Alcoholic drinks can be deceiving when it comes to their calorie content. A cocktail can pack just as many calories as a doughnut, and a beer can have as many calories as a can of Coke. So, which has more calories, beer or a Manhattan? The answer may depend on the size of the drink and the specific ingredients used. A typical 12 oz beer has around 140 calories, while a Manhattan cocktail (3.5 oz) has around 165-187 calories. Therefore, a Manhattan cocktail tends to have more calories than a beer, assuming the beer is not a craft beer with extra ingredients and richer flavor.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Beer calories | 60-300 calories |
Manhattan calories | 129-187 calories |
Beer ABV | 2-11% |
Manhattan ABV | 12-15% |
What You'll Learn
A Manhattan cocktail has 129-187 calories
A Manhattan cocktail is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. It is a simple drink with a complex flavour profile. A 3.5 fl oz (100 mL) Manhattan contains 165 calories. However, the calorie count can vary depending on the size of the drink. A 3.5 fl oz (103 mL) serving has been estimated to contain 187 calories.
Cocktails contain extra calories that can hinder weight loss goals. The calories in cocktails come from the spirits and the mixers used. One "shot" (1.5 oz or 45 mL) of 80-proof gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, or tequila contains 100 calories. Brandy or cognac contains 100 calories, and liqueurs contain 165 calories. Mixers can also add calories, especially if they are sugary.
When comparing the calorie content of beer and cocktails, it is important to consider the alcohol content and the serving size. A typical 12 oz beer can have around 140 calories, which is similar to a can of Coke. However, the calorie content can vary depending on the alcohol content, with regular beers containing around 150 calories, and heavy hitters like IPAs containing 200-300 calories.
Wine also has a lower calorie content than cocktails, with a 5 oz pour of 12% alcohol wine containing around 150 calories.
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A beer has 60-250 calories
A beer typically has 60 to 250 calories, depending on its alcohol content and volume. A 12-ounce light beer, for instance, has around 100 calories, while a regular 12-ounce beer has about 140 to 150 calories. The calories in beer come mostly from alcohol and, to a lesser extent, from carbohydrates.
The calorie count can vary depending on the type of beer. Very low-alcohol beers, such as Miller 64 (2% to 3% alcohol), start at around 60 calories for a 12-ounce serving. Most light beers (4% alcohol) have about 100 calories. Budweiser, a typical 5% alcohol brew, has around 150 calories.
IPAs and other heavy hitters (7% to 11% alcohol) can pack 200 to 300 calories in a 12-ounce serving. However, a lower-alcohol "session" IPA cuts that to about 140 calories. Some newer "lo-cal" IPAs, like Dogfish Head Slightly Mighty, contain as few as 100 calories.
When served in larger glasses, such as a 16 or 20-ounce draft pour, even an average beer can reach 200 to 250 calories. Similarly, a pint of beer, which is 16 ounces, will have more beer and calories than a 12-ounce serving. For example, a pint of Guinness contains 210 calories.
In comparison, a Manhattan cocktail, made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, has around 165 to 187 calories. The calorie count can vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and serving size.
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A martini has 125-200 calories
The number of calories in a drink depends on its alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, its carbohydrate content. A martini is made with distilled spirits, which have fewer calories than beer. A typical 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, or tequila contains 100 calories.
If you're watching your weight, a martini is a better choice than a beer or a Manhattan. However, it's important to remember that cocktails contain extra calories that can add up if you're trying to lose weight. To reduce your calorie intake, choose low-calorie mixers such as diet tonic or club soda, or opt for fresh, low-sugar mixers like herbs, whole fruits, and vegetables.
The calorie content of alcoholic drinks can vary widely, even within the same category. For example, a "light" beer can have as few as 60 calories, while a heavy IPA can have 200-300 calories. Similarly, a "craft" beer typically has more calories than a commercial beer due to its higher carbohydrate and extra ingredient content. So, when making a martini, it's worth considering the type of spirit and mixer used to keep the calorie count on the lower end.
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A pint of beer has 239 calories
A beer with higher alcohol by volume (ABV) will have more calories. For example, a 12 fl oz (355 mL) Guinness Draught beer has 125 calories, while a 12 fl oz (355 mL) regular beer has 145 calories. A 16 oz pint, which is what beer is often served in at bars and restaurants, will contain even more beer and calories.
A Manhattan cocktail, on the other hand, has fewer calories. A 3.5 fl oz (100 mL) Manhattan has 165 calories, while a serving of alcohol (1 cocktail serving) has about 129 calories. A Manhattan is made of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, and is considered a dessert drink.
So, if you're watching your calorie intake, a Manhattan might be a better choice than a pint of beer. However, it's important to keep in mind that the calorie content of alcoholic drinks can vary widely depending on their alcohol percentage and other ingredients.
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A 12 fl oz light beer has 105 calories
A 12 fl oz light beer typically contains 103 to 105 calories. This is significantly fewer calories than a regular beer, which contains 140 to 155 calories per 12 fl oz. Light beers are also lower in alcohol content, typically containing 2% to 4% alcohol, while regular beers contain around 5% alcohol.
When it comes to calories, light beer is a better option than regular beer. However, it's important to note that the calorie content of beer can vary depending on the brand and type. For example, some light beers may have as few as 60 calories per 12 fl oz, while others may have up to 170 calories or more. Similarly, regular beers can range from around 140 to 170 calories or more per 12 fl oz.
In comparison, a Manhattan cocktail, which typically contains rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, has approximately 165 to 187 calories per 3.5 fl oz. This means that a Manhattan has a higher calorie count than a light beer, but it's served in a smaller quantity.
It's worth noting that the calorie content of alcoholic beverages can vary depending on various factors, including the alcohol content, carbohydrate content, and serving size. Additionally, different types of alcoholic drinks have different standard serving sizes, which can also affect the number of calories consumed.
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Frequently asked questions
A Manhattan has more calories than a beer. A Manhattan contains about 129-187 calories, while a beer contains about 60-239 calories.
The calorie content of beer depends on its alcohol content and, to a lesser extent, its carbohydrate content. Beers with a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) number will have more calories.
Low-calorie beer options include light beers, which have around 60-105 calories, and very low alcohol beers (2-3% alcohol), which start at around 60 calories. For cocktails, spirits on the rocks are a good low-calorie option.