• Ethanol itself provides approx. 7 kcal per 1 g, which is almost as much as fat (9 kcal/g). Therefore, the alcohol content and serving size are key factors in determining the calorie content of a drink.
• Additional calories come from sugars in wine, beer, and additives (cola, juices, liqueurs). That's why even a "small" cocktail can have as many calories as a meal.
Comparison of calorie content in alcoholic beverages:
• 40 ml of vodka = 110 kcal
• 100 ml of semi-dry white wine = 80 kcal
• 100 ml of dry red wine = 68 kcal
• 500 ml of light beer = 250-300 kcal
• 100 ml of whiskey = 220 kcal
• Mojitos, margaritas, long drinks with juices or liqueurs – often 200–500 kcal depending on the additives (syrups, liqueurs, juices).
Conclusion: if you want to limit your calorie intake, bear in mind that the best choice will be pure spirits in small volumes with low-calorie additives, or small glasses of dry wine.
Least "troublesome" in terms of calories
• Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey (small measure without additives) – calories "come" mainly from alcohol, not sugar, so a small shot is a relatively "modest" portion of calories.
• Champagne/dry sparkling wine (small glass, 125 ml) – often lower in sugar and calories than sweet wines.
• Cocktails with juice, syrup, cream (Pina Colada, White Russian, large Margaritas) – can contain several hundred calories.
• Sweet wines and liqueurs – high residual sugar content → lots of extra calories.
If you want to drink cocktails but limit calories, use simple substitutes:
• Sparkling water instead of tonic or juice—adds volume and refreshment, 0 calories (e.g., vodka soda with lime).
• Diet or "light" tonics—fewer calories than classic tonics (but watch out for artificial additives).
• A small portion of fresh juice + sparkling water – e.g., 10–20 ml of lime/lemon juice instead of 150 ml of fruit juice.
• Vodka + soda + slice of lime.
• Tequila + lime juice + soda water (Ranch water).
• A small glass of champagne instead of a sweet cocktail.
Research shows that the main factor influencing the severity of a hangover is the amount of alcohol consumed—the more alcohol, the greater the risk of feeling unwell the next day. However, several practices can reduce the symptoms:
• Moderation and pace control (drink slowly and do not exceed your standard serving size)
• Hydration - drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks and a large cup of water before bed: evidence shows that dehydration is not the only cause of a hangover, but reducing it helps alleviate several symptoms.
• Eat before and while drinking—a full meal (fats and protein) slows down alcohol absorption, which reduces spikes in blood alcohol concentration.
• Choose drinks with lower levels of congeners (byproducts of fermentation) – dark spirits (whiskey, brandy, rum) contain more congeners and are often associated with worse hangovers than vodka, for example.
• Take care of your sleep—alcohol disrupts sleep quality: good sleep quality helps regeneration.
What studies do NOT recommend:
• "Miracle" hangover pills—the supplement market promises a lot, but so far there is no single, well-documented drug that has been shown in independent studies to consistently prevent hangovers.
• Paracetamol + alcohol – dangerous (risk of liver damage). Do not combine alcohol with painkillers.
1. Hydrate yourself—water, electrolyte drinks (without large amounts of sugar)—help balance fluids and electrolytes.
2. A light meal rich in carbohydrates and protein—stabilizes glucose and provides energy.
3. Rest/sleep—key to regaining strength.
4. Avoid alcohol "for a hangover" - it only delays the symptoms and puts strain on the liver.
• The calories in alcohol are real: ethanol is ~7 kcal/g, and then there are the sugars from syrups and juices—so it's easy to "add" a few hundred calories during a party.
• Lowest calorie choices: a small serving of pure alcohol (vodka, gin, tequila) with water or a small glass of dry champagne/wine: avoid sweet cocktails.
• The severity of a hangover is most affected by the amount of alcohol consumed, but the following measures can help: staying hydrated, eating before the party, avoiding drinks rich in congeners, and ensuring adequate sleep.
• No "miracle pills" – instead of taking risks with supplements that lack evidence, opt for proven and safe regeneration methods.
REMEMBER!
Although drinking alcohol on New Year's Eve is widely accepted and part of the tradition for many people, it is still a toxic substance for the body. Excessive consumption can negatively affect your health and well-being. Therefore, if you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation and be aware of the consequences. And if it is not essential for having a good time, it is best to simply give it up. Health should always be more important than a momentary tradition.
Bibliography:
1. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/calories-in-alcohol/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000886.htm
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/low-calorie-cocktails
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39069212/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3674844/
Prepared by: Justyna Kurasz
