Summer Cocktail Calorie Counter

 

Article By: Michael Stolper   Print   Email

 

The good, the bad and the (very) ugly Classic summer cocktails come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes—from simple sangrias to elaborate blended concoctions in umbrella-garnished glasses. With so many choices, what's a health-conscious gal supposed to do? Fear not because the following guide will show you the way. Read the article below

The rules are simple. According to Brian Van Flander, founder of Creative Cocktail Consultants in New York City, "you want to use the freshest possible ingredients and create a cocktail that balances the acids, the alcohols and the sugar content." Van Flander recommends quality spirits (without artificial sweeteners and colors), fresh fruit juices (which rely on naturally-occurring fructose for sweetness) and lower calorie mixers (syrups are loaded with sugar and calories).

On the other end of the spectrum, you want to avoid artificially flavored liquors, spirits made from corn syrup and synthetic products such as Rose's Lime Juice and grenadine, which are chock full of sugars.

Some cocktails ("green light selections") are lower in calories, contain less sugar and can be consumed without worrying as much about how far your belly will hang over your swim trunks the next morning. Others cocktails ("yellow light selections") pack a mightier caloric punch but add other nutrients to the mix and can still be enjoyed in moderation. Then there are those drinks ("red light selections") that should be avoided at all costs.

The Good ("green light selections")

• Sangria – Traditional red sangria is made by combining red wine, brandy and fruit, but there are a number of delectable white sangria recipes out there too. Served cold, this refreshing cocktail never gets old, and the fresh fruit adds a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber. Opt for the red variety, which has the added benefit of artery-protecting flavonoids.
• The Classic Martini – James Bond knew what he was doing all those years. By drinking martinis, 007 managed to save his waistline while he was saving those femme fatales. Because they're 100% liquor, martinis are naturally lower in calories (and they get the job done quickly). If you're going to choose flavored vodka, look for one that doesn't add sugar. "When in doubt, ask to taste the vodka. If it tastes sweet…you have your answer," says Van Flander.
• Quality Liquors + "Smart Mixers" – If you're a mixed drink purist who enjoys classic mixed drinks (rum and coke, vodka tonic, seven and seven, etc.), there are several tricks you can use to cut the calories. Try using Diet Coke, diet tonic or sparkling water in lieu of your usual mixer. If the taste offends thee, simply add more lime, which does an amazingly good job cutting that "diet" flavor.

The Bad ("yellow light selections")

• The Margarita – A summertime staple, the tequila-based margarita is full of sugar, which can leave you with a stomach ache the next morning. A single serving of margarita mix is likely to run you nearly 200 calories (all sugar), and that's before you add tequila. It's hard to beat this classic, so enjoy it in moderation.( The salt doesn’t affect caloric intake, if you enjoy it, have some. If you want to try and avoid additional water retention skip the salted rim).
• The Mojito – Equally high in sugar, the stylish mojito is another cocktail best enjoyed in moderation. The muddled sugar and sweet rum are sure to set you back a few sit-ups, but the refreshing minty zing is worth the hit. Have one or two, and then switch to something else.
• The Blood Mary – Loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C, the enduring Bloody Mary offers a spicy alternative to your average summer cocktail. When garnished properly, this drink crosses the line into salad territory. Fiber galore! Enjoy this spicy treat, but beware of the salt content.

The Ugly ("red light selections")

• The Long Island Iced Tea – Rum, gin, vodka, tequila, triple sec, sour mix and a splash of cola join forces to create this high-calorie powerhouse drink estimated at 380 calories per serving. Plus... epic hangovers. Avoid.
• The Mudslide – With a name like "Mudslide" you know if must be bad. A traditional mudslide contains only three ingredients: coffee liqueur, Irish cream and vodka, not to mention the ice cream that’s often incorporated. Individually, these ingredients should sound your inner nutrition alarm; together they add up to an almost laughable high-cal cocktail. "Any cocktail that contains dairy is a recipe for disaster," says Van Flander. These cocktails are full of unnecessary fats and should be avoided.
• The Chocotini (aka The Chocolate Martini) – Red alert. This trendy drink has worked its way onto a lot of menus lately. There are many variations on the recipe, but your typical chocotini contains most (or all) of the following ingredients: crème de cacoa, Kahlua, triple sec, vodka and maraschino cherries. Creamy, caloric madness. Skip to the next page in the bar menu.

High temperatures and backyard fun make it easier to knock back glass after glass of your favorite cocktail to your heart's content. The recipe for smart summer drinking is informed choices with a splash of moderation. Stick to the classics, avoid the "ugly" cocktails (and their red light cousins), and you'll be ahead of the game.

About the Writer
Michael Stolper lives in New York City. He works in health care marketing and occasionally moonlights as a freelance writer on topics dear to his heart such as cheese, bacon and cocktails (though never at the same time).