How Many Calories Does a Standard Alcoholic Drink Contain?

The number of calories in standard alcoholic drinks can vary widely depending on the type of alcohol, according to the University of Rochester's Health Services. Alcohol can increase calorie consumption, resulting in weight gain.

Types

The University of Rochester notes that beer, wine, and liquors have different caloric contents. Beer has an average of 140 calories in a 12-oz. serving, while wine and liquors both average 98 calories per serving. Wine has a serving size of 5 oz., while liquors, such as vodka or gin have serving sizes of 1.5 oz.

Considerations

Alcoholic drinks, especially mixed cocktails, may have added sugar when they are mixed with juices or sodas. According to the University of Rochester, some drinks, such as frozen, creamy cocktails, can contain an average of 800 calories per serving.

Tips

Drinkers can reduce their caloric intake by reducing daily alcohol intake. You can choose drinks made from distilled liquors, such as vodka or gin, which can easily be mixed with carbonated water or diet sodas to make a low-calorie cocktail. A glass of wine is also a lower-calorie option.

References

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol Calories
• University of Rochester: Caloric Values of Alcoholic Beverages