Whiskey is a fan-favorite alcoholic drink, but it often comes high in calories. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your love for whiskey to maintain a healthy diet. With low-calorie whiskey, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without compromising on taste.
Healthy Low-Calorie Whiskey Drinks
From classic whiskey cocktails to unique twists on the signature drink, the following list has something for everyone.
Sit back, relax, and sip smarter with these delicious low-calorie whiskey drinks:
1. Whiskey Sour
Calories per serving: 50-60
The classic Whiskey Sour is a popular and tasty low-calorie drink that’s easy to make. You only need whiskey, lemon juice, and a sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Mix the ingredients and garnish with a lemon wedge for a refreshing drink that won’t weigh you down.
2. Irish Coffee
Calories per serving: 50-70
If you’re looking for a low-calorie whiskey drink that’s perfect for a cozy night in, the Irish Coffe is a fantastic choice. To make this drink, you need hot coffee, whiskey, and a splash of cream. Who wouldn’t want the warming and comforting feel without the heaviness of calories?
3. Whiskey Ginger
Calories per serving: 60-80
Whiskey Ginger is a simple and delicious low-calorie whiskey drink that only requires two ingredients: whiskey and ginger ale. Add a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing twist, and you have a drink perfect for any occasion!
4. Whiskey and Soda
Calories per serving: 65-75
Whiskey and Soda is a simple and refreshing low-calorie cocktail. You can make it by mixing whiskey and club soda in a glass. Then, garnish it with a wedge of lime for added flavor. Your friends will love it, and you can enjoy the feeling of being a pro-mixologist for a day.
5. Lemon Whiskey Sour
Calories per serving: 80-100
For a slightly different take on the classic Whiskey Sour, add fresh lemonade to the mix. It will give the drink a sweeter taste and lighter texture, which will do well with lightweight drinkers invited to the party.
6. Whiskey and Tea
Calories per serving: 80-100
For a unique and low-calorie twist on whiskey, combine it with tea. Simply steep your favorite tea and mix it with whiskey and ice for a delicious light drink. This combo is the best for those who love a warm and cozy beverage with a little fun kick.
7. Whiskey and Diet Coke
Calories per serving: 90-100
For those who like to mix their Coke with everything, look no further than the Whiskey and Diet Coke combo. Grab your favorite whiskey, add some diet cola, and reduce your drink’s calorie content while preserving the sugary taste you love!
8. Whiskey Highball
Calories per serving: 100-120
The Whiskey Highball is an easy, refreshing, and low-calorie cocktail. It’s made by combining whiskey and soda water in a highball glass, making it the best choice for those who want to keep it light while enjoying the high life.
9. Coconut Highball
Calories per serving: 100-120
The Coconut Highball is a refreshing low-calorie whiskey cocktail with a delicious tropical twist. It combines whiskey, coconut water, and soda water, making it an excellent choice for those who love a little bit of sweetness in their drinks.
10. Peach Highball
Calories per serving: 100-120
Another similar drink you can try is the Peach Highball & Whiskey combo. To make it, mix whiskey, peach juice, and soda water in a highball glass. You can also garnish with a slice of fresh peach for added flavor.
11. Old-Fashioned
Calories per serving: 110-130
The glorious Old-Fashioned is a classic whiskey cocktail made with a blend of sugar, bitters, and a splash of water. It’s a fantastic low-calorie option for those who enjoy a more complex blend and the boldest flavor there is.
12. Manhattan
Calories per serving: 120-140
The Manhattan is another classic cocktail that combines whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s a great low-calorie alternative to some of the sweeter cocktail options, and it comes with a unique flavor that’s both rich and complex.
Difference Between Regular Whiskey and Low-Calorie Whiskey
The main difference between regular whiskey and low-calorie whiskey is the number of calories in each drink. Regular whiskey is made using traditional methods that result in high alcohol and sugar content. Low-calorie whiskey is made using a different process that produces lower calorie content.
Here’s a more in-depth discussion of their differences.
Distillation Process
Traditional whiskey is made by fermenting a grain mash, like barley, rye, wheat, or corn. Then, the resulting liquid is distilled to increase its alcohol content. The distillation process involves heating the liquid to create steam, which is then cooled and condensed into whiskey.
Low-calorie whiskey has a slightly modified process. One common method is to use a special type of yeast that produces fewer calories during fermentation. Another way uses a unique blend of grains to create a lower-calorie mash, which is then distilled using the same process as regular whiskey.
Calorie Count
Low-calorie whiskey typically contains approximately 50-60 calories per serving, while regular whiskey stands at about 100-150 calories per serving. Some mixed drinks can even go up to 400-500 calories, so if you’re watching your calorie intake, low-calorie whiskey is a great option.
Alcohol Content
Low-calorie whiskeys have a lower alcohol content compared to regular whiskeys. That’s because its distillation removes some heavier compounds that contribute to high alcohol content.
In terms of volume concentration, the alcohol content in whiskey varies depending on the drink and how it’s made. Generally, regular whiskey has an alcohol content of around 40-50%, while low-calorie whiskey circles around the 40% mark.
Ingredients
Regular whiskey is often aged in barrels that have previously held other liquids like wine or sherry, contributing to its flavor and adding extra calories. It may also contain sugar and other flavorings that contribute to its high-calorie count.
On the other hand, low-calorie whiskey is often aged in barrels that have not held any other alcohol. Also, curators avoid adding sugars or extra flavorings to their low-calorie batches. This results in whiskeys with fewer calories per serving.
Taste
Low-calorie whiskey tastes similar to regular whiskey. The flavor profile is still rich and complex, and the drink still has that signature smoky taste that whiskey lovers die for.
Some people argue that low-calorie whiskey can taste slightly different due to its modified distillation process, but this is mostly due to the added ingredients on certain mixes.
Health Benefits
While low-calorie whiskey isn’t necessarily “healthy,” it does have some health benefits. Studies show that moderate whiskey consumption may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
However, remember that excessive alcohol consumption comes with a cost, so it’s best to enjoy whiskey in moderation.
Regular Whiskey vs Low-Calorie Whiskey Comparison Table
To better understand the difference between regular whiskey and its low-calorie alternative, let’s take a look at the following comparison table:
| Regular Whiskey | Low-Calorie Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Calorie Count | Approx. 100-150 | Approx. 50-60 |
| Alcohol content | High | Moderate to High |
| Ingredients | Traditional ingredients | low-calorie ingredients like fresh fruits, veggies & herbs |
| Taste | Signature whiskey taste | Can have a unique flavor due to extra ingredients |
| Health benefits | Moderate to none | Nutrient-dense mixes can provide some health benefits |
As you can see, the approach in the distillation process between regular and low-calorie whiskey can result in significant differences between the two drinks. However, not all low-calorie whiskeys are created equal. Some may still contain a relatively high-calorie count compared to other types of alcoholic beverages.
To ensure you stay on the safe side, check out the recipes you can try at home. By experimenting with various low-calorie ingredients, you can create unique and delicious whiskey cocktails that are both refreshing and guilt-free.
Sip Smarter, Not Harder
Just because you’re counting calories doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the joy that comes with drinking your favorite whiskey drink. With fewer calories, lower alcohol content, and potential health benefits, these drinks are perfect for those who want to enjoy whiskey in all its might.
With the 12 low-calorie whiskey drink options we’ve provided, you can indulge in a smooth, rich taste without worrying about the juices flowing to the wrong places. From classic cocktails with a healthy twist to unique and refreshing mixes, there’s something on this list for every whiskey lover. Remember, always drink in moderation and savor every sip.
