Lowest-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks For Weight Loss, According To Nutritionist

By AbhiShek

Let’s be real with ourselves; we know that after a hectic and long day or week, all we want is a glass of wine or a cocktail. It feels and sounds rewarding, right! But a sudden question pops into your mind. Can I have alcohol while I am on a weight loss journey?  It may be surprising, but you do not need to completely avoid alcohol. You just need to focus on which alcohol is best for weight loss.

In shemoii language we say it like, being SMART about what we SIP. If you are a busy mom, a fitness lover, or simply want to keep your calories in check, our guide will help you find the 20 lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks for weight loss, according to nutritionists. 

Why Does Alcohol Matter For Weight Loss? 

Many of you do not know, but alcohol is called empty calories with zero nutritional value. 1 gram of alcohol is equal to 7 calories. The shocking fact is that alcohol provides twice as many calories as carbohydrates and proteins. But unlike carbs and proteins, it has no nutritional value. 

According to medical news today, a single shot of vodka and gin contains up to 97 calories. When we consume alcohol, our body prioritizes breaking it down first, which results in a slow metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. As we said earlier, you need to be smart with your drink options to fit your weight loss goals. Let’s find out which alcohol has the lowest calories! 

20 Low-Calorie Alcoholic Drink Ideas For Weight Loss 

These 20 low-calorie alcoholic drink ideas for weight loss will not only help you stay committed to your weight loss goals but also help you unwind: 

1.Vodka soda with lime (95 cal)

Is vodka good for weight loss? As a calorie-conscious person, your first choice should be vodka soda with lime. Among spirits, vodka has the lowest calorie count, and soda water has zero. All you need to do is add a squeeze of lemon without adding any sugar. It’s simple to order and provides a refreshing experience. 

2.Tequila with fresh lime juice (upto 110 cal)

Tequila by nature is low in sugar. When paired with lime juice, it becomes a refreshing, clean and bold choice. You can now easily swap your sugar margaritas with this pair. It also avoids bloating, and to get the festive feels, you can use a salt rim. 

3.Dry white wine (120 cal)

One of the most frequent questions we receive is, “Can I drink wine while trying to lose weight?” Yes, you can absolutely have wine during your weight loss journey. The real question is what type of wine is suitable for you. Here comes our third number: Dry white wine; you can go for sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio for lighter options. Just have one glass and avoid all sweet varieties. 

4.Light beer (95 – 110 cal)

If you enjoy beer and are looking for light beer options, you can choose from brands like Corona Premier, Bud Light Next, or Michelob Ultra. These are not just some light beers but are also low on carbs. You can search for some other light beers that are gentler on your waistline. 

5.Champagne or prosecco (up to 128 cal)

These beverages can give you a bit of excess, richness, and satisfaction, but Champagne or Prosecco are lower in calories than most of the wines. The fizzy nature of these beverages can naturally slow your drinking pace, which helps reduce overall consumption. You can also choose the dry varieties labeled as “brut” to consume less sugar. 

6. Skinny margarita (up to -130 cal)

Skinny margaritas include tequila, fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of orange extract or light agave. It is the light version of the classic margarita. The best part about a skinny margarita is that it is tart, totally satisfying, and easy on your diet goals, unlike other beverages. 

7. Gin and diet tonic (up to -100 cal)

As the name suggests, it has gin and diet tonic. Gin is naturally low in calories, and, unlike regular tonics, diet tonic is low in sugar and keeps things light. Don’t worry! You do not have to sacrifice the sharp notes of gin with diet tonic; it remains the same. If you want to elevate the twist and the taste, add cucumber or mint without the guilt. 

8. Rum with coconut water (upto 120 cal)

Rum and coconut water is considered one of the lowest-calorie drinks you can get your hands on. The drink not only keeps you refreshed but hydrated as well! Get the taste of coconut and all other tropical flavors with this drink. Unwind yourself with ease. 

9. Rose (upto 120 cal)

Dry rosé is low on sugar, which keeps your calorie count low, unlike other sweet varieties. It is the perfect choice for your hectic summer afternoons or random day patio brunches. Dry rosé is a light, floral, refreshing, and elegant drink, as always. 

10. Red wine (upto 125 cal)

If you are looking for a drink that is low on calories and also offers antioxidants, then dry red wine like Merlot, Pinot Noir, and cabernet should be your go-to choice. A 5 oz. glass of dry red wine will give you the rich and utmost satisfying taste, along with antioxidants like resveratrol. The best part about dry red wine is that you can pair it up with your food, and it is lower in sugar levels than other sweet reds. 

11. Vodka with diet Cranberry or light lemonade (upto 120 cal)

If you are looking for a low-calorie and easy-to-make drink or cocktail, then vodka with Cranberry or light lemonade will work fine for you. Unlike traditional mixers, it has far lower sugar levels. To get the fresher taste, you can use homemade lemonade. 

12. Hard Seltzers (upto 100 cal)

As a woman who checks up on her weight constantly, these trendy canned beverages will become your go-to drink. Hard seltzers contain carbonated water, alcohol, and a light flavoring. If you are at a social event or at the beach, you can definitely order this low-carb, low-suger and ultra-convenient drink to unwind yourself. 

13. Whiskey on the rocks (up to -105 cal)

Whiskey on the rocks means that whisky or any other spirit is simply poured over the ice. Ice here refers to rocks. Whisky on the rocks is low in calories and carbs. You should ensure that you do not consume this drink excessively in order to enjoy its benefits.

14. Diy skinny sangria (up to -140 cal)

We call this drink Do it yourself because you can easily make it in the comfort of your home. All you need to do is mix red or white wine with sparkling water and add citrus slices and berries to get a naturally sweetened drink. Do not add any juice or sugar to maintain your fitness goals. Unlike traditional sangria, this DIY skinny sangria is much lower in calories. 

15. Bloody mary (light) (upto 120 cal)

Bloody Mary is packed with nutrients, as it has tomato juice, and that’s why the name. You can have it during your brunch time. To make a bloody mary light, use low-sodium tomato juice, do not add sugary mixes, and use fewer garnishes. Ta-da: get yourself a savory taste packed with vitamins and no sugar crash. 

16. Spiked sparkling water (upto 100 cal)

Spiked parking water is nothing but carbonated water, alcohol, and lemon juice. When consumed in moderation, it can help you unwind without worrying about your calorie levels. It can be considered a beneficial option if you want to enjoy a carbonated beverage and maintain your carb level. 

17. Mojito (no sugar/syrup) (upto 120 cal)

It is true that traditional mojitos are filled with simple and sweet syrups. All you have to do is ask the bartender to skip adding the syrup or any other sweetened variety. With this drink, you will get a slice of lime, fresh mint, light rum, and a soda water base. What you will not get is the extra sugar spike. 

18. Aperol spritz (lightened) (upto 120 cal)

Traditionally, Aperol spritz is made with three things: prosecco, aperol and soda water. But to meet our fitness goals, we need to lighten it up. How? To make a lighter version, use less aperol and more soda water. The resulting drink will be bubbly and slightly bitter in taste, making it perfect for summer evenings and a low-calorie option. 

19. Ranch water (upto 130 cal for 10 oz.)

Ranch water—a type of cocktail is made up of tequila, fresh lime juice, and the main ingredient – topo chico sparkling mineral water. The drink is naturally low in calories, keeps you hydrated and gives you a zesty flavor. This simple but powerful drink is a fantastic option if you are on a diet. 

20. White wine spritzer (upto 90 cal)

To make a white wine spritzer, you have to mix white wine with soda water. The drink not only helps you stay hydrated but also helps you stay on your weight loss journey. Low in carbs and calories, it also helps you pace your drinking while socializing. 

5 Tips For Enjoying Alcohol While Losing Weight

  • Always skip sugary mixes: To stay on your diet, you must avoid extra sugary mixers such as regular tonic, cola, and  juice syrups. You can add Soda water, a light tonic, or even just fresh Citrus juice as an alternative. 

  • Hydrate yourself with water: To avoid dehydration and overeating, you will have to consciously consume water while drinking. 

 

  • Stick to 1 drink a day: If you are on a weight loss journey, avoid taking alcohol. If you want to take it, make sure you take 1 drink  in a single day to reap the benefits of it. 

 

  • Don’t drink on an empty stomach: Always remember to eat first before drinking. A light meal before or in between the drinks helps you curb overdrinking and avoid late-night cravings. 

 

  • Order smaller pours: Remember, you are on a weight loss journey; order diluted and smaller pours. By doing this, you will enjoy the flavors while consuming fewer calories. 

 

Conclusion 

Therefore, it is indeed possible to enjoy alcoholic beverages while still achieving weight loss, provided you choose the most suitable options for this purpose. Shemoii is here to support your goals and not sabotage them by helping you choose the best alcohol for weight loss. You can choose anything from crisp vodka to DIY skinny margaritas. 

Believe us when we say mindful sipping is still sipping! 

Are you just bloated or gaining weight? Want to know the difference? Click here! 

Straight spirits like tequila, gin, and vodka have up to 97 calories per 1.5 oz. Combine straight spirits with soda and ice to dilute them further. 

Yes, absolutely! You have to make sure you take the wine in a controlled amount. Again, diluting it with soda water will cut the calories even more. 

Alcohol can affect your weight loss efforts in many ways. It will potentially slow down the fat and carb metabolism, resulting in weight gain. It can also lead to high-calorie eating habits. 

To get a low-calorie cocktail, you can use mixers like coconut water, soda water, diet tonic, sparkling water, fresh lime juice, or even some herbal infusions like mint/basil. 

To enjoy alcohol without derailing your diet, all you have to do is maintain the balance. For instance, always choose low-calorie alcoholic drinks, stick to one glass only, continuously hydrate yourself with water, and avoid sugary mixers at all costs. Conscious effort will help you enjoy your drink without affecting your diet.