Are Your Festive Drinks Hiding More Calories Than You Think?

As Christmas approaches and the invitations stack up, many of us find ourselves drinking more than usual — and it shows in the stats. Almost two-thirds of UK drinkers (64%) consume more alcohol during December, with 57% admitting they’re likely to binge drink on Christmas Day alone. But while December is full of celebration, what many don’t realise is just how many hidden calories their favourite festive drinks contain.

To help people make more informed choices without sacrificing the fun, medical experts at ZAVA analysed the calorie and sugar content of the nation’s most popular alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The findings reveal just how quickly festive calories can add up.

The hidden calories in popular drinks

Alcoholic drinks differ drastically in calorie content — not always for the reasons you might expect. Lager and Guinness, for example, contain very little sugar, yet remain surprisingly calorie-dense. That’s because alcohol itself is high in energy, contributing to what experts call “empty calories” — calories that offer no nutritional benefit yet are readily stored as fat.

Meanwhile, cocktails are some of the biggest calorie traps of the season. Drinks such as Piña Coladas, Margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas contain large amounts of added sugar, often exceeding an entire day’s recommended intake in just one serving.

The most calorific alcoholic drinks

1. Piña Colada – 320 calories, 58g sugar
2. Margarita – 248 calories, 13g sugar
3. Espresso Martini – 225 calories, 20g sugar
4. Lager – 220 calories, under 2g sugar
5. Guinness – 210 calories, 0.6g sugar
6. Long Island Iced Tea – 207 calories, 27g sugar
7. Pimm’s – 169 calories, 25g sugar
8. Hugo Spritz – 137 calories, 0g sugar
9. Aperol Spritz – 125 calories, 19g sugar
10. Red Wine – 123 calories, 3g sugar

Cocktails dominate the top of the list, with the Piña Colada emerging as the heaviest drink by far — a single serving contains more sugar than many desserts. Margaritas and Espresso Martinis aren’t far behind, thanks to sweet mixers and creamy bases that push calorie counts higher than many people expect.

Why festive drinking adds up

Although December is a naturally more indulgent month, social pressure also plays a role. One in five UK employees say they feel added pressure to drink at work Christmas parties, with family and friends influencing festive drinking habits too. Combined with sugar-heavy cocktails and back-to-back events, many adults unknowingly consume thousands of additional calories before New Year’s Eve even arrives.

Doctors at ZAVA explain:

“Alcohol provides empty calories that the body does not use for energy. Excess intake is stored as fat, increasing long-term risks such as weight gain, diabetes and poor metabolic health. Drinking on an empty stomach can also cause blood sugar levels to drop sharply, leading to dizziness, irritability and fatigue.”

And if you’re choosing non-alcoholic drinks…

It’s not just alcohol that can cause a festive calorie surge. Many popular non-alcoholic drinks also contain surprisingly high levels of sugar.

Top high-calorie non-alcoholic drinks

1. Energy drink – 335 calories, 78g sugar
2. Orange juice – 229 calories, 51g sugar
3. Grape juice – 175 calories, 42g sugar
4. Lemon water (sweetened) – 96 calories, 21.3g sugar
5. Guinness 0.0 – 71 calories, 3g sugar

Energy drinks top the list, with more calories and sugar per serving than many cocktails — a surprise to those who choose them as a “healthy” alcohol alternative. Even fruit juices can surpass daily sugar limits in a single glass.

Smarter choices for the season

This doesn’t mean you need to abstain — just be aware of what you’re drinking. Lower-calorie options such as a Hugo Spritz, Aperol Spritz or a simple glass of red wine can help lighten the load without dampening the festivities.

And if you’re choosing not to drink alcohol this year, check the labels on juices and flavoured waters. The “healthier” option can sometimes be just as sugary as the cocktails you’re avoiding.