Margarita’s are traditionally made from tequila, triple sec and lime juice but more restaurants and bars use sugar-riddled lime cordial to save on time and cost, switch to straight lime juice to save yourself the calories. Plus, did you know that a study revealed that margaritas can help lower your cholesterol.
14. Cider
Calories: 210
With the same number of calories as a sugar doughnut ciders are for those who love a sweet treat. Though you can still enjoy a cider as there are low calorie varieties available.
13. Liqueurs
Calories: 165
Liqueurs are your diets undoing, they are loaded with calories with around 165 calories in one nip.
12. Beer
Calories: 155
Beer is thought to be the devil when it comes to alcoholic beverages but a study actually revealed that beer drinkers had a lower blood pressure than those who drank spirits. Beers contain several B vitamins as well as calcium, magnesium and selenium. Generally speaking the darker the beer the more calorie-dense it is so steer clear of dark ales.
11. Red wine
Calories: 125 per glass
Red wine gets the most air time when it comes to the healthiest alcohol. It does still have quite a few calories but the antioxidants in wine may help boost heart health, protect against cancer and lose weight. A study by Washington State University and Harvard Medical School has found that having a glass or two of wine in the evening can actually help you lose weight. Wine contains a chemical called resveratrol which is appetite-suppressing.
10. Bloody mary
Calories: 125
A bloody mary is one of the lowest-calorie cocktails you’ll find. Make the tomato juice yourself to avoid added sugars and salts. P.s here’s our best ever bloody mary recipe.
9. Martini
Calories: 124
A well-made martini is made of gin and vermouth, but beware it has extremely high alcohol content. Want to get fancy? Try these mandarin martinis.
8. White wine
Calories: 121 per glass
Each variety of wine has a different sugar content, dry wines like pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc have less sugar than sweeter varieties like Moscato which can have around 165 calories per glass.
7. Rosé
Calories: 120 per glass
As long as you choose a dry rosé you’ve nabbed yourself a winner. But remember the higher the alcohol content generally the higher the calories.
6. Light Beer
Calories: 103 per 340ml
Light beer is not only light on the alcohol but on the calories too. With around 50 calories less per drink it adds up when you have a few.
5. No-Syrup Mojito
Calories: 100
Mojitos are a refreshing summer drink with light rum, lots of mint, lime and soda water they aren’t too bad on the calorie front until you add sugar syrup. With syrup mojitos clock in at around 168 calories, ditch the sugar syrup and you will save between 40-70 calories.
4. Tequila
Calories: 97
Light in colour and in calories tequila will set you back 97 calories a shot. For those who aren’t a fan of vodka try a tequila lime and soda.
3. Vodka
Calories: 97
There’s a reason why a vodka, lime and soda is referred to as the “skinny girls drink” clocking in 97 calories a glass. As alcohol dehydrates you soda water also works to hydrate you, is sugar-free and is the most calorie efficient mixer around.
2. Gin
Calories: 97
Gin itself is a relatively low-calorie spirit but what trips people up is a gin and tonic. Tonic “water” has fooled us all, with a similar calorie and sugar make-up as a glass of lemonade it’s back to the soda waters for you. A gin and tonic contains around 200 calories.
1. Champagne
Calories: 84
Champagne or sparkling wine is the best low-calorie option – one small glass (120ml) clocks up around 84 calories. If you lower the bubbly volume and mix in health-boosting OJ, you’ll slash the alcohol content, too. Cheers! When you’re picking a bottle go for brut or extra brut which means dry aka less sugar.
