From festive cocktails to cozy nightcaps, December has a way of turning every gathering into a cheers-worthy moment. But while the bubbles are flowing, so are the hidden calories. New data from ZAVA reveals that some of our favourite holiday drinks are quietly delivering a serious sugar—and calorie—hit, making it easier than ever to overindulge without realizing it.
At the top of the “naughty” list? The tropical Piña Colada, which clocks in at a whopping 320 calories and 58 grams of sugar per serving—more sugar than a can of Coke. Close behind: the classic Margarita, the ever-trendy Espresso Martini, and even seemingly “simple” choices like lager and Guinness, which are surprisingly calorie-dense thanks to the alcohol itself.
On the lighter side, options like the Hugo Spritz, Aperol Spritz, and a glass of red wine come in lower on both sugar and calorie counts—proof that choosing smarter doesn’t have to mean skipping the fun.
Doctors at ZAVA also point out that alcohol adds “empty calories” to your day—energy that comes with no real nutritional benefit and is easily stored as fat. Drinking on an empty stomach can also cause blood sugar crashes, leading to dizziness, shakiness, and fatigue—hardly the festive glow anyone’s after.
And if you’re skipping alcohol this season, don’t assume you’re in the clear. Some non-alcoholic drinks are shockingly sweet, with energy drinks, fruit juices, and even flavoured waters delivering serious sugar loads of their own.
The takeaway? You don’t have to ditch your holiday traditions—just sip with awareness. A few smarter swaps can help you enjoy the season without the sneaky sugar spiral. Cheers to that. —Vita Daily
share:
Be the first to comment