As the holiday season approaches, many people in the UK find themselves indulging more than usual. In fact, nearly two-thirds of UK drinkers admit to consuming more alcohol during Christmas, with 57% likely to binge drink on Christmas Day alone. However, what often goes unnoticed is the surprisingly high calorie and sugar content hidden in popular festive drinks—many containing more sugar than a can of Coke.
Research by ZAVA highlights the UK’s unhealthiest alcoholic beverages this Christmas. At the top of the list is the Piña Colada, which contains a staggering 320 calories and 58 grams of sugar per serving. Following close behind is the Margarita, with 248 calories, and the Espresso Martini, packing 225 calories—its creamy, high-fat ingredients adding even more empty calories, making it a tempting yet unhealthy choice at holiday gatherings.
A ZAVA spokesperson explains, “Alcohol adds ‘empty calories’ to your diet—calories that provide little to no nutritional value. These calories are easily converted into fat and stored in the body, contributing to weight gain over time. Regularly consuming such drinks increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.”
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Furthermore, when the body metabolizes alcohol, the liver temporarily halts glucose production, which can cause low blood sugar levels. This effect is amplified when drinking on an empty stomach, often resulting in symptoms like dizziness, irritability, shakiness, and fatigue.
Importantly, even those avoiding alcohol should be cautious. Many popular non-alcoholic beverages are also loaded with sugar and calories. Energy drinks, for instance, contain up to 335 calories and 78 grams of sugar per serving, surpassing some of the most indulgent cocktails. Fruit juices are also a significant source of sugar—a glass of orange juice has about 51 grams of sugar. Even drinks marketed as healthy, such as flavoured waters, can add up, with lemon-flavored water containing 21.3 grams of sugar per serving.
Here are some of the unhealthiest alcoholic drinks and their sugar and calorie content:
- Piña Colada: 58g sugar, 320 calories
- Margarita: 13g sugar, 248 calories
- Espresso Martini: 20g sugar, 225 calories
- Lager: <2g sugar, 220 calories
- Guinness: 0.6g sugar, 210 calories
- Long Island Iced Tea: 27g sugar, 207 calories
- Pimm’s: 25g sugar, 169 calories
- Hugo Spritz: 0g sugar, 137 calories
- Aperol Spritz: 19g sugar, 125 calories
- Red Wine: 3g sugar, 123 calories
Being mindful of the drinks you choose this festive season can help manage your calorie and sugar intake, supporting your health while still allowing you to enjoy holiday celebrations.