Looking to raise a glass but lower your calorie intake? A Cleveland Clinic nutrition clinician reveals the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks as a smart strategy for cutting back.
10 Lowest-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks, Listed by a Clinical Expert
Published on Jan. 07, 2025
Lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks
When it comes to alcohol, making mindful choices is essential. Opting for lighter drinks can help you stay within your caloric goals while avoiding excess sugar and unhealthy additives.
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that adults who choose to drink—and have not been advised otherwise—limit their alcohol intake. For women and individuals over age 65, this means one drink or less per day (no more than seven drinks per week). For men under 65, the guideline allows up to two drinks per day (no more than 14 drinks per week).
It’s also important to recognize, as Zumpano points out, that the World Health Organization (WHO) states there is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption. Even moderate drinking can increase the risk of certain health problems.
If you’re on a journey to manage your alcohol intake and make healthier decisions, Zumpano says the following are the low-calorie sips to consider:
1. Light beer
- Calories: 50-150
- Alcohol by volume (ABV): 4-5.5%
- Serving size: 12 ounces (oz)
Light beer is one of the healthiest beer options, offering a satisfying way to enjoy a drink without the excess calories of traditional beers. Opt for brews with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) to minimize calories even further.
2. Hard seltzers
- Calories: 100
- ABV: 4.5-5%
- Serving size: 12 oz
Hard seltzers are a popular low-calorie option that combines carbonation with alcohol. Available in a variety of options like lime, mango, black cherry, watermelon, and grapefruit, they provide a light and flavorful alternative to traditional mixed drinks.
One hint is to be cautious of labels that list “natural flavors.” It’s hard to know what those are—look for the cleanest ingredients you can, such as real fruit essence or light puree.
3. Dry white wine
- Calories: 80-95
- ABV: 8-10%
- Serving Size: 5 oz
Dry white wine is a light choice, and varietals like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio are especially low in calories.
For a pretty twist, chill your glass with frozen fruit, or add plain seltzer water for extra hydration, diluted alcohol content, and to make your glass last longer.
4. Red wine
- Calories: 100-120
- ABV: 10-12%
- Serving size: 5 oz
Red wine is slightly higher in calories than white but still remains a relatively light option. Red wine also contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that may offer some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation.
5. Dry champagne
- Calories: 90-100
- ABV: 10-11%
- Serving size: 5 oz
Dry Champagne adds a celebratory sparkle to any occasion. Choose “Brut” or “Extra Brut” to ensure a lower sugar content. (Check the calories and sugar content on cava or Prosecco as typically affordable options that often have similar nutrition facts.)
6. Vodka & soda
- Calories: Approximately 130
- ABV: 5-10%
- Serving size: 8 oz
This cocktail is light and refreshing. Combine vodka with soda water and enhance the flavor with freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice. To elevate the experience, try infusing your vodka with natural flavors like cucumber or mint.
7. Gin or tequila on the rocks
- Calories: 70-75
- ABV: 40%
- Serving size: 1.5 oz
Enjoying gin or tequila straight or over ice is one of the simplest ways to keep calories to a minimum. A slice of lime or a sprig of rosemary can add a touch of flavor without the need for sugary mixers.
8. Skinny mojito
- Calories: 90-120
- ABV: 8-10%
- Serving size: 8 oz
A skinny mojito uses fresh lime juice, muddled mint leaves, and soda water for a low-calorie cocktail. Skip the sugary syrup and add just a touch of honey or agave nectar if you prefer a hint of sweetness.
9. Whiskey on the rocks
- Calories: 70-80
- ABV: 40%
- Serving size: 1.5 oz
Whiskey lovers can enjoy this spirit over ice for a bold flavor without the added calories from mixers. For a little something extra, add a splash of soda water or garnish with an orange peel.
10. Aperol spritz
- Calories: 120-130
- ABV: 11%
- Serving size: 5 oz
This Italian favorite combines Aperol bitters, soda water, and a splash of dry Prosecco. Its vibrant citrus and herbal notes make it an alluring low-calorie choice for warm-weather sipping…or for dreaming about warmer days.
Other ways to cut calories when drinking alcohol
Making drinks at home gives you control over ingredients, allowing you to skip the sugary premade mixes and craft lighter options. Swap out calorie-heavy syrups for fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary to improve flavor naturally. Consider skipping the sugar or salt on the rim, which adds unnecessary calories.
Opting for a smaller serving size can also help you enjoy your drink while keeping your caloric intake in check.
What to avoid when ordering alcoholic drinks
Zumpano shares the following ingredients to steer clear of when choosing the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks:
- Juice
- Soda pop
- Syrup
- Mixers
- Energy drinks
- Milk
- Cream
- Punch
- Added sugar
Tips for drinking alcohol while maintaining a healthy diet
“Alcohol is not healthy—no matter how low-calorie it may be,” Zumpano says. “Do your best to limit or avoid to optimize your health.”
Excessive drinking can lead to serious health risks, including liver damage, heart disease, pancreatitis, cancer, and mental health issues. If you do choose to drink, Zumpano offers these tips to minimize health impacts and stay on track with your diet:
- Drink a glass of water before and after each alcoholic beverage to stay hydrated and reduce overall alcohol intake.
- Opt for non-alcoholic beverages or mocktails to enjoy the social aspect without the calories.
- Set a clear limit on the number of drinks you plan to have and stick to it.
- Choose activities that don’t revolve around drinking alcohol.
- Always designate a driver to ensure you and others remain safe.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Consuming alcohol with food slows its absorption and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
