Cutting Down Cocktail Calories
Provided by Myreille Simard
All cocktails have a high caloric content, but there are also healthier choices out there. Happy hours, holiday parties and dinners are all occasions when you’ll be consuming beverages this holiday season, so here are a few tips to help cut down the calories.

Don’t double or triple. There is no need to prove that you are a party girl by ordering a double gin or a double rum and coke. By doing so, you’re also doubling (and even tripling) the amount of calories contained in your drink.

Do double the amount of ice. This is a simple trick that will reduce the amount of alcohol in your drink as well as increase the amount of water.

Go sugar-free. Cocktails made of club soda or tonic are the best choices as they contain the least amount of carbohydrates.

Avoid soft drinks. Steer clear of drinks mixed with soft drinks as they are very high in calories.

Sip your drink. Take your time with each drink. Also, wait an hour between each drink as this will help avoid a hangover the next morning and excess calories at the same time.

Red or white? White wine is high in sugar and therefore in calories. Opt for red instead—since it’s a full-bodied wine, it’s also easier to sip more slowly.

Skip the cream. If you’re making an effort to keep an eye on your calorie consumption, don’t choose cream-based drinks like Baileys or Pina Coladas. 

Opt for alcohol-based drinks. Choose non-sugar-based drinks, rather than the likes of Amaretto, Schnapps, etc. Vodka and gin are your best bets since they contain a mere 100 calories per 1.5 ounces.

Use small glasses. Serving drinks in martini glasses or other small glasses is a great way to control portions. If your glass is big, try not to fill it to the top.

Order a glass, not a bottle. Ordering a bottle of wine or a pitcher of beer forces you to drink more than you would otherwise. The more alcohol there is, the more you’re likely to drink.