Having A Drink? Which Has Most Calories?

A host offering an alcoholic drink signifies the height of hospitality to some people. Others like a drink to celebrate a special occassion, as part of winding down at the end of the day or as a way to get enhance time with friends.

Too much alcohol can cause myriad problems, but researchers .

But people who drink and watch their diets may worry about the empty calories in a beer or glass of wine. When the time to order comes, what should you ask for?

Beer

Most light beers contain about 100 calories. When you compare that to those tiny packs of chips or miniturized chocolate-chip cookies that have taken over grocery store aisles, a cool drink doesn't seem like such a bad investment of 4 percent of your daily calorie intake.

Estimates say that a regular beer has about 150 calories for every 12 ounces -- a typical can of beer, though a bottle is often 16 ounces.

Wine

Wine has a classier reputation than beer, and it also will make less of an impact on your waistline.

Whether red or white, you can expect about 75 to 80 calories per glass of wine, which is generally about one-third of the volume of a glass of beer.

Red wine also contains small amounts of chemicals that are believed to be good for the body, especially the heart.

Mixed Drinks

"Mixed drink" can have a lot of different meanings, and the as well.

Something made from clear liquor, such as a vodka martini or a cosmopolitan, may only have about 160 calories. But a blended drink can pack a much greater punch.

A margarita or pina colada can have more than 50 calories per ounce. If you go to a theme restaurant that serves drinks in a bowl-like glass, it could top 800 calories -- about one-third of a typical diet for a man.