Is There Such a Thing as a Nutritious Cocktail?

Q: I go to a lot of parties this time of year, and alcohol is always served. Is there such a thing as a healthful cocktail?

A: Alcohol calories add up fast, so make sure you really want that drink.

A glass of red wine is a great choice; it has just 120 calories and provides heart-healthy antioxidants. Light beer has about 100 calories a bottle but provides no real health benefits.
 
Try a festive cocktail that’s low in calories but includes some vitamins, such as a little cranberry or pomegranate juice mixed with champagne or white wine.

Avoid drinks that contain liqueurs, heavy cream, or sugary mixes. They taste great but can pack 500 calories or more per drink.

Watch out for drinks made with gin or vodka and other liquors. The liquor itself has only about 65 calories per ounce, but most drinks have more than 1 ounce. They tend to be blended with soda or other high-calorie, sugary mixes.

Cut the calories by asking for diet soda or sugar-free tonic water as a mixer.

Try our heart-healthy Pomegranate Cocktail recipe.

Stephanie Karpinske, M.S., R.D., writes about weight loss, nutrition, and health issues. As an editor of many diet and health books, her mission is to help others live healthier lives.