| BEVERAGE | SERVING SIZE | CALORIES |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | ||
| Beer (light) | 12 oz (355 ml) | 103 |
| Beer (regular) | 12 oz (355 ml) | 153 |
| Beer (higher alcohol, craft beers) | 12 oz (355 ml) | 170 to 350 |
| Distilled Alcohol | ||
| Gin (80 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 97 |
| Gin (94 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 116 |
| Rum (80 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 97 |
| Rum (94 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 116 |
| Vodka (80 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 97 |
| Vodka (94 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 116 |
| Whiskey (80 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 97 |
| Whiskey (94 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 116 |
| Liqueurs | ||
| Coffee liqueur | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 160 |
| Coffee liqueur with cream | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 154 |
| Crème de menthe | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 186 |
| Mixed Drinks | ||
| Bloody Mary | 4.6 oz (136 ml) | 120 |
| Chocolate martini | 2.5 oz (74 ml) | 418 |
| Cosmopolitan | 2.75 oz (81 ml) | 146 |
| Daiquiri | 2.7 oz (80 ml) | 137 |
| Highball | 8 oz (235 ml) | 110 |
| Hot buttered rum | 8 oz (235 ml) | 292 |
| Mai Tai | 4.9 oz (145 ml) | 306 |
| Margarita | 4 oz (120 ml) | 168 |
| Mimosa | 4 oz (120 ml) | 75 |
| Mint Julep | 4.5 oz (135 ml) | 165 |
| Mojito | 6 oz (177 ml) | 143 |
| Pina colada | 6.8 oz (200 ml) | 526 |
| Rum and Coke | 8 oz (235 ml) | 185 |
| Rum and Diet Coke | 8 oz (235 ml) | 100 |
| Tequila sunrise | 6.8 oz (200 ml) | 232 |
| Vodka and tonic | 7 oz (207 ml) | 189 |
| Whiskey sour | 3 oz (89 ml) | 125 |
| White Russian | 8 oz (235 ml) | 568 |
| Wine | ||
| White table wine | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Gewurztraminer | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Muscat | 5 oz (145 ml) | 129 |
| Riesling | 5 oz (145 ml) | 129 |
| Chenin Blanc | 5 oz (145 ml) | 129 |
| Chardonnay | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Sauvignon Blanc | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Fume Blanc | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Pinot Grigio | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Dry dessert wine | 3.5 oz (90 ml) | 157 |
| Red table wine | 5 oz (145 ml) | 125 |
| Petite Sirah | 5 oz (145 ml) | 125 |
| Merlot | 5 oz (145 ml) | 122 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | 5 oz (145 ml) | 122 |
| Red Zinfandel | 5 oz (145 ml) | 129 |
| Burgundy | 5 oz (145 ml) | 122 |
| Pinot Noir | 5 oz (145 ml) | 121 |
| Claret | 5 oz (145 ml) | 122 |
| Syrah | 5 oz (145 ml) | 122 |
| Red dessert wine | 3.5 oz (90 ml) | 165 |
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1117 Railroad Avenue, Prentice, WI 54556
The Ripsaw Saloon is located in the heart of downtown Prentice on ‘the main drag’, and the ATV/snowmobile trail is across the road.
How Many Calories Are in Alcoholic Beverages?
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is almost as calorie-dense as pure fat (9 calories per gram) and significantly more than carbohydrates or protein (4 calories per gram each). The calories in alcoholic drinks come from two sources: the alcohol itself and any mixers, sugars, or fats added. A standard drink in the United States is defined as 14 grams (0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
The table below comes from MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine. It covers calories for beer, distilled spirits, liqueurs, mixed drinks, and wine. We have added a summary table below it to make the ranges easier to understand at a glance.
Calorie Ranges by Drink Category
| Beverage Category | Avg. Calories | Typical Serving | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Beer | 103 | 12 oz | Lowest calorie beer option |
| Regular Beer | 153 | 12 oz | Standard lager or pilsner |
| Craft Beer (higher ABV) | 170-350 | 12 oz | Calories scale with alcohol content |
| Distilled Spirits (80 proof) | 97 | 1.5 oz | Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey |
| Distilled Spirits (94 proof) | 116 | 1.5 oz | Higher ABV means more calories |
| Red Wine | 121-129 | 5 oz | Merlot and Pinot Noir on the lower end |
| White Wine | 128-129 | 5 oz | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio |
| Mixed Drinks (light) | 75-143 | varies | Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Mojito, Highball |
| Mixed Drinks (heavy) | 185-568 | varies | White Russian, Pina Colada, Mai Tai |
Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) and USDA FoodData Central. Calorie values are approximate and vary by brand and preparation.
What Are the Lowest Calorie Alcoholic Drinks?
If you want to keep your calorie count low while still enjoying a drink, here are the best options based on the data above:
- Mimosa (75 calories, 4 oz) is the lowest calorie mixed drink on the list. Champagne plus orange juice keeps it light.
- Highball (110 calories, 8 oz) is whiskey and ginger ale, a simple and relatively low-calorie choice.
- Rum and Diet Coke (100 calories, 8 oz) saves 85 calories compared to a regular Rum and Coke by swapping in diet soda.
- Light beer (103 calories, 12 oz) beats regular beer by 50 calories per serving.
- Vodka soda is not on the MedlinePlus table but typically runs about 96 calories for a 1.5 oz shot with club soda, which adds zero calories.
- Bloody Mary (120 calories, 4.6 oz) is one of the lower-calorie cocktails because tomato juice is relatively low in sugar.
The drinks to avoid if you are watching calories: Pina Colada (526 calories), White Russian (568 calories), and Chocolate Martini (418 calories). These pack more calories than a fast-food cheeseburger.
Source: MedlinePlus calorie data; USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) on alcohol calories.
How to Choose Lower-Calorie Alcoholic Beverages
The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans note that alcoholic beverages contribute about 5% of total calorie intake for the average adult who drinks. That average hides a wide range. Here are practical ways to reduce calories without giving up drinks entirely:
- Choose straight spirits over cocktails. A shot of vodka (97 calories) has fewer calories than any mixed drink. Add soda water for zero extra calories.
- Pick light beer over regular. You save 50 calories per 12 oz serving.
- Avoid cream liqueurs and dessert cocktails. White Russians, Pina Coladas, and chocolate martinis can top 400-568 calories.
- Use diet mixers. Rum and Diet Coke (100 calories) vs. Rum and Coke (185 calories) saves 85 calories per drink.
- Stick to wine over beer. A 5 oz glass of Pinot Noir (121 calories) has fewer calories than a 12 oz regular beer (153 calories).
- Watch your serving size. Many bars pour 6 oz of wine instead of the standard 5 oz, adding 25+ calories per glass.
Source: USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025; NIAAA Rethinking Drinking publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in alcoholic beverages?
Calorie counts vary widely by drink type. A 12 oz light beer has about 103 calories, a 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof spirits has 97, a 5 oz glass of wine has 121-129, and mixed drinks range from 75 (mimosa) to 568 (White Russian). Alcohol itself contains 7 calories per gram. Mixers, syrups, and cream add additional calories.
What are the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks?
The lowest calorie alcoholic drinks are straight spirits with zero-calorie mixers: vodka soda (about 96 calories), rum and diet coke (100 calories), and light beer (103 calories). For wine, Pinot Noir (121 calories per 5 oz) is among the lowest. For cocktails, a mimosa (75 calories) is the lightest option.
How does the calorie count of beer compare to wine and liquor?
A standard 12 oz regular beer has 153 calories. A 5 oz glass of wine has 121-129 calories. A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor has 97 calories. Beer has the most calories per standard serving, but liquor drinks can quickly exceed beer once you add mixers. A Pina Colada (526 calories) has more than three times the calories of a regular beer.
How many calories are in a shot of liquor?
A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor (vodka, gin, rum, or whiskey) contains 97 calories. A 1.5 oz shot of 94-proof liquor contains 116 calories. The calories come entirely from the alcohol, since straight spirits contain no carbohydrates, sugars, or fats. Adding a mixer changes the total calorie count.
Does alcohol cause weight gain even if I count calories?
Alcohol can contribute to weight gain beyond its calorie count. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other nutrients, which means calories from food consumed alongside alcohol are more likely to be stored as fat. Alcohol also lowers inhibitions, which can lead to overeating. The NIH National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that moderate drinkers tend to have similar or slightly lower body weight than non-drinkers, but heavy drinkers are more likely to be obese.