How to Choose Low-Cal Cocktails
Have your cocktail and stick to your diet too with a few easy steps.
You Will Need
- Basic math skills
- Portion control
- Willpower
Steps
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Step 1
Do the math
Do the math -- A standard 1½ ounce serving of 80 proof alcohol has 96 calories. And that’s without mixers. More alcohol content automatically means more calories.
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Step 2
Avoid frozen and cream drinks
Avoid frozen drinks, such as daiquiris and margaritas, and cream-based drinks, such as Hummers. They’re loaded with sugar, fat, and calories.
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Step 3
Watch the mixers
Be careful when choosing mixed drinks that contain high-calorie syrups, juices, and sodas. Your vodka and cranberry will be better for your waistline with club soda and just a splash of cranberry.
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A six-ounce serving of orange juice has 84 calories. Add vodka to make a Screwdriver and the calories more than double.
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Step 4
Pick clear and distilled drinks
Go for clear drinks and drinks mixed with club soda or sparkling water, which are lower in calories. Distilled liquors, such as vodka, have fewer calories than non-distilled liquors, such as Irish cream.
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Watch your portion size. A standard glass of wine is 4 ounces, but a large glass filled to the top can be double that.
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Step 5
Drink light beer
Drink light or 'low-carb' beer. They have the same alcohol content as regular beer, but fewer fat-loving carbohydrates.
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Step 6
Raise a glass of Champagne
Raise a glass and toast to Champagne, which has a mere 106 calories.
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A 4½-ounce pina colada has 245 calories.
