Whether you’re watching your calories, easing into wellness mode, or just trying not to feel wrecked the next morning, what you order at the bar actually matters. Alcohol calories add up fast — especially once sugary mixers and syrups get involved.
The good news? You don’t have to stick to soda water all night. Here’s a simple, no-nonsense guide to the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks you can order at almost any bar.
Why Some Alcoholic Drinks Are Higher in Calories Than Others
Alcohol itself contains calories (7 calories per gram), but the real calorie bombs usually come from:
- Sugary mixers (juice, tonic, cola)
- Syrups and liqueurs
- Cream-based cocktails
If you want to keep calories low, the formula is simple:
clear spirits + zero-cal mixers = smarter drinking.
Lowest Calorie Alcoholic Drinks (Ranked)
1. Vodka Soda
~90–100 calories
The classic for a reason. Vodka has no carbs, and soda water adds zero calories.
Pro tip: Add lime, lemon, or cucumber for flavour without sugar.
2. Gin & Slim Tonic / Gin & Soda
~95–110 calories
Regular tonic is sneaky — it’s basically sugar water. Ask for diet tonic or soda instead.
Why it works: Gin is low-cal and botanicals make it taste “fancy” without needing syrup.
3. Tequila + Soda + Lime
~95–100 calories
Tequila often gets a bad rep, but it’s naturally low in sugar and calories when ordered clean.
Skip: Margaritas (sugar overload).
4. Whiskey Highball (Whiskey + Soda)
~100–110 calories
Simple, strong, and surprisingly calorie-friendly.
Avoid: Whiskey & Coke — the mixer doubles the calories.
5. Dry White Wine
~110–120 calories per glass
If cocktails aren’t your thing, a dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) is one of the better wine options.
Lower-cal than: Sweet whites or dessert wines.
6. Light Beer
~90–110 calories
Not all beers are created equal. Look for:
- Light lagers
- Low-ABV options
Craft beers and stouts? Delicious, but calorie-dense.
Drinks to Avoid If You’re Counting Calories
These add up fast:
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Piña Colada
- Margarita (especially frozen)
- Espresso Martini
- Rum & Coke
- Any cocktail with syrups, foam, or cream
Basically, if it tastes like dessert… it probably is.
Drinking Smarter = More Than Just Calories
Low-cal doesn’t always mean low impact. Alcohol still affects:
- Hydration
- Liver function
- Sleep quality
That’s why pacing, hydration, and recovery matter just as much as what’s in your glass.
💡 Wellness-minded drinkers often pair low-cal orders with habits like drinking water between rounds, eating beforehand, and supporting their body with ingredients known to help alcohol metabolism.
A Gentle Reminder from Locohol 🍃
At Locohol, we believe fun nights don’t need painful mornings. Choosing lower-calorie drinks is one part of drinking smarter — supporting your body is the other.
That’s why many of our community keep Locohol on hand before or after a night out, especially when balancing social life with fitness, work, and wellness goals.
Because honestly?
You can enjoy the bar and feel good the next day.
Final Takeaway
If you’re looking for the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks at a bar, remember:
- Stick to clear spirits
- Choose soda or diet mixers
- Skip sugary cocktails
- Drink mindfully, not mindlessly
Your body (and tomorrow-you) will thank you.