Which Festive Drinks are Shockingly High in Sugar?

Almost two-thirds of UK drinkers report consuming more alcohol during Christmas compared to the rest of the year, with 57% likely to binge drink on Christmas Day alone.

The trend highlights how easily adults can unknowingly consume thousands of additional calories while enjoying wine, spirits, and beer throughout December.

With festive celebrations now in full swing, new analysis by ZAVA uncovers the UK’s unhealthiest alcoholic drinks, including several favourites containing more sugar than a can of Coke.

ZAVA’s research shows that lager and Guinness remain high in calories despite containing very little sugar, with alcohol itself contributing to hidden energy that many overlook.

Cocktails like Piña Colada, Long Island Iced Tea and Pimm’s, however, are loaded with sugar and can exceed daily recommended limits in a single serving.

Lighter options, such as Hugo Spritz, Aperol Spritz, or a glass of red wine, offer lower-calorie alternatives for festive gatherings without compromising flavour.

Piña Colada tops the list of the unhealthiest alcoholic drinks, containing 58g of sugar and 320 calories per serving, creating a significant calorie load during a month of increased drinking.

The Margarita follows with 248 calories and 13g of sugar, appealing to partygoers who may not realise its nutritional impact.

The Espresso Martini sits close behind at 225 calories and 20g of sugar, with its creamy base adding even more empty calories during Christmas celebrations.

Lager ranks fourth with under 2g of sugar but 220 calories, while Guinness contains just 0.6g of sugar yet still reaches 210 calories per serve.

Long Island Iced Tea, Pimm’s, Hugo Spritz, Aperol Spritz and red wine complete the top ten list, with calorie counts ranging from 207 to 123.

Social pressures also play a part in rising alcohol intake, particularly during December’s crowded party calendar.

Almost one in five UK employees feels extra pressure to drink at work events, while 16% experience similar pressure from friends and 10% from family.

These occasions often feature some of the most calorific cocktails, contributing to increased sugar and calorie consumption throughout the season.

Doctors at ZAVA warn that alcohol adds empty calories that offer no nutritional benefits and are easily stored as fat, increasing the risk of weight gain over time.

They explain that regular high intake raises the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, particularly when drinking becomes habitual.

Alcohol also affects blood sugar levels because the liver stops releasing glucose during the metabolic process, which can lead to dizziness, irritability and tiredness, especially when drinking on an empty stomach.

Non-alcoholic drinks can also hide surprisingly high sugar and calories.

ZAVA’s analysis shows that energy drinks, fruit juices and some flavoured waters significantly contribute to sugar intake throughout the festive season.

Energy drinks top the non alcoholic list with 78g of sugar and 335 calories per serving, which is more than several high-calorie cocktails consumed at Christmas parties.

Fruit juices also feature heavily, with a glass of orange juice containing 51g of sugar and grape juice containing 42g.

Even seemingly healthy options like lemon water can contain unexpected amounts, with 21.3g of sugar contributing to a higher-than-expected calorie count.

The findings reveal that both alcoholic and non alcoholic favourites can contribute to significant festive calorie intake, urging people to remain mindful as celebrations continue across the UK.