Alcohol provides calories but has no nutritional value. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. Women should have no more than one drink per day and men should stick to two drinks a day or less, recommends the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture.
Amounts
Calories in alcoholic beverages vary. A regular 12 oz. beer contains about 144 calories, while a light beer contains 108 calories, according to the Agricultural Research Service Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. A 5 oz. glass of red wine contains about 105 calories, while the same amount of a sweet dessert wine contains 141 calories. A 1.5 oz. serving of 80 proof distilled spirits, such as gin or vodka, contains 96 calories.
Mixed Drinks
Mixed drinks contain more calories than pure spirits. For instance, a 1.5 fl oz. jigger of rum contains 100 calories, according to the Nutrient Facts website, but an 8 oz. pina colada, made with rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice, contains 620 calories. A 6.5 oz. dry martini contains 353 calories. An 8 oz. Irish coffee has 208 calories.
Weight Loss
Drinking alcohol may make it harder to lose weight because it can stimulate appetite, according to Columbia University Health Services. It also interferes with fat burning because the body uses alcohol calories before burning fat.
Warning
Drinking alcohol in excess can cause serious health problems, including certain cancer, hypertension, liver disease and heart disease, according to Columbia University Health Services. Avoid alcohol if you are engaging in activities that require skill, coordination or attention, such as driving.
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