Nutritional Information for Alcohol

Alcohol doesn't provide any important nutrients and the calories in it add up quickly. However, by knowing some of the benefits of alcoholic beverages and the calories they contain, you can make better choices about the alcohol you choose to indulge in.

Health Benefits

• The antioxidants contained in red wine have been shown to create a longer and healthier life, when wine is consumed in moderation. Additionally, moderate use of beer can reduce peptic ulcers, although over-consumption can exacerbate them.

Calories in Liquor

• The caloric value of alcohol increases with the proof. For example, while 1 ounce of a 100-proof liquor contains 82 calories, 1 ounce of an 80-proof liquor has only 64 calories.

Calories in Liqueur

• Liqueurs have a broader range of caloric values since they have a wide range of proofs and contain additional ingredients such as sugars and flavorings. A 1-ounce serving of a 63-proof coffee liqueur, for example, has about 107 calories, and 1 ounce of peppermint schnapps has about 84 calories.

Calories in Beer

• Depending upon the brand you choose, 12 ounces of beer contains about 146 calories. If you choose light beer, you'll see a significant calorie reduction; a 12-ounce serving contains about 99 calories.

Calories in White Wine

• An average glass of white wine, about 3.5 ounces, contains 70 calories. If you choose a dessert wine, the calories can increase to about 120 calories per each 3.5-ounce serving.

Calories in Red Wine

• An average glass of red wine, again about 3.5 ounces, contains 74 calories.