The DD on Alcohol

Another work week is about to begin, which may mean the attendance of happy hours or the consumption of a wind-down drink (yes, singular) at the end of the day.  As with most things, alcohol is not horrible in moderation.  I will say this twice: in moderation. I'm sure many of you have heard of the heart-healthy benefits (lower cholesterol and decrease in blood clots) of one glass of red wine or beer.  This is all true!  So before we get into the different options and which may be healthier, let's define the  amount of liquid for a glass of wine, a glass of beer, and a mixed drink that contain the same amount of alcohol: 5 ounces, 12 ounces, and 1 ounce (respectively).  Keep these measurements in mind when pouring yourself a glass of Cabernet or ordering that pint (16 ounces) at happy hour!

General Tips/Facts to Consider When Choosing Your Poison:

• Avoid mixed drinks with juices:  They add unnecessary amounts of sugar (and calories!).  Stick to soda water (NOT tonic) and ask for them to add slices of any fresh fruit they carry. 
• Stick to DRY wines:  They have less residual sugar and usually less calories.  
• As the proof in liquor increases, so do the calories!
• Champagne chalks up around 78 calories per serving.
• Wines (red or white) tend to contain 115 to 130 calories per glass. 
• Choose wine over heavy beers when basing off of calories.
• Light beers take the calorie cake: 55-100 calories per beer (not too bad)! 
• Sprite vs. Coke (cans) for mixed drinks: 142 calories vs. 90 calories (I suggest soda water over both of these!)
• Generally margaritas pack less calories than cosmopolitans (yet both have high amounts of sugar).
• Choose a Bloody Mary over an Irish Coffee (~125 kcal vs. 210 kcal).
• Go for dry wine or light beer over mixed drinks.

At the end of the day, I would say that dry red wines win the medal.  One 5 ounce glass is usually around 115 calories and exhibits health benefits from resveratrol (cardioprotective), polyphenols, antioxidants, and flavonoids.  If you're planning on having a glass with dinner that night, eliminate one of your usual treats that contain the same amount of calories during the day.  Like I said above, stick to the dryer red wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.  

It's Five O'Clock Somewhere - Alan Jackson