The best low calorie wines
Generally speaking, due to the alcohol and sugar content, a high-alcohol and sweet wine will have more calories than a dry, low-alcohol wine. However, sugar has fewer calories than alcohol, so it might be better to go for a sweet, low-alcohol wine. Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon are on the lower end of the calorie scale.
Shiraz, $150 (6-pack), Little Ripples
Little Ripples is wine you can really feel good about. Not only are there 0 grams of sugar per serve (meaning there’s only 88 calories per 100mL), the company also gives to charity. For every bottle sold, Little Ripples gives one year of clean water to one person in a developing community - achieved by building wells and water systems. It’s a great option for wine lovers, too, because it’s sourced from the one and only Barossa Valley. One reviewer even says “I consider myself a bit of a wine snob and love my Shiraz, especially from the Barossa and oh boy ….. Little Ripples did not disappoint!”
Jacobs Creek Better By Half brut cuvee, $22, Liquorland
What’s in a name? Jacob’s Creek Better By Half Brut Cuvee says it all. In each serve you’ll get half the amount of alcohol and less than half calories you’d get in regular Jacob’s Creek Classic Sparkling Pinot Grigio. Each glass contains only 54 calories. “Finally found a bubbles with less alcohol that is great to drink and serve to others. And it is Australian!” writes one happy customer.
The best low calorie beers
When it comes to beer...low carb often means lower calories. Supposedly, a Hahn Superdry has 99 calories, Pure Blonde has 92 calories, and XXXX Gold has only 109 calories per bottle.
Hahn Superdry case of 24 bottles, $53, Liquorland
99 calories per bottle
Hahn Superdry has long been a staple of low-carb and low-calorie beer drinking in Australia. Pale, smooth and dry, this lightly hopped drink pairs well with fried and spicy foods - particularly on a hot summer's day.
Pure Blonde ultra low carb beer, $55.99 (case of 24), Kogan
Cracking open a cold one at the end of the week should be a time to unwind, not a time to be disappointed by sub-par beer. Pure Blonde is safe, familiar and totally refreshing and this low-calorie version does not disappoint. It has 80% less carbohydrates than regular beer, and 50% fewer calories than wine per mL. So what are you waiting for?
Better Beer zero carb lager 6-pack, $22, BWS
87 calories per serve
Crisp and refreshing, the Better Beer zero carb lager is crafted in Australia, and makes a perfect low-calorie option for weekend drinks.
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The best low calorie vodka drinks and seltzers
Vodka on its own is a relatively low-calorie alcohol with no sugar or carbs, and just 64 calories in a shot. Seltzers have rapidly grown in popularity in the past few years as a carbonated and refreshing way of enjoying the spirit.
Actual vodka seltzer and lime cans, $25 (4-pack), Liquorland
Want a pre-mixed drink without all the extra sugar? Opt for Actual, a Vodka Seltzer that boasts just 72 calories per 300mL can. If that’s not enough to make your mouth water, it’s also made using 100% natural ingredients and is vegan, to boot. One five star reviewer summed it up in a single sentence: “Great taste, not overly sweet, low calories, no artificial after-taste, a drink true to its description.”
Doozy Trio mixed seltzer, $176.90 (30-pack), BoozeBud
Doozy’s co-founders (one of whom is Sydney Swans’ player Will Hayward) were sick of drinking traditional beer. They wanted a low-calorie, low-alcohol alternative “for people to kick back and have a laugh with mates”, so they created their own. The end result is Doozy. This handy three-pack introduces you to three of their freshest flavours, including Doozy Watermelon, Doozy Mango and Doozy Lime.
Smirnoff Seltzer natural mango can 24 pack, $132, Liquorland
70 calories per can
Departing from the sweetness of the classic Smirnoff Cruiser, the Smirnoff seltzer is vodka mixed with lightly flavoured sparkling water - and with zero sugar. Serve this fresh citrus flavoured drink with a slice of orange to further heighten its natural taste.
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