Cocktail Calculations

Alcoholic beverages are one of the few remaining food or drink items in the United States that are not yet required to have nutritional information posted somewhere on their packaging. With this being said, how many of us really know exactly how much damage is being done by that occasional (or frequent) libation we like to enjoy while out with friends? Like many other "treats", all cocktails are NOT created equal.

Here are average calorie counts for some popular bar choices...
Regular Beer (12 oz.): 150 kcal
Light Beer (12 oz): 100 kcal
Wine: (5 oz): 100 kcals
Wine Cooler (12 oz): 180 kcals
Distilled Spirits, 80 Proof (1.5 oz): 100 kcals
Cordials or Liqueurs (1.5 oz): 160 kcals

Also remember that the mixers you choose are going to contribute to your final calorie count as well.

Here are the average calorie counts for some popular mixer choices...
Fruit Juice (8 oz): 140 kcals
Soda (8 oz): 100 kcals
Diet Soda (8 oz): 0 kcals
Tonic (8 oz): 80 kcals
Club Soda (8 oz): 0 kcals
Red Bull (8 oz): 110 kcals
Sour Mix (8 oz): 180 kcals

Alcohol is something that should be enjoyed in moderation. It is suggested that women not consume more than 1 alcohol beverage per day and that men consume no more than two. This is what is reguarded as moderate drinking according to the Dietary Guidelines For Americans.