Beer Vs Cocktails: Which Drink Packs More Calories?

Alcoholic drinks are often a 'hidden' source of calories, with a 2012 study finding that the average American adult consumes 100 calories a day from beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks are typically empty calories, providing little to no nutritional value. The calorie content of alcoholic drinks varies depending on the type of drink, with beer, cocktails, and spirits all having different calorie counts. So, which has more calories, beer or cocktails?

Cocktails with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream are high in calories

A 12-ounce beer has about 150 calories, while a cocktail made with spirits, such as vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, or tequila, has about 100 calories. However, when you add mixers, the calorie count goes up. A cocktail with soda or juice can have as many calories as a beer, if not more.

A cocktail made with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream can contain a lot of extra calories, especially if it's a high-alcohol cocktail. A margarita or pina colada, for example, can have up to 500 calories per drink.

A cocktail made with a spirit as its base will generally have fewer calories than a beer. A 1.5-ounce shot of vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, or tequila has about 97 to 100 calories. However, when you add mixers, the calorie count goes up. A vodka soda, for example, has about 100 calories, while a vodka and orange juice can have as many as 170 calories.

Cocktails with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream can be high in calories, but it's important to remember that the calorie content of a cocktail can vary depending on the type of alcohol, the amount of alcohol, and the mixers used. A cocktail made with a low-calorie mixer, such as diet soda or soda water, will have fewer calories than one made with a regular mixer.

Beer calories depend on alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, carbs

Light beers with very low alcohol content (2% to 3% alcohol) like Miller 64 contain approximately 60 calories per 12 ounces. Most light beers (4% alcohol) have about 100 calories. Bud Light Next, for example, reduces its calorie count to 80 by lowering its alcohol and carbohydrate content.

Regular beers with an average alcohol content of 5%, such as Budweiser, contain approximately 150 calories.

IPAs and other strong beers (7% to 11% alcohol) like regular IPAs, double or imperial IPAs, and Belgian-style Trippels contain 200 to 300 calories. The good news is that a lower-alcohol "session" IPA reduces the calorie count to around 140. Newer "lo-cal" IPAs, such as Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, contain as little as 100 calories.

Draft pours should also be considered. A typical beer served in a 16- or 20-ounce glass contains 200 to 250 calories.

People watching their carbohydrate intake may want to limit their beer consumption. Beer is produced by fermenting grains like barley and wheat, which contain carbohydrates. Additionally, most beers contain added sugars, further increasing their carbohydrate levels.

Light beers are generally lower in calories and carbohydrates than their full-flavored counterparts. However, beer may not be suitable for diets that severely restrict carbohydrates. On the other hand, some light beers with very few carbs may be appropriate for less restrictive diets.

Pure alcohol contains 7 calories per gram

It is a well-known fact that alcoholic drinks are a significant contributor to our daily calorie intake. A 2012 study found that the average American adult consumes 100 calories a day from beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages. Pure alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is close to the energy content of fat, packing 9 calories per gram. This means that a 12-ounce glass of beer has about 150 calories, and a 5-ounce glass of red wine has approximately 125 calories.

The calorie content of alcoholic drinks depends on several factors, including the type of alcohol, the serving size, and any added mixers. For example, a standard glass of wine can contain up to 158 calories, while a pint of stronger lager can have up to 222 calories. Similarly, a bottle of light beer typically has around 100 calories, while a regular beer of the same size contains about 150 calories.

The high calorie content of alcohol is due to the fermentation and distillation processes used to produce the alcohol content. Additionally, alcohol is considered "empty" calories because it provides no nutritional benefits. This means that consuming alcoholic drinks can lead to weight gain over time, especially when coupled with a higher-calorie diet.

Furthermore, drinking alcohol with a meal can cause individuals to consume more food. Research suggests that alcohol lowers inhibitions, making individuals more likely to order dessert or an extra drink. Additionally, alcohol can alter brain chemistry, increasing the reward received from food. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of the calorie content of alcoholic drinks and to consume them in moderation to maintain a healthy weight.

In summary, pure alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is close to the energy content of fat. This contributes to the high calorie content of alcoholic drinks, which can have significant effects on weight gain and overall health. Therefore, it is important to consume alcoholic beverages in moderation and be mindful of their calorie content.

Spirits are a relatively low-calorie option

The calorie content of alcoholic drinks varies depending on the type of drink, the amount of alcohol, the volume of the drink, and the presence of carbohydrates and sugars. Beer, for example, is made from grain, which stores carbohydrates in the form of starch. During the brewing process, enzymes break down these starch molecules into smaller pieces, some of which are converted into alcohol by yeast. However, some larger starch molecules remain, contributing to the overall calorie count of most beers.

Cocktails mixed with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream can have especially high-calorie counts. Margaritas and piña coladas, for instance, can contain close to 500 calories per drink. On the other hand, a vodka soda or a "ranch water" (tequila, seltzer, and lime) are lower in sugar and calories, with around 100 calories per drink.

It is worth noting that alcoholic drinks are essentially "empty" calories, providing little to no nutritional value. As such, cutting back on alcohol may be a healthy way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

If you are watching your weight, it is advisable to opt for drinks that are lower in alcohol and avoid adding sugary mixers. Some lower-calorie options include a shot of spirits, a glass of champagne or dry wine, a traditional martini, a light beer, or a glass of reduced-calorie wine.

Alcoholic drinks are high in calories and sugar

Alcoholic drinks are a "'hidden' source of calories, and it's easy to forget that liquid calories count too. Alcoholic drinks are made from natural sources of sugar and starch, and the fermentation and distillation processes determine how much sugar and calories end up in your drink. Pure alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is more than protein and carbs (4 calories per gram) but less than fat (9 calories per gram).

The higher the percentage of alcohol (ABV or alcohol by volume), the more calories your drink will contain. A higher alcohol content in beer, for example, will significantly increase its calorie count. A typical 12 oz beer has around 140 calories, but some have twice that amount. A 5% alcohol beer, like Budweiser, has around 150 calories per 12 oz, while a heavy-hitting 7-11% alcohol IPA has 200-300 calories.

Cocktails can be even worse for calories, depending on the mixers used. Cocktails mixed with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream can be especially high in calories. A margarita, for example, has around 200 calories in a small glass, but a frozen, sugary margarita has over 300 calories. A Moscow mule or mojito will set you back 200-300 calories, and a martini or Manhattan has 150-200 calories.

If you're watching your weight, it's best to stick to drinks with lower alcohol content and avoid adding sugary mixers. A vodka soda or a "ranch water" (tequila, seltzer, and lime) are lower in sugar and calories, with around 100 calories and half a teaspoon of sugar or less. A shot of spirits (vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, or tequila) has around 97-100 calories, and a glass of champagne has about 84 calories per 4 oz. A glass of dry wine has approximately 120-125 calories per 5 oz, and a traditional martini has an average of 124 calories for a 2.5-ounce serving.

Frequently asked questions