The Least Healthy Alcoholic Drinks, Explained

While avoiding alcohol is the healthiest choice long-term, these drinks can be a real hindrance to your daily health.

There’s a reason mocktails are a mainstay on most menus these days: Any alcohol consumption poses a health risk. Aside from unfun side effects of a hangover like dehydration and headaches, drinking can put you at higher risk for certain cancers, liver disease, and even affect your heart health. And certain drinks, especially those with high alcohol content or made with sugary mixers, can be harmful to your immediate health, particularly if not consumed in moderation.

What You Should Know About “Unhealthy” Drinks

In the past, certain guidance has suggested including some alcohol in your diet may have its benefits, but those recommendations have changed in recent years. Alcohol is listed as a Group 1 carcinogen alongside tobacco and radiation by the World Health Organization (WHO). And, drinking alcohol raises your risk of several cancers, including liver, colon, and breast, according to the CDC.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend abstaining from alcohol or drinking two drinks or fewer per day for men and one drink or fewer per day for women. When you’re comparing one drink to another, four things push one past the next: added sugar, total calories, alcohol by volume (ABV), and whatever it’s mixed with. 

Going Deeper: The Drinks

Aside from the health risks that come from alcohol, there are some other considerations you should make if you choose to drink. While no amount of alcohol is considered healthy, these drinks come with additional health considerations. 

• Frozen and premade drinks: The basis for most of these drinks is a sugary mix, just like the sugary concoctions a bartender may mix up. Pina coladas, mudslides, and the like can contain over 600 calories. If these drinks are made with a cream base, that can up the saturated fat content. Without the taste of alcohol, it’s also easier to drink more.
• Dairy-forward drinks: While you may celebrate your holidays with a Tom and Jerry or traditional eggnog, these sugar-laden drinks are high in calories, fat, and alcohol. For example, eggnog can have over 400 calories, plus the drink is made with egg yolk, milk, and heavy cream, which may exceed your daily recommended saturated fat and cholesterol intake. 
• Mixed drinks and sugary cocktails: Sugary mixers used to make your favorite margarita or Long Island iced tea can push up the calorie content of a drink quickly. These drinks can also have a high alcohol content, putting you at risk of alcohol poisoning, especially if you drink a few in a short amount of time.  
• IPAs: IPAs are popular for their flavor and high ABV content among beer drinkers. However, these factors also make them less healthy. Double IPAs can have up to 300 calories per serving and pack in over 15 grams of carbs. Carbs, calorie content, and alcohol content all add up in IPAs, especially compared to light beers, which can come in under 100 calories and 6 grams of carbs per serving.
• Caffeinated drinks: You need to be careful if your drink of choice comes with both caffeine and alcohol, like an espresso martini or a vodka Red Bull. According to the CDC, caffeine can make you feel more alert, and cause you to think the alcohol is affecting you less. Sometimes this can lead you to drink more, and other negative effects of the two substances — plus sugar — can include irregular heartbeat, higher blood pressure, and dehydration. Caffeine too close to your bedtime can also negatively affect your sleep.

The Takeaway

If you’re looking for an alcoholic drink that’s a little less “bad for you,” a light beer or a dry red wine will keep the sugar and calorie load down. If you’re drinking spirits, consider what you’re mixing your drinks with and opt for soda water or diet soda over more sugary options. At the end of the day, alcohol isn’t healthy in any amount, so enjoying your drink of choice in moderation is key. 

Bottom Line

Drinking less alcohol is better for your overall health, as consumption can up your risk of cancers, and other diseases and health conditions. Consider factors like sugar content, alcohol volume, and caffeine content when imbibing.