Alcohol is a tempting indulgence for many people, but it comes with health risks and the potential for addiction. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a drink or two in moderation, mixed drinks can be particularly unhealthy due to added sugars and high-calorie sweeteners. Even seemingly simple cocktails can contain surprisingly high amounts of calories and sugar, making them a poor choice for those trying to manage their weight and blood sugar levels.
To help you avoid the unhealthiest cocktails out there, we've compiled a list of some of the worst offenders. So if you're looking to indulge in a drink, make sure you choose wisely and opt for a healthier option.
1) Margarita
Per 8 ounces: 274 calories and 36.1 grams of sugar
If you're looking for a sweet and refreshing cocktail, you may want to steer clear of the classic Margarita. This popular drink, made with tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and syrup, can contain more than 70% of your daily recommended sugar intake if you're sticking to a 2,000 calorie per day diet. Additionally, the combination of salt and tequila can lead to an increased heart rate and potentially elevated blood pressure if you order this unhealthy cocktail with a salted rim. Consider opting for a lower sugar alternative or sipping on a non-alcoholic beverage to avoid these health risks.
2) Frosé
Per 8 ounces: 416 calories and 57.6 grams of sugar
While sipping on a refreshing frosé may seem like a fun way to beat the heat, it can also pack on the pounds. A typical serving of this frozen rosé cocktail contains almost 58 grams of sugar per 8 fl oz, which exceeds the recommended daily sugar intake and accounts for a daily value of 115.2%. Be aware that some bars may serve frosé in larger daiquiri glasses, making portion control difficult. Instead of indulging in this high-sugar drink, consider having a glass of plain rosé wine, which is not only more affordable but also contains fewer calories and less sugar.
3) Long Island Iced Tea
Per 8 ounces: 241 calories, 19 grams sugar
Long Island iced teas are cocktails that contain a wide variety of ingredients such as gin, white rum, silver tequila, vodka, triple sec, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of cola. While this drink may offer a quick and easy way to enjoy a fun night out, its high sugar content can have negative effects on your health, leading to physical problems and potentially impacting your overall well-being.
4) Cosmopolitan
Per 8 ounces: 456 calories and 12.32 grams of sugar
While we may enjoy watching the glamorous lifestyles of TV characters, the reality is that their drinking habits are often far from healthy. The Cosmopolitan, popularized by Sex and the City, is a prime example. At 456 calories per 8-ounce serving, this sugary cocktail can be higher in calories than some breakfast sandwiches at fast food chains. If you want to feel chic while sipping a cocktail, try a classic vodka martini instead, which has fewer calories.
5) Frozen Daiquiri
Per 8 ounces: 286 calories and 39.7 grams of sugar
The excessive sugar content of daiquiris makes them one of the unhealthiest cocktails you can order, despite their refreshing taste. With only three primary ingredients - rum, lime juice, and syrup - this cocktail has almost 40 grams of sugar.
6) Rum Punch
Per 8 ounces: 231 calories and 18 grams of sugar
Despite its tropical and refreshing flavors, traditional Jamaican rum punch is actually a high-calorie and potent cocktail. It is typically made with a blend of pineapple, orange, and lime juices, along with grenadine, maraschino cherries, and a mix of dark, light, and flavored rums. Don't be fooled by the fresh pineapple garnish – this cocktail packs a punch in terms of calories and alcohol content.
7) Whiskey Sour
Per 8 ounces: 372 calories and 31.12 grams of sugar
A classic whiskey sour is made with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and occasionally, egg white. However, some bars and restaurants use premixed ingredients instead of shaking it up fresh. This practice leads to high sugar content in some varieties of whiskey sour, as pointed out by the USDA. Some premixed versions contain over 30 grams of sugar per 8-ounce serving.
8) White Russian
Per 8 ounces: 396 calories and 21.5 grams of sugar
Revised: This cocktail is made with vodka, Kahlúa, and heavy cream and can account for 47% of your recommended daily sugar intake. Instead of consuming this unhealthy cocktail, there are other delicious and more satisfying options with 400 calories, such as some fast food ice creams that have half the calorie count.
9)Mudslide
Per 8 ounces: 384 calories and 23.8 grams of sugar
A single serving of mudslide, a cocktail made with vodka, Kahlúa, Irish cream liqueur, and heavy cream, reportedly contains as much sugar as a milk chocolate Hershey's bar. This doesn't include the additional chocolate syrup drizzle and garnishes typically added on top, making it a calorie-dense drink that can hinder weight loss efforts. If you want to avoid the sugar overload, it's best to steer clear of this decadent drink.
10) Pina Colada
Per 8 ounces: 340 calories and 39.6 grams of sugar
If you enjoy piña coladas but are concerned about your sugar intake, here's some bad news: the ingredients used in this cocktail, such as pineapple juice and both white and dark rum, make it a high-sugar drink with almost 40 grams of sugar per 8-ounce serving.