Are you trying to cut down on your sugar intake but still want to enjoy a drink or two?
Look no further! We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best alcoholic drinks with the least amount of sugar.
From hard spirits to wine, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to sugary cocktails and hello to guilt-free sipping.
Keep reading to find out which drinks made the cut.
What Alcoholic Drinks Have The Least Sugar?
When it comes to alcoholic drinks with the least amount of sugar, hard spirits like gin, vodka, whiskey, and rum are your best bet. These spirits don’t contain added sugar, but it’s important to watch your mixer. Juice, soda, and simple syrup are all high in sugar, so opt for a low-sugar mixer like soda water or light juice.
Wine can also be a good option, but it’s best to go for a red or dry white. Look for a wine that has a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) than 13.5% and avoid “sweet” wines with words like Dessert, Dolce, Port, Ice, Spatlese, Moscato and Demi Sec on the label.
If you’re looking for a low-sugar beer, be aware that while some light beers are marketed as sugar-free, they may still contain up to 71 calories per 12-ounce serving. It’s important to read the label and choose a beer with fewer than 55 calories per 12-ounce serving.
The Importance Of Monitoring Sugar Intake In Alcoholic Beverages
It’s important to monitor sugar intake in alcoholic beverages because alcohol can potentially raise blood sugar levels. Many alcoholic drinks contain enough carbohydrates to raise blood sugar levels, and the consumption of alcohol also increases appetite and decreases self-control. This means that you are more likely to eat large quantities of high carb foods while drinking, which could lead to high blood sugar.
When consuming alcohol, your blood sugar levels may drop because you’re inhibiting your liver’s ability to release glucose from its storage or create more. Initially, alcohol can often lead to a spike in your sugar levels, which your body will race to process and may metabolize too quickly. While your body struggles with the spike that alcohol sends to your liver, it cannot release glucose properly because it is overwhelmed. Different types of alcohol factor in as well. Beer, which is very carb-heavy, causes more immediate and more drastic spikes in glucose levels. Sugary cocktails can be glucose bombs. Sweeter wines are also known to cause spikes. However, liquor on its own and some types of dryer wines may affect the liver differently and result in glucose drops, or no drop or spike at all!
It’s important to choose alcoholic drinks with the least amount of added sugar and monitor your mixer choices. Opt for low-sugar mixers like soda water or light juice and avoid sugary mixers like juices, sour mixes, cranberry cocktail or premade cocktail mixers in general. When choosing wine, look for a wine that has a lower ABV than 13.5% and avoid “sweet” wines with words like Dessert, Dolce, Port, Ice, Spatlese, Moscato and Demi Sec on the label.
By monitoring your sugar intake in alcoholic beverages, you can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent complications associated with hypoglycemia or high blood sugar.
Hard Spirits: Which Ones Have The Least Sugar?
When it comes to hard spirits, there are a few options that have the least amount of sugar. Tequila, whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and brandy are all sugar-free and low in calories. For example, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of tequila has only 97 calories. Similarly, a shot of whiskey has no carbs and the calories come from alcohol.
Clear liquors like vodka and gin are also great options as they have the fewest calories and the least amount of sugar. A shot of vodka has about 64 calories and no sugar, while a shot of gin has 73 calories and no sugar. These spirits are also easier for our bodies to metabolize, making them a good choice for those who want to avoid intense hangovers.
It’s important to note that while these hard spirits are low in sugar, it’s still important to drink them in moderation. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend up to one drink per day for people assigned female at birth of legal drinking age and up to two drinks per day for people assigned male at birth of legal drinking age.
Wine: Red, White, Or Rosé – Which Is The Best Choice For Low Sugar?
When it comes to wine, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re looking for the lowest sugar content. Generally speaking, red wine has the lowest sugar content, with an average of around 0.9g per serving. Dry white wines will usually have around 1.4g of sugar per serving, although this varies by type.
On the other hand, rose wine can have a much higher sugar content, with some varieties containing between 21g to 72g of sugar per glass. It’s important to note that not all rose wines are high in sugar, and it’s possible to find options with a lower sugar content.
When choosing a wine, it’s also important to consider factors other than just sugar content. Red wines tend to have a higher overall calorie content than other wines due to their higher alcohol content. Additionally, some white wines may have added sugar during fermentation, so it’s important to check the nutritional label.
Beer: Can You Still Enjoy A Cold One Without The Sugar?
Beer lovers, rejoice! While beer is often associated with a high sugar content, there are still options available for those who want to enjoy a cold one without the added sugar. The key is to look for beers that are low in calories and carbs.
One option is to go for a non-alcoholic beer. Swap out a pint of regular beer for an equivalent 0% or 0.5% beer and you can save yourself up to 145 calories from alcohol alone. However, not all non-alcoholic beers are low in calories, so it’s important to check the label and choose one that has fewer calories.
For those who prefer a regular beer, there are still options available. Light beers are often marketed as sugar-free, but they may still contain up to 71 calories per 12-ounce serving. Instead, look for beers with fewer than 55 calories per 12-ounce serving. Some examples include Michelob Ultra, Budweiser Select 55, and Miller Lite.
It’s also important to keep in mind that beer contains “empty” calories, meaning they provide no nutritional value. So while it’s okay to indulge in moderation, it’s best to limit your consumption and opt for low-calorie options when possible.
Low Sugar Cocktail Recipes To Try At Home.
If you’re looking to make low-sugar cocktails at home, there are plenty of options that are easy to make and delicious to drink. Here are a few two-ingredient cocktail recipes that are perfect for happy hour:
1. Vodka Soda: This classic cocktail is a low-sugar favorite. Simply mix 1.5 oz of vodka with soda water and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing drink.
2. Gin and Tonic: Another classic, gin and tonic is a great low-sugar option. Mix 1.5 oz of gin with tonic water and a squeeze of lime for a tasty cocktail.
3. Whiskey Sour: For those who prefer whiskey, try a low-sugar whiskey sour. Mix 1.5 oz of whiskey with fresh lemon juice and a dash of bitters for a delicious cocktail.
4. Rum and Diet Coke: If you’re a fan of rum, try mixing it with diet coke for a low-sugar alternative to the classic rum and coke.
5. Tequila Soda: Tequila lovers can mix 1.5 oz of tequila with soda water and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing and low-sugar cocktail.
Remember, when making low-sugar cocktails at home, it’s important to choose mixers that are low in sugar, like soda water or diet soda. By avoiding high-sugar mixers like juice or simple syrup, you can enjoy your favorite cocktails without the guilt.
