Going out to a club or bar usually involves ordering a few mixed drinks. Mixed alcohol drinks can be very tasty, with many from which to choose. If someone is trying to watch their sugar, fat or calorie intake, however, they should have some knowledge about the nutritional content in some of the most popular mixed drinks.
Margarita
Margaritas are a favorite drink of many and can be a fair choice nutritionally if served in a standard cocktail glass. Beware of giant-size margaritas that many establishments offer, which can contain a whole day's worth of calories. A regular size margarita, about 4 oz., with a standard recipe (tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice with a salted glass rim) contains 160 calories, 7 g of carbs, and 5 g of sugar. When trying to decipher nutritional information, keep in mind that the total carbohydrate grams will include sugar, complex carbohydrates and fiber. Sugar is a form of carbohydrate. None of the mixed drinks listed in this article contain complex carbohydrates or fiber. Therefore, when the carbohydrate grams are higher than the sugar grams below, the other carbohydrate grams are coming from starches, which are not broken out. Due to the salted glass rim, margaritas contain 600 mg of sodium (about 25 percent of the recommended daily allowance).
Rum and Diet Coke
Rum and Diet Cokes are a favorite of many dieters and contain only the two ingredients listed in the name. Although the Diet Coke contains no calories or sugar, rum does. A tall drink, around 7 oz., will contain 150 calories and 16 g of carbs. The 16 g of carbs comes in the form of 16 g of sugar. There is no fat in a Rum and Diet Coke.
Bloody Mary
Bloody Marys are a classic alcoholic breakfast beverage. The drink normally consists of vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Vegetables such as celery and cherry tomatoes might be added as a garnish. A 10 oz. Bloody Mary will contain 125 calories, 461 mg sodium, 7 g carbs, 5 g sugar, 1 g protein and 24 mg of calcium. Eat the garnish for added nutrition.
Long Island Iced Tea
Long Island Iced Teas offer a powerful alcohol kick, but taste refreshing and sweet. Most Long Island Iced Teas contain vodka, tequila, rum, gin, triple sec, sweet and sour mix, and cola. An 8 oz. glass contains 275 calories, 108 mg sodium, 33 g of carbs and 33 g of sugar. This drink should be consumed in moderation due to the high amount of sugar--and because it can get somebody drunk very quickly.
Tequila Sunrise
A Tequila Sunrise mixed drink has a light, citrus taste and usually comes with an orange slice for garnish. Ingredients include orange juice, tequila and grenadine. A 6 oz. Tequila Sunrise contains 200 calories, 25 g carbs and 18 g sugar. There is a negligible amount of sodium, protein and fat. If a Tequila Sunrise is prepared with fortified orange juice, other healthy nutrients such as calcium and vitamin C might be present.
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