Low Point Weight Watchers Alcohol Drinks | WW Cheat Sheet

Are you someone who can’t say no to happy hour? How about a Bloody Mary? Piña Colada? Enjoying a drink (or a shot) now and then is possible even while sticking to your Weight Watchers diet. However, smart planning and choosing the right drinks is a must. 

With that said, here are several tips to help you choose the perfect alcoholic drinks with little Weight Watchers Points value so you can still drink responsibly without sabotaging your weight loss journey or gaining unwanted beer bellies 😉

Low-Point Alcoholic Drinks

Here are some of the good choices for drinks with alcohol content you can take note of that have little WW points! But always remember that moderate drinking is still advisable especially if you are on a healthy eating diet or following a WW program. 

1. Light Beer:
   • Points: 3-4 points per 12-ounce serving
   • Brands to try: Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Miller Lite
2. Wine:
   • Red Wine: Approximately 4 points for a 5-ounce glass (e.g., Merlot, Pinot Noir)
   • White Wine: Approximately 4 points for a 5-ounce glass (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay)
   • Sparkling Wine: Approximately 4 points for a 5-ounce glass (e.g., Champagne, Prosecco)
3. Spirits (1.5-ounce shot):
   • Vodka: 3 points
   • Gin: 3 points
   • Rum: 3 points
   • Tequila: 3 points
   • Whiskey: 3 points

Low-Point Mixers:

• Soda Water: 0 points
• Diet Soda: 0 points
• Club Soda: 0 points
• Tonic Water: 0 points (for diet versions; regular tonic water has points)
• Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice: 0 points
• Infused Water: 0 points (e.g., water infused with cucumber, mint, or berries)

Low-Point Cocktails:

1. Vodka Soda:
   • Ingredients: 1.5 ounces vodka (3 points), soda water (0 points), lime wedge (0 points)
   • Total Points: 3 points
2. Gin and Tonic (Diet):
   • Ingredients: 1.5 ounces gin (3 points), diet tonic water (0 points), lemon or lime wedge (0 points)
   • Total Points: 3 points
3. Rum and Diet Coke:
   • Ingredients: 1.5 ounces rum (3 points), diet cola (0 points)
   • Total Points: 3 points
4. Mimosa:
   • Ingredients: 2.5 ounces champagne (2 points), 2.5 ounces fresh orange juice (2 points)
   • Total Points: 4 points
5. Skinny Margarita:
   • Ingredients: 1.5 ounces tequila (3 points), fresh lime juice (0 points), soda water (0 points), a splash of orange extract (0 points)
   • Total Points: 3 points
6. Wine Spritzer:
   • Ingredients: 3 ounces white or red wine (2-3 points), soda water (0 points)
   • Total Points: 2-3 points

Weight Watchers Tips on How to Drink Alcoholic Beverages

Now that you have a list of the standard drinks you can consume and a general knowledge of their WW pointsplus values, then it is a good idea now to give you some tips on how to make your night out drinking session more Weight Watchers friendly! 

1. Choose Low-Point Alcoholic Beverages

The key to enjoying alcohol on Weight Watchers is to select beverages that are lower in points. Here are some options to consider:

• Light Beer: Typically, light beers (e.g. Ginger beer, etc) range from 3-4 points per 12-ounce serving.
• Wine: A 5-ounce glass of wine is around 4-5 points. Opt for dry wines, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Noir, which tend to be lower in sugar and points.
• Spirits: Clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila have about 3 points per 1.5-ounce shot. Mix them with zero-point mixers like soda water or diet tonic.

2. Be Mindful of Mixers

Great mixers can add that needed flavor to your drinks. But, mixers can also add a significant amount of points to your drink without you realizing it. I advise steering clear of high-sugar mixers like regular soda, fruit juices, and pre-made cocktail mixes. Instead, you can pick your best choice here:

• Soda Water: Zero points and adds a refreshing fizz to your drink.
• Diet Sodas: Virtually zero points and available in many flavors.
• Infused Water: Flavor your water with slices of fruit, herbs, or cucumbers for a tasty, zero-point mixer.

3. Watch Your Portions

Portion control is important when it comes to alcohol and it is important to drink moderately in the long run. It’s easy to pour more than a standard serving, especially with a bottle of wine. You can use a measuring cup to make sure that you are sticking to the correct portion amount:

• Wine: 5 ounces
• Beer: 12 ounces
• Spirits: 1.5 ounces

4. Stay Hydrated

Alcohol can dehydrate you which can sometimes be mistaken for hunger – meaning, you will be tempted to eat more. Make sure to drink a glass of water between taking alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated and slow down your alcohol consumption. This also helps you feel fuller and reduces the likelihood of overeating.

5. Eat Before You Drink

Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to quicker intoxication and poor food choices. Have a meal or a healthy snack before you start drinking. Choose something with protein and fiber, such as a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread or a salad with chickpeas, to help keep you satisfied.

6. Go for Lighter Drinks

When at a bar or restaurant, ask for “skinny” or lighter versions of cocktails or drinks that you are planning to get. Many places offer lighter options that use less sugar and fewer point ingredients. You can also request less syrup or sugar in your drinks.

7. Avoid High-Point Alcohols

Certain alcoholic beverages are particularly high in points, such as creamy liqueurs, sugary cocktails, and specialty beers. Save these for special occasions or avoid them altogether to stay within your points budget.

8. Experiment with Mocktails

I personally love mocktails. If you enjoy the social aspect of drinking but want to avoid the points, try mocktails. They can be just as enjoyable and festive without the alcohol and extra points. Use sparkling water, fresh herbs, and fruit to create delicious, zero-point drinks.

9. Look for low carb drinks

Did you know that there are alcoholic drinks that have “low carbohydrate” on the label? You can also check the ingredient list or nutritional value for more details of the drink.

But most distilled spirits contain zero carbs, making them a great option for a low-carb diet. Some popular choices include:

• Vodka
• Gin
• Tequila
• Whiskey
• Rum
• Brandy

10. Mind the Snacks

I know that finger food or appetizers are a must when it comes to every drinking session. Most love to pair their drinks with peanuts, cheddar fish, or any other salty snack food that can add up to triple the calories and WW Points values of the drink you have. With that in mind, it is important to choose the right snacks on hand that fit your diet. 

Sharing is caring!