https://paloaltoonline.com/blogs/p/print/2018/12/09/which-cocktail-has-the-least-calories

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Which Cocktail Has the Least Calories?

I recently ordered a *** (name below) and the bartender said, “Oh, you want the drink with the least calories.” Really? I had never considered my cocktail choice as a skinny mini or fat cat. Makes sense to think about during the holidays.

Many moons ago we Food Partied! about drinking rituals and the importance of the toast. Here’s Lookin’ At You, Gorgeous reminds us whatever nectar we quaff, there is power in looking into the eyes of our friends as we clink. Don’t look at the glass, look at the person, and feel warmth and connection. Try it – you’ll like it.



But calories? Honestly, I haven’t even thought about the calories hiding in my glass, and I guess I should. Ten percent of daily calories can come from alcohol, so it’s worth a look-see.

The drink I ordered was the humble, but always effervescent…

Vodka Soda… coming in at 97 calories.

It shares that low count with a rum and diet coke, and is actually just a touch more than your average 4 oz glass of champagne (90 calories – but who drinks only one?).


Diane Choplin Photography

Even lower is a shot of Tequila (64 calories).

Here’s a few more:

Cosmopolitan (1/2 cup) 100 calories (but 23.9 grams carbs /22 g sugar)

Coors Lite: (12 oz) 102 calories, 5 grams carbs

White wine: (5 oz) 123 calories, 0 grams carbs


photo LSIC

Red wine: (5 oz) 125 calories, 5 grams carbs


photo LSIC

Gin and tonic (5 oz) 130 calories, 14 grams carbs (tonic has as much sugar as a soda!)

Sierra Nevada IPA (12 oz) 175 calories, 14.1 grams carbs

Bloody Mary (10 oz ) varies, but average 180 calories


photo LSIC

Angry Orchard hard cider (12 oz) 190 calories, 30 grams carbs

Margarita (8 oz): 400 - 680 calories

Long Island Ice Tea (7 oz) up to 780 calories

Don’t forget to drink a glass of water between each cocktail, and happy celebrations to you all!