Summer is a time for relaxation, often accompanied by refreshing cocktails. While summer cocktails are a popular choice, they are also among the most calorific.

Generally, the higher the alcohol content in a drink, the more calories it contains. Cocktails, which often include additional ingredients like fruit juices, soft drinks, liqueurs, and sugar, further increase their glycemic load and caloric content. Consuming multiple drinks can easily add up to an extra 400-500 calories, which is significant given that an extra 500 calories per day can lead to a weight gain of ½ kilo per week.

Managing Calorie Intake from Alcoholic Beverages

An alcoholic drink is any consumable liquid containing ethyl alcohol. It’s important to note that while 1 gram of protein or carbohydrate provides 4 calories, and 1 gram of fat provides 9 calories (with essential fatty acids being necessary for health), alcohol offers 7 calories per gram. These calories are considered “empty” because they provide no nutritional value.

Here are some popular cocktails and their approximate caloric content:

• Margarita: 214 kcal
• Tequila Sunrise: 246 kcal
• Mojito: 165-217 kcal
• Long Island Iced Tea: 400 kcal
• Cosmopolitan: 116-165 kcal
• Pina Colada: 260 kcal
• Caipirinha: 141 kcal
• Mai Tai: 164 kcal
• Bloody Mary: 118-150 kcal
• Manhattan: 151 kcal
• Daiquiri: 203-220 kcal
• Sex on the Beach: 130 kcal
• Cuba Libre: 155 kcal
• White Russian: 152 kcal
• Old Fashioned: 154 kcal
• Porn Star Martini: 230 kcal
• Aperol Spritz: 165 kcal

These calorie counts can vary depending on the size of the glass and the specific recipe used by each establishment.

In comparison, here are the caloric contents for some common drinks:

• Red Wine (150ml): 100-130 kcal
• White Wine (150ml): 100-120 kcal
• Non-Alcoholic Beer (355ml): 60-100 kcal
• Beer (355ml): 140-198 kcal
• Champagne (150ml): 106-120 kcal

Choosing Between White and Red Wine

When deciding between red and white wine, personal preference often plays a major role. However, there are general differences to consider:

• Taste: Red wines are typically fuller and more intense, while white wines are lighter and more acidic. Red wines pair well with hearty dishes like red meat and aged cheeses, whereas white wines complement lighter dishes such as fish, poultry, salads, and seafood.
• Health Benefits: Red wine is often considered healthier due to its higher levels of antioxidants, particularly resveratrol, which is found in the skin of red grapes. Resveratrol has been linked to cardiovascular protection and anti-inflammatory effects. Red wine also seems to have a positive effect on increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol and reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol oxidation. Moderate consumption of red wine can help lower blood pressure. White wine may offer similar benefits but generally to a lesser extent due to its lower antioxidant content.

In conclusion, while red wine is typically seen as the healthier choice, high-quality white wines can also offer significant health benefits.

Recommended Servings

It’s important to note that the potential health benefits of wine are based on moderate consumption, which is typically defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day.