11 Healthiest Alcohols to Drink

What’s the healthiest alcohol to drink when you want to kick back and relax? Alcohol-based drinks come in all kinds of forms, from wine and beer to seltzers, liquors and of course, mixed concoctions. It’s easy to get creative with your drink choices, especially as your tastes change over time. To help decide between all the options out there, we’ve curated a list of the healthiest alcohols to drink. 

Of course, something important to keep in mind when having any alcohol is to enjoy it in moderation. That means keeping count of how much you drink, pairing drinks with foods and staying aware of the consequences of drinking excessively. Another thing to keep in mind is that drinking isn’t for everyone. You understand your body best, including how it reacts to certain foods and drinks.

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• The 11 Healthiest Alcohols to Drink
• What Is the Healthiest Alcohol to Drink?

The 11 Healthiest Alcohols to Drink 

1. Red Wine 

First up is red wine, frequently associated with possible cardiovascular benefits when consumed in moderation. During the fermentation process, grape skins infuse the drink with compounds such as resveratrol, catechins and anthocyanins. Some studies link these antioxidants to reduced inflammation, improved vascular function and other protective effects for heart health.

That said, any health advantages are easily offset by excessive alcohol consumption, which can negatively affect liver function, blood pressure and overall wellness. Though red wine may contain fewer calories and slightly help with cholesterol in certain cases, the impact varies from person to person. In combination with balanced eating and consistent exercise, moderate red wine intake could play a small role in heart health, but caution is key to avoid negating any potential benefits.

2. Vodka Soda 

It’s refreshing. It’s refined. It’s a vodka cocktail that can easily be made at any bar, pub or home kitchen. This is considered one of the healthiest alcohols to drink in general because of its simplicity. A vodka soda is exactly what it sounds like: vodka, soda water and a lime or lemon garnish. As a result, this drink is low in sugar and calories. The benefits of this drink make it among the healthiest alcohols to enjoy, especially for those who don’t want anything too sweet or flavorful but still refreshing. 

Vodka is often considered one of the healthiest alcohol to drink due to its relatively low level of congeners — fermentation byproducts linked to hangovers. Its multiple distillation processes typically remove many impurities found in darker or aged spirits, such as whiskey or brandy, resulting in a cleaner profile. 

With all this said, drinking vodka sodas excessively will have negative effects on the liver, increase risk for certain cancers and cause higher blood-alcohol levels in the short-term. Be careful when choosing a vodka soda, so you can enjoy the benefits with less of the risks.

3. Wine Spritzer 

When the weather warms up, it’s time to sit back in your favorite outdoor spot with a wine spritzer, one of the healthiest alcohols to drink. Wine spritzers, especially ones made with rosé wine, are the quintessential summer drink. Similar to vodka sodas, a wine spritzer is a simple drink made with wine, soda water and sometimes a garnish. Some people add fruit or herbs for extra flavor, and using drier wines helps keep the sugar content low.

Wine spritzers are among the healthiest alcohols to drink because they allow you to enjoy the taste of wine with somewhat reduced calorie, sugar and alcohol content. Be wary of pre-mixed or flavored cans of wine spritzers, which can be convenient but will often include added sugars on their ingredient lists. 

Drink these spritzers in moderation, since excessive drinking can damage the liver, worsen high blood pressure and cause other health issues. Overall, a wine spritzer is a great option when pursuing the healthiest alcohol to drink.

4. Light Beer 

Speaking of refreshing drinks that are perfect for warmer weather or cool evenings after long days, many will attest that a light beer will hit the spot. It’s among the healthiest alcohol to drink if you want a cold glass that goes down smooth. 

The brewing process is different for light beer versus dark beer and results in lower carbohydrates. For a truly reliable option with a great taste when browsing healthiest alcohols to drink, consider craft beers which often have less than 100 calories as well. 

Of course, it’s important to not indulge too much in light beer. Doing so can cause weight gain, referred to by many as “beer belly.” It can also cause issues for your liver, heart and digestive or immune systems. Drinking can cause psychological effects too, like negative changes to mental health. While it’s one of the healthiest alcohols to drink in general, be sure to enjoy light beer in moderation.

5. White Wine 

White wine also ranks among the healthiest alcohols to drink, offering many of the same benefits associated with red wine. While it generally contains fewer antioxidants, white wine still provides valuable polyphenols known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, white wines typically have lower alcohol content compared to reds, which may reduce the strain on your liver. Choosing dry, organic white wines can further enhance these health benefits, as they usually contain fewer added sugars and preservatives without compromising flavor.

If you're wondering, "What is a dry white wine?" it's a variety with minimal residual sugars, like sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio or chardonnay, each containing about 120-125 calories per 5-ounce serving. As always, moderation is key to safely enjoying white wine — one of the healthiest alcohols to drink alongside a balanced lifestyle.

6. Bloody Mary 

This next drink boasts a name that sounds much scarier than it is. Bloody Mary drinks have been one of the healthiest alcohols to drink at brunch for years. With its tangy tomato juice base, vodka and garnishes like celery, salt, pepper, lime and Worcestershire sauce, this bright red drink is full of interesting flavors. 

Although a Bloody Mary includes some vegetable ingredients like tomato juice and celery, it shouldn’t replace your daily vegetable servings. However, it is still one of the healthiest alcohols to drink due to its lower sugar content compared to sweet cocktails. 

Nonetheless, it's essential to enjoy this cocktail in moderation. While its bold flavors mask the alcohol, the potent spirits remain and excessive consumption can raise blood pressure and strain the liver.

7. Tequila on the Rocks 

Tequila is a long-time favorite spirit and, perhaps surprisingly, ranks among the healthiest alcohols to drink. Made from the blue agave plant, Tequila is naturally gluten-free and relatively low in calories and sugar, making it a preferred choice for those looking for healthier alcoholic beverages. 

Blanco or silver tequila is the healthiest alcohol to drink, since these varieties of tequila are typically free from additives and haven't undergone aging. By contrast, aged tequilas such as reposado or añejo — which often include the most expensive tequila options — can contain slightly higher calorie and sugar levels due to the aging process or added caramel coloring.

Regardless of these advantages, moderation remains key as excessive consumption can still lead to dehydration, liver problems and other health issues.

8. Gin and Tonic 

Take a quick trip to Great Britain without leaving home by whipping up a refreshing gin and tonic. This iconic cocktail, traditionally made with gin, tonic water, ice and a lime garnish, is celebrated for its simplicity. That simplicity also makes it one of the healthiest alcohols to drink.

A standard 1.5-ounce serving of gin contains about 97 calories, and choosing a diet or slimline tonic keeps the calorie count even lower. For those mindful of alcohol consumption, a non-alcoholic gin alternative can deliver similar flavors without the effects of alcohol. As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key; overindulging in gin and tonics can lead to health concerns.

9. Champagne 

Bubbly, anyone? When it comes to celebratory occasions, Champagne is one of the healthiest alcohols to drink. Most often enjoyed over a classy dinner or to mark a milestone, this is definitely one of the more famous alcohol options in the world. 

For the most part, this traditionally dry wine is low in calories, making it one of the healthiest alcohol options to choose. Champagne contains some antioxidants similar to those in other wines, which in moderation might offer modest cardiovascular benefits; however, these potential benefits do not justify increased drinking.

While Champagne is often seen as one of the healthiest alcohols to drink, there are still disadvantages to over-consuming it. Like with any kind of alcohol, drinking too much Champagne can lead to liver damage, dehydration and detrimental cognitive impacts. So, all in all, feel free to celebrate with a refreshingly cool glass of Champagne, one of the healthiest alcohols to drink, as an elevated wine option. In moderation, this is a lovely treat indeed.

10. Hard Cider 

Beer, wine or spirits? Maybe none of the above. Hard cider is a fantastic drink for those who don’t really vibe with the other options. This is one of the healthiest alcohols to drink because as the name hints at, it’s made largely from apples. 

Taste-wise, there are varying levels of sweetness you can try when searching for a new favorite hard cider. Nutrition-wise, some ciders retain natural apple compounds such as antioxidants associated with reduced oxidative stress in the body. However, the amount of these beneficial compounds can vary depending on the cider’s ingredients and how it’s processed.

While certain dry ciders may have a lower sugar content than sweetened cocktails or beers, others can contain added sugars that increase calorie count. Like all alcoholic beverages, cider should be consumed in moderation.

11. Dry Martini 

Our final recommendation for the healthiest alcohol to drink is the classic dry martini. Timeless and elegant, this cocktail is naturally low in calories and sugar compared to many other alcoholic beverages. 

Even its signature garnish, the olive, provides added benefits, offering healthy fats that can help slow alcohol absorption, making the experience gentler on your system than drinking on an empty stomach. Traditionally prepared with a 5:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth, a standard dry martini contains about 120–150 calories — or try a cucumber martini for a lighter, more refreshing twist.

With no sugary mixers, creams or syrups involved, it's consistently considered among the healthiest alcohols to drink for any occasion. As always, remain mindful of ingredient quality, sugar levels and your overall alcohol intake to enjoy this cocktail responsibly.

What Is the Healthiest Alcohol to Drink?

For celebrations both big and small, alcohol-based drinks often play a significant role. But which options are considered the healthiest alcohols to drink? Obvious choices might be red wine, vodka soda and light beer among others. These are definitely popular and well-known for certain health benefits. 

However, the truth is that alcohol just isn’t completely healthy as an option. There are tons of risks associated with it that can’t be canceled out by its benefits. That’s why it’s important to consume alcohol-based drinks in moderation. 

Stay mindful of the alcohol content you drink at a time and in general, as well as all the potential health risks for blood pressure, diseases and cardiac issues that may arise with over-consumption. When choosing the healthiest alcohol to drink, the key could be as simple as staying mindful and responsible about when and how you enjoy your drink. 

Opting for lower-sugar or sugar-free drinks can help to lower calories. Drinks made with a soda water base are a great way to achieve this. You can also stay hydrated with regular water in between drinks to dilute the alcohol content and make sure to eat a balanced meal before, during or afterward. Still, these actions can only mitigate the risks by a certain amount.

The topic of the healthiest alcohol to drink can be a tricky one. Alcohol is a powerful ingredient that, when used responsibly, can create delicious drinks of all kinds. From red wine to light beers, vodka sodas and dry martinis among other drinks, there are lots of lighter options to explore. 

When choosing the healthiest alcohol to drink, moderation is essential. While some drinks may be lower in sugar, calories or contain minimal beneficial compounds, alcohol consumption carries inherent health risks. Opt for lower-calorie, lower-sugar options and consume responsibly. With this newfound knowledge, you’ll be able to discern which drinks are healthy and which can be made even healthier with a few simple ingredient changes. 

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.