How Many Calories Are in Alcoholic Beverages?
![Reframe App Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d10433104bca13abce2c13/6524611f0bc6ca7db5aea21b_logo.webp)
While most people are relatively aware of the caloric content in foods, the same level of attention is seldom given to alcoholic beverages. These "invisible calories" can subtly and consistently tip the balance in the wrong direction, leading to weight gain and even high blood sugar.
We don't equate a few beers with a full meal, but calorically, they can be strikingly similar.
It’s important to understand the amount of calories in alcoholic beverages. By gaining this awareness, we can drink mindfully and protect our long-term well-being.
The term "calories" is often thrownaround in discussions about food, weightloss, and health, but what exactly arethey? Understanding what calories are and how they function can be a key element in making informed dietary and lifestyle choices.
At its most basic, a calorie is a unit of measurement for energy. This is the energy that our bodies extract from food and drink to perform all functions, including mundane activities like breathing and even sleeping.
Calories come from four sources: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and alcohol. Each of these macronutrients has a different caloric density:
Understanding these values help us gauge the caloric content in the foods and beverages we consume, steering us towards better choices.
While counting calories can give you a straightforward metric for managing your weight, it's important to note that not all calories are created equal. The quality of the calories we consume matters just as much as the quantity. For example, 100 calories from a sugary soda impacts our body differently than 100 calories from a serving of almonds. The latter offers not just energy but also essential nutrients and fiber.
The calories we consume are used in three main ways:
Consuming more calories than we burn results in a caloric surplus, leading to weight gain as the excess energy is stored as fat. Conversely, a caloric deficit occurs when we consume fewer calories than we burn, resulting in weight loss.
Understanding what calories are and how they work can empower us to make smarter food choices, manage our weight effectively, and lead a healthier lifestyle.
It's easy to dismiss alcoholic beverages as “liquid fun” and forget about their caloric impact. But the truth is that alcohol is packed with more calories than we might realize. As we just discussed, each gram of alcohol contains seven calories. Compare that to the four calories per gram we’ll find in proteins and carbohydrates. Only fat, with nine calories per gram, packs a bigger caloric punch.
Drinking alcohol may be a social activity, a way to unwind, or even an accompaniment to a gourmet meal. But whether it's a casual glass of wine after work or a cocktail on the weekend, these beverages can quietly add up, sabotaging our well-intended diet plans. Let's examine how many calories are in alcoholic drinks and why these calories matter more than we might think.
At first glance, the calorie content in a glass of wine or a bottle of beer may not seem particularly concerning. Seven calories per gram of alcohol may not sound like a lot, but it quickly adds up. Consider the average 125 calories in a 5-ounce serving of red wine. If we have two glasses, that's 250 calories, roughly equivalent to a small chocolate bar. These aren't just any calories. These are “empty” calories devoid of any nutritional value. In a week, that casual daily wine indulgence can contribute to an extra pound of weight gain per month if those calories aren't burned off.
Craft beers have gained immense popularity, but their intricate flavors often come loaded with extra calories. A heavy stout or a fruity IPA can clock in at more than 200-300 calories per pint. If we’re consuming a couple of these during a social gathering, we’re essentially having an extra meal. As craft beers become more sophisticated and rich in flavor, they also become more calorically dense.
The world of cocktails is a minefield when it comes to hidden calories. While the distilled spirits themselves contain about 64 calories per ounce, the mixers are usually the culprits that make cocktails calorie bombs. Ingredients such as syrups, fruit juices, cream, and soda can skyrocket the calorie count, making a seemingly innocent piña colada clock in at nearly 500 calories. That's as much as a full meal in some cases!
How many calories are in a shot of tequila? A typical 1.5-ounce (44ml) shot of 80-proof (40% alcohol by volume) tequila contains approximately 96 calories.
While tequila itself isn't particularly high in calories, the way we consume it can significantly impact calorie count. If we enjoy tequila in cocktails like margaritas, which include sugary mixers and syrups, the calorie content skyrockets. A classic margarita, for instance, can contain around 300-400 calories or more, depending on the ingredients and serving size.
A 1.5-ounce (44ml) shot of 80-proof gin contains roughly 96 calories, similar to tequila.
As with other spirits, it's essential to take the mixers and garnishes into account when assessing the calorie count of gin-based drinks. Popular cocktails like gin and tonic or the classic gin martini are relatively low in calories, especially when prepared with sugar-free tonic water and minimal vermouth.
However, flavored gins and cocktails with sweet mixers can significantly increase the calorie content. For example, a gin-based cocktail with sugary syrups or fruit juices may contain 200-300 calories or more.
A 1.5-ounce (44ml) shot of 80-proof (40% alcohol by volume) whiskey contains approximately 96 calories, similar to tequila and gin.
Whiskey is unique in that it is typically consumed straight, on the rocks, or with a splash of water, making it one of the more calorie-conscious choices among spirits. However, when used in cocktails, such as whiskey sours or Old Fashioneds, the calorie count rises with the addition of sweeteners, fruit juices, or sugary bitters.
How many calories are in vodka? A standard 1.5-ounce (44ml) shot of 80-proof (40% alcohol by volume) vodka contains approximately 96 calories, like the other hard liquors.
Flavored vodkas, however, often contain added sugars and artificial flavors that can significantly increase the calorie count. When opting for flavored vodka, check the label for the calorie content and take that into account when deciding how much to use.
It's not just the alcohol and mixers that contribute to the calorie count. Behavioral factors also play a role. Alcohol can lower inhibitions and self-control, making us more likely to indulge in unhealthy foods that we’d typically avoid. Add some high-calorie bar snacks or late-night fast food to our alcohol consumption, and we’re looking at a significant caloric surplus.
Taking into account the long-term perspective, these hidden calories become even more alarming. Consuming just a bottle of wine each week translates to around 27,000 extra calories per year. That's equivalent to devouring an extra 100 slices of pizza annually! Similarly, if we enjoy five pints of regular beer per week, we could ingest around 44,200 surplus calories in a year. In simple terms, that's an extra 220 doughnuts we didn't plan on eating!
Understanding alcohol's nuanced relationship with weight gain involves delving into biochemistry, psychology, and even endocrinology. While it's easy to think of alcohol merely in terms of its caloric value, this is only the tip of the iceberg when considering its potential impact on weight.
When we consume alcohol, our liver recognizes it as a toxin. To protect the body, the liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This diversion of metabolic resources could lead to the delayed burning of fats and sugars, causing them to be stored in the body and contributing to weight gain over time. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the “fat sparing” effect of alcohol. The body spares fats from being metabolized in favor of getting rid of alcohol first.
Alcohol has a fascinating, albeit somewhat paradoxical, effect on appetite. Initially, alcohol can act as an appetite stimulant. The mechanism behind this isn't entirely understood, but some research suggests that alcohol can increase the release of certain hormones that promote a sense of hunger. As a result, an evening of drinking can often lead to late-night snacking, early-morning fast-food runs, or indulgence in high-calorie comfort foods, all of which contribute to weight gain. Interestingly, the alcohol-induced munchies happen even when the calories from alcohol should technically make us feel full.
Moreover, alcohol has well-known effects on the prefrontal cortex, impacting judgment and lowering inhibitions. This relaxed state of mind under the effects of alcohol might lead us to make unhealthy food choices that we would typically avoid. Whether it's an extra serving of dessert or a greasy late-night snack, these poor choices add up, ultimately sabotaging our weight management efforts.
Consuming alcohol can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. While the liver is busy metabolizing alcohol, it's less effective at regulating blood sugar. This can lead to periods of low blood sugar, which might prompt us to eat more to compensate. Foods that quickly raise blood sugar (often sugary or fatty foods) can seem particularly appealing, leading to a cycle of poor dietary choices and subsequent weight gain.
Alcohol consumption also affects various hormones related to hunger and metabolism, including insulin and leptin. These hormones play a crucial role in how our bodies store fat and regulate hunger, and imbalances can lead to weight gain. Alcohol's impact on these hormonal systems, although not fully understood, complicates its relationship with weight management further.
Alcohol is known to adversely affect sleep quality. Poor sleep has been linked to weight gain and obesity through multiple pathways, including increased hunger and decreased metabolic rate. Additionally, reduced sleep quality can lead to increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can further promote weight gain.
The liver is a critical organ for metabolism, including the metabolism of fats. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to a range of liver diseases, starting with fatty liver or hepatic steatosis. Alcohol metabolism in the liver produces harmful by-products like acetaldehyde and free radicals, which cause inflammation and fat accumulation. A diseased liver is less efficient at metabolism, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues over the long term.
What are some alcoholic drinks with the least amount of calories? Here are some popular choices:
While enjoying alcohol in moderation can be a part of a balanced lifestyle, it's essential to be aware of our drink’s calorie content. By choosing low-calorie alcoholic drinks, we can savor the flavors we love without compromising our health and dietary goals. Always remember to drink responsibly and stay conscious of both the calorie content and the alcohol content in your beverages.
In addition to choosing low-calorie drinks when we imbibe, we can make several other healthy choices:
By making these informed choices, we can better navigate the calorie-laden landscape of alcoholic beverages. Remember: it's not just about the calories we consume but also about how those calories impact us on a cellular level. Mindful choices will allow us to stay healthy and live our best lives!
1. How many calories are typically in alcoholic drinks?
2. What makes alcohol high in calories?
Each gram of alcohol contains seven calories, which is almost double the four calories per gram in proteins and carbohydrates. Only fat, with nine calories per gram, has more calories.
3. How does alcohol affect weight gain beyond calories?
When consumed, alcohol takes metabolic precedence over other nutrients because it's a toxin. This slows down the metabolism of fats and sugars, potentially leading to weight gain. Alcohol can also stimulate appetite and weaken your resolve to make healthy food choices.
4. What can I mix with spirits to lower caloric intake?
Opt for calorie-free mixers like seltzer water, diet soda, or a splash of lime or lemon. Avoid sugary sodas and fruit juices as they can dramatically increase the calorie count.
5. How much do regular drinking habits contribute to caloric intake?
A bottle of wine per week can add up to about 27,000 extra calories per year, while five pints of beer a week could amount to around 44,200 additional calories annually.
6. What strategies can I use to limit caloric intake from alcohol?
7. Is quitting alcohol the best way to eliminate these hidden calories?
Reducing or quitting alcohol consumption can be the most effective way to eliminate these hidden calories and avoid complex metabolic disruptions in the body. It also frees up your calorie budget for more nutrient-dense food choices.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all!Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.