Cheers to Health: The Best Alcoholic Beverages to Order at a Bar

Just because you’re out for drinks doesn’t mean you have to abandon your health goals at the door. Bars may be packed with sugary cocktails and sneaky calorie bombs, but with the right know-how, you can sip smarter—and still have a great time. Whether you're cutting back on sugar, watching your intake, or just want to feel better the next morning, there are clever ways to navigate the menu without sounding like that person. From easy swaps to bartender-approved tweaks, we’ve expanded our list to 15 fantastic ways to navigate the bar menu like a pro. These aren’t boring “just drink water” tips—they’re flavorful, practical strategies for drinking socially and sensibly. Because wellness doesn’t mean sitting out the fun—it means knowing how to own your choices with confidence. Let’s toast to that.

1. The Elevated Vodka Soda: Fresh & Clean

A classic for a reason, the vodka soda is your low-calorie, zero-sugar champion. To make it ingenious, ask for quality vodka and specify "plenty of fresh lime" (not from a gun). Better yet, see if they have fresh cucumber slices or a sprig of mint to muddle or add. These natural additions provide vibrant flavor and a hint of antioxidants without any sugary mixers. Served tall with lots of ice, it’s a hydrating, crisp choice that keeps things refreshingly simple and sophisticated.

2. The Dry Red Wine Spritzer: Polyphenol Power, Lightened

Red wine boasts heart-healthy polyphenols like resveratrol, but can be calorie-dense. The ingenious trick? Order a dry red wine (like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, often lower in residual sugar) as a spritzer. Ask for it mixed with sparkling water or club soda in a wine glass. This not only halves the alcohol and calories per serving but also adds hydration and a refreshing effervescence. Garnish with an orange slice to enhance the flavor and a touch of vitamin C.

3. Craft Light Lager or Session IPA: Flavorful & Mindful Brews

Think "light beer" means flavorless? Think again. Many craft breweries now offer excellent light lagers or "session IPAs" that pack a flavorful punch with fewer calories and a lower ABV (Alcohol By Volume) than their heavier counterparts. Check the menu for local options or ask the bartender for their lightest craft offering. These brews prioritize aroma and taste through quality hops and brewing techniques, allowing you to savor a satisfying beer without the caloric weight of a traditional pint.

4. The "Virgin-ish" Bloody Mary: Savory & Smart

A well-made Bloody Mary can be a nutrient-packed, savory delight. To make it healthier, ask for it with just a half-shot of vodka (or even gin for a Red Snapper twist), emphasizing high-quality, low-sodium tomato juice. Load up on the veggie garnishes – celery, olives, a pickle spear. Tomato juice provides lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium. Request light or no salt on the rim to keep sodium in check. This "virgin-ish" approach reduces alcohol and calories while maximizing flavor and nutrients.

5. The Authentic Tommy's Margarita: Agave-Kissed, Not Sugar-Bombed

Ditch those fluorescent, syrupy margarita mixes! A "Tommy's Margarita" is the purist's (and healthier) choice. It’s simply good quality tequila (100% agave), fresh lime juice, and a touch of agave nectar – no artificial sweeteners or sugary liqueurs. The agave nectar offers sweetness with a lower glycemic impact than refined sugar, and fresh lime provides vitamin C. Served shaken with ice and strained, perhaps with a minimal salt rim, it’s a vibrant, clean cocktail that truly celebrates the tequila.

6. Gin & Soda with Fresh Botanicals: An Herbal Infusion

Elevate your clear spirit and soda by opting for gin. Quality gins are infused with a complex array of botanicals like juniper, coriander, and citrus peel, which can offer subtle aromatic compounds. Pair it with club soda to avoid sugar, and ask for fresh garnishes that complement the gin’s profile – a cucumber ribbon, a sprig of rosemary, or grapefruit zest. This creates a refreshing, low-calorie drink that feels more bespoke and flavorful than a plain mixed drink, with a hint of herbal sophistication.

7. Tequila & Soda with a Spicy Kick: Clean & Zesty

Another excellent clear spirit choice, 100% agave tequila mixed with soda water is clean and low in sugar. To make it ingenious and add a healthful zing, request fresh lime juice and a thin slice or two of fresh jalapeño (seeds removed if you prefer less heat). The capsaicin in jalapeño offers a hint of metabolism-boosting potential and anti-inflammatory properties, while the lime provides brightness. This combination is invigorating, crisp, and a world away from sugary shooters.

8. Amaro & Soda: The Bittersweet Digestive Delight

Explore the world of Amari – Italian herbal liqueurs known for their complex, often bittersweet flavors and traditional role as digestifs. Many Amari have a lower sugar content than other liqueurs and a moderate ABV. Served tall with plenty of club soda and a citrus twist (like orange or lemon), an Amaro & Soda is a sophisticated, refreshing, and surprisingly light option. The herbal notes can make for a uniquely satisfying sip that feels both traditional and contemporary.

9. Mindfully Chosen Hard Seltzer: Crisp & Controlled

Hard seltzers have exploded in popularity for their low-calorie, low-carb appeal. The ingenious part is choosing wisely. Opt for brands that use natural flavors, minimal ingredients, and clearly state no added sugars or very low sugar content (e.g., 0-2 grams). They offer a light, bubbly, and often fruity alternative to beer or sugary cocktails. While not a health food, a carefully selected hard seltzer can be a reasonable choice for a refreshing, portion-controlled alcoholic beverage.

10. The "Alternating Elegance" Strategy: Hydrate & Moderate

Perhaps the most ingenious trick isn't a specific drink, but a mindful approach. For every alcoholic beverage you enjoy, order an equally appealing non-alcoholic option. Think sparkling water with a generous squeeze of lime and a sprig of mint, or a craft soda with minimal sugar. This strategy naturally slows your alcohol consumption, keeps you hydrated, reduces overall calorie intake, and allows you to stay social longer without overindulging. It’s about savoring the experience, not just the alcohol.

11. The Aperitif Spritz: Light, Bitter, and Built for Sipping

Aperitifs like Aperol, Campari, or dry vermouth are designed to be low in alcohol and high in flavor—perfect for the mindful drinker. Order a spritz with just one shot of aperitif, topped with sparkling water and a splash of Prosecco. Add an orange slice or green olive for depth. The bitterness slows sipping, while the lower ABV lets you enjoy the ritual without the heaviness. Bonus: bitter flavors can support digestion and curb sugar cravings. It's a European-inspired, effortlessly chic way to pace your evening and keep things light—without missing out on the vibe.

12. The Half-Strength Highball: Custom-Paced and Crowd-Friendly

Want the social ease of a classic mixed drink without the full punch? Ask for a half-shot highball. Whether it’s whiskey-ginger, rum and coke, or gin-tonic, simply request half the usual alcohol with full mixer and plenty of ice. Most bartenders won’t blink—and you’ll pace yourself better while still participating. It’s also a great way to cut calories and reduce next-day fog without switching to mocktails. The secret? Keep your glass festive and in-hand. Nobody notices the lower ABV—but your liver will thank you. Perfect for long events or when you want to stay sharp and social.

13. The Kombucha Cocktail: Gut-Friendly with a Buzz

If the bar stocks kombucha, you’ve got a wellness-forward mixer at your disposal. Kombucha's tangy, slightly sweet flavor pairs surprisingly well with vodka, tequila, or even a botanical gin. Ask for a simple two-ingredient cocktail: one shot of spirit, topped with chilled kombucha over ice. You’ll get a dose of probiotics, less sugar than juice-based mixers, and a unique, tart flavor that’s easy to sip slowly. Some places even have hard kombucha on tap—check the board! It’s a funky, health-conscious choice that bridges the gap between wellness and indulgence without leaning on sugary syrups or soda.

14. The “On the Rocks, with a Twist” Move: Pure and Intentional

Sometimes the most powerful choice is the simplest: skip the mixer entirely. Ask for a small pour of your favorite spirit—bourbon, tequila, mezcal, or scotch—served neat or over ice with a citrus twist. This move is elegant, controlled, and forces you to sip slowly. There’s no hidden sugar, and you get to actually taste what you’re drinking. It also signals intentionality: you’re not here to get wrecked, but to enjoy the moment. Pair it with water on the side, and you’ve mastered the art of slow, sophisticated sipping with zero pretense and maximum presence.

15. The Bitters & Soda Mocktail: Booze-Free, But Not Boring

Want a break from alcohol without going full “just water”? Try this bartender favorite: aromatic bitters (like Angostura or Peychaud’s) splashed into soda water with a squeeze of citrus. It’s herbal, complex, and surprisingly satisfying for something so simple. While bitters do contain trace alcohol, the amount is minimal—especially if you're only using a few dashes. This is perfect between drinks, at the end of the night, or anytime you want something flavorful and grown-up without more booze. It keeps your glass full and your palate engaged—proof that sober doesn’t have to mean dull.

Sip Smart, Stay Social

You don’t have to choose between fun and health—just between options. Navigating the bar menu like a pro isn’t about restriction; it’s about strategy. With a few thoughtful swaps and creative tweaks, your drink becomes more than just a glass—it becomes a conscious choice. Whether it’s a cleaner cocktail, a lighter pour, or a clever non-alcoholic alternative, each option on this list empowers you to enjoy the moment without paying for it the next day. Because wellness isn’t about saying no—it’s about saying yes to what works for you. So next time you raise a glass, do it with confidence, clarity, and control. The bar is no longer a minefield—it’s your playground. And now, you’ve got the tools to order like a seasoned insider, without sacrificing your vibe. Here's to smart sipping, deeper connection, and showing up fully—wherever the night takes you. Cheers to that.