How Many Calories?

We are definitely into the warm summer weather and cold refreshing drinks are what we crave.

It's the time of year when we kick back, relax, and spend more time with friends and family sharing a refreshing drink and reminiscing.

The old standby Bloody Mary as a chaser with steak sandwiches is a classic we enjoy at the neighborhood pub sitting out on their deck. Its vegetable juice base sways us thinking it's a healthy drink.

Let's not forget the summer favorites -- Margaritas, Long Island Iced Tea and Cosmopolitans -- really delish but do we really know how many calories we are adding to our pepperoni pizza or nachos and burritos.

I really don't want to be a party-pooper, but here's a little bit of 'did you know?' how many calories are in your favorite cocktail.

Cosmopolitan -- 150 calories - not bad, but it's only a tiny 2.5 oz. glass.
Margarita -- from 350 to 500 calories for 6 oz. (depends on ingredients)
Long Island Iced Tea -- 600 calories for 8 oz.
Bloody Mary -- 125 calories for 6 oz.
Pina Colada -- 645 calories for 6 oz.
Red & White wine -- from 110 to 150 calories per 5 oz.
Beer -- light beers range from 75 to 95 per 12 oz.

The calorie counts can differ based on the ingredients used in each of the mixed drinks.

Calories in wine are based on the style of wine -- be it red, white, or dessert wine. The alcohol content in wine adds more calories gram for gram than the sugar content. However, don't be fooled by the dessert wines which are sometimes lower in alcohol yet they have a higher sugar content resulting in more calories than dry wine.

Oh, we are all going to have a large, cold, refreshing drink this summer and why not. Let's not worry about counting calories when we only do this once a year, well, maybe twice.

Enjoy Happy Hour and fuggedabout the calories!

Salute!
Winelady Cooks