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Sip on this!
Avoid turning happy hour sour with these smart choices…
White Wine
Choose
Higher alcohol means more kilojoules, so try to order a white wine with an alcohol volume of around 12. Sauvignon Blancs, unwooded Chenin Blancs and Rieslings are often lighter — just check the bottle. Make a spritzer to stretch it out.
Lose
Ditch the heavy Chardonnay with an alcohol volume to match (usually around 14). You could save yourself almost 100kJ per glass.
READ MORE: These Are The Best Wines To Drink If You’re Trying To Lose Weight
Red Wine
Choose
Pick a full-bodied wine like a Shiraz – around 490kJ for a medium glass — because it has the most heart-friendly antioxidants.
Lose
Pay attention to the alcohol levels again. Some Cab Sauvs may be as high as 14.5. And share — splitting a bottle between the whole table will ensure you don’t scoff half of it yourself. Also, drink water in between, obvs.
READ MORE: 5 Best Alcohols To Drink If You’re Trying To Lose Weight And Stay Healthy
Spirits
Choose
Upgrade your gin habit and swap the G&T for a 480kJ Gin Rickey — that’s gin, soda and lots of fresh lime juice. One regular tonic can contain up to five teaspoons of sugar.
Lose
Steer clear of black Sambuca. A shot of the stuff contains 430kJ and more than 11g of sugar. Yep: just one shot. Now that is hard to swallow.
READ MORE: These Mocktails Are So Good, You Won’t Be Mad They’re Booze-Free
Cocktails
Choose
Sparkling wines are generally low-kilojoule. Nutritionist Helen Walker suggests trying a Champagne cocktail, like a Bellini, with some natural, fresh fruit nectar.
Lose
Say no to Long Island iced tea – it’s got about the same number of kilojoules as six McDonald’s nuggets. (!!!) That’ll be the vodka, rum, gin, tequila and triple sec…
READ MORE: “Will Saving My Kilojoules For Alcohol Help Me Lose Weight?”
Beer & Cider
Choose
Any “light” beer is the obvious choice. Stellenbrau Governor’s Red Lager contains a measly 31kJ per 100ml (compared to your average brew, which can pack around 160kJ per 100ml).
Lose
Ciders and fruit beers don’t count as one of your five-a-day and can rack up around 800kJ per drink. Also keep an eye on the alcohol levels — avoid anything
above five percent (we’re looking at you, Savanna Dry).
Looking for more? Here’s how your hangover changes in your 20s, 30s and 40s.
