made with just 156 calories and only 0.5g of sugar.
To make this lower-calorie version, use a smaller amount of bourbon and opt for a diet-friendly sweet vermouth. The traditional cherry garnish adds minimal calories but plenty of flavor.
You can further reduce calories by using less bourbon or choosing a lower-proof variety. The bitters add flavor without significant calories.
This sophisticated cocktail gives you the classic Manhattan experience while helping you maintain your weight loss goals.
17. Paloma (light)
The Paloma is a refreshing Mexican cocktail that makes a perfect low-calorie option for warm weather. This lighter version typically contains tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit-flavored seltzer or diet soda.
A light Paloma usually contains around 100-120 calories per serving, making it a smart choice for those watching their calorie intake. You can find ready-made light Paloma mixes with as little as 30 calories and 1g of sugar per serving.
For an even lighter option, you can enjoy canned Palomas that offer convenience without sacrificing taste. These pre-mixed options are perfect for bringing to outdoor gatherings.
18. Vodka Martini
A Vodka Martini is a classic cocktail that offers a low-calorie option for those watching their intake. With about 120-150 calories per serving, it’s a lighter choice compared to many other mixed drinks.
The basic recipe includes vodka and a small amount of dry vermouth. For an even lower calorie version, ask for it extra dry, which means using less vermouth.
You can add flavor without many extra calories by including a twist of lemon or a few olives. Avoid sugary additions like flavored vodkas or sweet mixers to keep the calorie count down.
This elegant drink gives you all the sophistication without weighing down your calorie budget for the day.
19. Southern Comfort with Pepsi Max
Southern Comfort mixed with Pepsi Max creates a tasty, lower-calorie alcoholic beverage. By using Pepsi Max instead of regular cola, you save around 200-300 calories per drink.
The sweet, fruity notes of Southern Comfort blend well with the zero-sugar cola, making it a satisfying option when you’re watching your calorie intake. The familiar whiskey-like flavor with hints of fruit and spice provides depth to this simple mixed drink.
You can garnish with a lime wedge for added flavor. This drink is straightforward to make – just pour Southern Comfort over ice and top with Pepsi Max to your preferred strength.
20. Sparkling Wine Spritzer
Sparkling wine spritzers are a fantastic low-calorie option when you want to enjoy a drink without consuming too many calories. This refreshing cocktail combines sparkling wine with club soda or sparkling water.
A typical sparkling wine spritzer contains about 75-100 calories per serving, making it one of the lower-calorie alcoholic drinks available. You can customize it by adding a splash of citrus juice or a few berries for extra flavor.
To make one at home, simply mix equal parts sparkling wine and club soda in a wine glass over ice. You can adjust the ratio to suit your taste preferences.
21. Cucumber Vodka Drink
Cucumber vodka drinks are perfect for those watching their calories. These refreshing cocktails typically contain cucumber-infused vodka mixed with soda water or seltzer.
The calories mainly come from the vodka itself, usually about 60 calories per ounce. When mixed with calorie-free soda water, you get a light drink that won’t derail your diet.
For extra flavor, add fresh cucumber slices, lime juice, or a hint of mint. Some recipes include a small amount of simple syrup, but you can skip this to keep calories lower.
Try mixing cucumber vodka with lemonade for a summery twist, or stick with soda water and fresh cucumber for the lowest calorie option.
The Science Behind Low-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks
Understanding how calories work in alcoholic drinks can help you make smarter choices. The caloric content comes from both the alcohol itself and any added mixers or ingredients.
How Caloric Content is Calculated
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, making it nearly twice as caloric as carbohydrates (4 calories per gram). Pure spirits like vodka or gin have fewer calories because they contain almost no carbs or sugar.
When you see “proof” on a bottle, it indicates alcohol content. Higher proof means more alcohol and therefore more calories. For example, 80-proof vodka (40% alcohol) contains about 64 calories per ounce.
Mixers significantly impact the calorie count. Sugary sodas, juices, and syrups can add 100+ calories per serving. This is why a vodka soda (about 100 calories) has far fewer calories than a margarita (often 300+ calories).
Quick calorie comparison:
- 1.5 oz vodka: 97 calories
- 12 oz light beer: 100-110 calories
- 5 oz dry wine: 120-130 calories
- 1.5 oz tequila: 97 calories
Impact on Health and Well-Being
Low-calorie alcoholic drinks can help you maintain weight goals while still enjoying social occasions. By choosing drinks with fewer calories, you can reduce your overall caloric intake by hundreds of calories per night out.
Beyond calories, alcohol affects your body in other ways. It slows metabolism temporarily as your body processes the alcohol first, before burning other calories from food.
Moderate alcohol consumption (defined as up to 1 drink daily for women and up to 2 for men) has been associated with some heart benefits in some studies. However, these benefits disappear with excessive drinking.
Hydration is key when consuming any alcohol. Low-calorie options like vodka soda with lime often contain more water than sugary cocktails, helping you stay better hydrated.
Balancing Taste and Caloric Intake
Finding low-calorie alcoholic drinks doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. With smart ingredient choices and mixing techniques, you can enjoy delicious cocktails while keeping calories in check.
Flavor Profiles of Low-Calorie Options
Different spirits offer unique flavor profiles that work well in low-calorie drinks. Vodka provides a neutral base that lets other flavors shine without adding sweetness. Rum brings warm, sometimes vanilla notes that can satisfy a sweet tooth with fewer added sugars. Gin offers botanical complexity that creates flavorful drinks with minimal mixers.
Fresh citrus juices like lime and lemon add bright acidity and flavor for minimal calories. Try using fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary to add aromatic depth without calories.
Sparkling water adds refreshing bubbles with zero calories, while diet mixers cut calories drastically compared to regular sodas. A normal rum and coke contains nearly 200 calories, while using diet cola drops it to around 100 calories per serving.
Mixology Tips for Lower Caloric Impact
Simple Substitutions:
- Replace simple syrup with a small amount of honey or agave
- Use flavored sparkling water instead of tonic or soda
- Opt for fresh fruit muddled in the drink rather than fruit juices
- Choose diet mixers over regular versions
Dilution Techniques: Adding ice not only chills your drink but also dilutes the alcohol. This allows you to sip longer with fewer total drinks. Consider serving drinks “on the rocks” rather than neat.
Use flavor enhancers like bitters, which add complexity with minimal calories. Just a few dashes can transform a basic vodka soda into a more sophisticated drink.
Rimming glasses with citrus zest or a tiny amount of salt can enhance flavor perception without adding significant calories. This works particularly well with tequila-based drinks and martinis.
