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Lifestyle

The 15 Most Popular Cocktails, Ranked by Calorie Count

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at FSU chapter.

Everyone has their go-to order when it comes to cocktails. Sometimes you may be feeling adventurous and try something new, but humans are creatures of habit, so that rarely happens. Have you ever stopped to think how many calories are in your favorite cocktail? Probably not. In honor of the New Year and the inevitable resolution to lose weight, here are how many calories are in your go-to drinks. 

15. Gimlet

For those of you who drink gin regularly, you’re brave. It sneaks up on you, just like tequila does.

Serving size: 2 oz

Calorie Count: 110

14. Daiquiri

There are many variations of this cocktail, but the original daiquiri isn’t as many calories as the popular frozen version.

Serving size: 2 oz

Calorie count: 112 

13. Moscow Mule

Ginger beer is what makes this drink so good, as it completely masks the alcohol in it. Vodka lovers, give this a try if you’re tired of your usual.

Serving size: 6 oz

Calorie count: 120 

12. Bloody Mary

Maybe you’re not a fan of mimosas, but that shouldn’t stop you from having a boozy brunch. Thanks to the bloody Mary, you don’t have to be basic and can still get your buzz on at brunch.

Serving size: 10 oz

Calorie count: 125 

11. Manhattan

Originally created in Manhattan, New York, people who order this drink are usually very specific about the way a bartender makes it. Order it if you want a taste of the city with the benefit of a low calorie count.

Serving size: 2.5 oz

Calorie count: 130

10. Mimosa

Is brunch really brunch without mimosas? The best cure for your Saturday night shenanigans is a boozy brunch with champagne and a splash of orange juice. Thankfully this brunch staple doesn’t have too many calories.

Serving size: 8 oz

Calorie count: 144 

9. Cosmopolitan

Channel your inner Sarah Jessica Parker and order this drink to feel like you’re in “Sex and the City.” Being fabulous is surprisingly low cal.

Serving size: 2.75 oz

Calorie count: 146

8. Martini

Calling all vodka lovers! The dry martini is definitely a cult classic.

Serving size: 2.5 oz

Calorie count: 160 

7. Whiskey Sour

This drink is simple, yet iconic. Kind of like those people who just love whiskey.

Serving size: 4 oz

Calorie count: 162 

6. Old Fashioned

Want to feel like you’re on “Mad Men?” You’ll definitely feel like you are when you order this.

Serving size: 4 oz

Calorie count: 180 

5. Tequila Sunrise

Tequila makes people crazy, that’s just a fact. However, this drink does a good job of being an alcoholic beverage that’s not really an alcoholic beverage, because you can barely taste it.

Serving size: 5.7 oz

Calorie count: 200 

4. Mojito

For the mint lovers, this drink will leave your mouth feeling minty fresh. The cane sugar in this drink is probably responsible for the higher calorie count.

Serving size: 8 oz

Calorie count: 217 

3. Sex on the Beach

The perfect drink for your tropical vacation, even if it has a lot of calories. Calories don’t count on vacation anyway, right?

Serving size: 8 oz

Calorie count: 326

2. Long Island Iced Tea

This is basically death in a cup. It has five different types of liquor in it. This drink isn’t ideal for a diet, but it guarantees a good time and a high calorie count.

Serving size: 8 oz

Calorie count: 440

1. Margarita

Taco Tuesday anyone? Margs are always a good idea, but they pack a punch to your waistline. A margarita on the rocks has fewer calories than a frozen one, not surprising.  

Serving size: 8 oz

Calorie count: 455  

I'm the Editorial Director of Spoon FSU. I'm a senior at Florida State University double-majoring in Media and Communication and Editing, Writing, and Media. I love brunch, because who doesn't? I'm a major foodie, music festival enthusiast, and a total book nerd.