Spritzes provide the best low-calorie cocktail option
The UK’s ‘it-drink’ just got more appealing. Not only are Aperol and Hugo Spritzes delicious, but they also contain fewer calories than matcha and smoothies.
Research from online doctor service Zava has revealed that both Aperol and Hugo Spritzes contain far fewer calories than the majority of popular cocktails. Coming in at 125 and 137 calories respectively on average, they could provide a far healthier alternative to the likes of Espresso Martinis (225 calories) and Piña Coladas (320 calories).
The fact that spritzes largely contain calorie-free soda water benefits their calorific index significantly. Most of the calories are made up by the liqueurs and prosecco, which in itself is low on calories (average 80 calories per glass).
An average Aperol or Hugo Spritz will contain a similar number of calories to two eggs and even fewer calories than everyone’s current favourite ‘healthy’ drink: an Iced Matcha from Blank Street (138 calories).
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Sticking to spirits themselves remains an even less calorific alcoholic option. The consensus is that vodka is the least calorific of the bunch. Coming in at 100 calories for a 50ml measure, it just about pips whisky, gin and tequila (average of 110 calories) to the crown of the lowest-calorie option.
In moderation
An important proviso to the discussion of low-calorie alcoholic drinks is that alcohol consumption primarily adds ‘empty calories’.
While an Innocent Superfood Smoothie may contain more calories at 171, they are largely nutritionally beneficial. Empty calories in alcohol, by contrast, are converted to fat and stored in the body. Over time this leads to weight gain and an increased chance of health complications.
Still, when enjoying a drink over the summer months, you can do far worse than a night on the spritzes. Five spritzes have an equivalent amount of calories to three lagers, and that’s the kind of maths I enjoy.
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