Drink This, Not That
Drink This, Not That: Summer Cocktails
Written By: Samantha McCarthy, MS, RD/LDN
In last week’s nutrition tip of the week, we discussed how to lighten up our summer BBQ favorites. This week, let’s dissect our favorite summer beverages. Alcoholic or non-alcoholic, summer favorites can be loaded with added sugars and calories. We often don’t consider the amount we take in because we are drinking it, not eating it. This is a common mistake. Review the chart below to see the amount of calories in your favorite beverages and how you can make a lighter choice.
Drink This... | Serving Size | Calories | Not That... | Serving Size | Calories |
Corona Light | 12 oz. | 99 kcals | Sam Adams Summer Ale | 12 oz. | 170 kcals |
Sam Adams Light | 12 oz. | 120 kcals | Sierra Nevada IPA | 12 oz. | 190 kcals |
Truly Spiked Seltzer | 12 oz. | 100 kcals | Mike’s Hard Lemonade | 12 oz. | 220 kcals |
Michelob Ultra Light Cider | 12 oz. | 120 kcals | Angry Orchard Cider | 12 oz. | 190 kcals |
Red or White Wine | 6 oz. | 150 kcals | Sangria | 1 glass | 230 kcals |
Skinny Margarita | 12 oz. | 90 kcals | Flavored Frozen Margarita | 1 glass | 400+ kcals |
** Light Pina Colada | 8 oz. | 210 kcals | Pina Colada | 1 glass | 430 kcals |
Vodka and Soda Water | 1 oz. shot | 64 kcals | Rum Punch | 1 glass | 380 kcals |
Dunkins Iced Coffee, Cookie Dough | Medium | 250 kcals | Dunkins Frozen Coffee, Cookie Dough | Medium | 890 kcals |
Starbucks Iced Vanilla Latte | Grande | 190 kcals | Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino | Grande | 420 kcals |
Water Flavored with Frozen Berries | 8 oz. | 0 kcals | Lemonade | 8 oz. | 100 kcals |
Unsweetened Tea | 16 oz. | 0 kcals | Sweet Tea | 16 oz. | 115 kcals |
**A light pina colada is made with frozen pineapple chunks instead of juice, less cream of coconut, and light rum. Here is a sample recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/recipes/2010/08/pina-coladas-lightened-up