Carnival Season is kicking into high gear, which for many often means more cocktails over the next few weeks. And while it’s no secret that there’s a big difference in cocktails when it comes to calories and alcohol content, you may not have realized just how much. Today we’re Getting the Skinny with Molly on the best & worst bets when it comes to Mardi Gras drinks & cocktails.
To minimize next-day effects of alcohol:
- Stay well-hydrated
- Eat a meal or several small snacks that are reach in protein and healthy fats
- Opt for clear liquor (vodka, gin, white rum) over dark liquor (bourbon, dark rum)
- Keep “moderate” drinking in mind: not more than 1/day for women, 2/day for men
LOVE IT!
Extra-light beer
- 55-64 calories per 12-ounce beer – 2.8 – 3.2 % ABV
Liquor (preferably clear): 1-2 ounces mixed with no-calorie mixer
- 64 calories per ounce – 40% ABV
LIKE IT!
Wine (Red or White)
- ~150 calories per 6-ounce glass – 12-14 % ABV
- Dilute with club soda|sparkling water for a lower-calorie, lower-alcohol spritzer
“Regular” Beer
- 95-150 calories per 12-ounce beer (128 calories per Abita Amber; 125 calories per Guiness)
- Approximately 4.5 % ABV
HATE IT!
Frozen Daiquiris
- With 1,000+ sugary calories for a “small” 20-ounce daiquiri, frozen daiquiris are the worst of the worst, nutritionally speaking.
- Alcohol content varies, but most pre-made frozen daiquiris are ~5% ABV
IPA-style beer
- 190-230 calories per 12-ounce beer
- 6-10% ABV