10 refreshing low-calorie bevvies to try in the new year

The start of a new year is an advantageous time to take stock of your life, outline your goals for the months ahead, and explore new things.

After the year we collectively experienced in 2020, we could all do with a shake-up. But this doesn’t have to mean giving up everything you actually enjoy (where’s the fun in that?). Instead, it could be as simple as opting for lighter alternatives, like low-calorie libations.

In recent years, refreshing adult beverages and beers that happen to be low in calories have skyrocketed in popularity, in part because they don’t compromise on great taste. Many of these drinks are also available in a variety of creative flavours, which gives them even more bonus points in our eyes.

White Claw Variety Pack

White Claw/BC Liquor Stores

If you’re looking for an all-season refresher, this could be it. White Claw is made with three key ingredients: seltzer water, gluten-free spirit base, and natural fruit flavouring. It’s got just 100 calories and one gram of carbs per can, with flavours like Black Cherry, Mango, and Ruby Grapefruit that come in this 24-pack.

Nütrl Vodka Soda The Mixed Pack

Nütrl Vodka Soda The Mixed Pack/BC Liquor Stores

For those who appreciate a good vodka soda and like to have a can or two on standby in the fridge ahead of game day, meet Nütrl. This beverage has only 98 calories per can and contains no carbs, sugar, sweetener, or preservatives. Sample the Lemon, Grapefruit, and Lime flavours in the brand’s mixed 24-pack and see what you think.

Nude Vodka Soda Mixer Pack

Nude Vodka Soda Mixer Pack/BC Liquor Stores

As the name suggests, Nude Vodka Soda is literally stripped of everything most people don’t want in their drinks: sugar, sweetener, and gluten. This made-in-BC original contains 100 calories per can, and it comes in delicious flavours like Raspberry Lemon, Classic Lime, Peach, and Mango. (Yes, the aforementioned options make up this mixer pack!)

PYUR Vodka Soda Mixer Pack

PYUR Vodka Soda Mixer Pack/BC Liquor Stores

You’ll find only all-natural ingredients in PYUR Vodka Soda with zero carbs, sugar, and preservatives at just 90 calories per can. Discover which of the brand’s flavours you gravitate towards by trying the mixer pack inclusions of Passion, Raspberry, Lime, and Peach.

The Strait & Narrow Discovery Pack

The Strait & Narrow Discovery Pack/BC Liquor Stores

Another option (and one of our personal favourites) that’s perfect for ginthusiasts is by The Strait & Narrow. Handcrafted by Victoria Distillers, it’s made with a custom gin distilled with locally-sourced botanicals like lavender, rhubarb, and rosemary. It’s also on the lighter side because it’s gluten-free, it contains 110 calories, and it has four grams of sugar.

Bridge Brewing Primetime IPA

Bridge Brewing Primetime IPA/BC Liquor Stores

If you’re more of a craft brew aficionado, there are plenty of low-calorie options in that category too. This juicy IPA, for example, is brewed locally on the North Shore, boasting just 110 calories and 1.5 grams of carbs per can while retaining that 5% ABV. With notes of tropical stone fruit, grapefruit, and mango, it’s hop-forward and fruity.

Phillips Little Wonder Mixed Pack

Phillips Little Wonder Mixed Pack/BC Liquor Stores

If you’re open to trying craft beers that are light in alcohol and calories but big on flavour, consider this Little Wonder Mixed Pack from the folks at Phillips Brewing. The Victoria-based brewery has made sure it includes three cans each of its Lager, Hazy IPA, Pale Ale, and White Ale.

Michelob Ultra

Michelob Ultra/BC Liquor Stores

One thing we look for in a beer is its versatility (aka, that we can picture ourselves drinking it during a cozy night in or on a patio during spring), and Michelob Ultra checks the boxes for both. Brewed with Herkules hops for a crisp and refreshing taste with subtle notes of citrus and malt, it clocks in at 90 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs per can.

Molson Ultra

Molson Ultra/BC Liquor Stores

A little taste of home is always welcome when it comes to the beer we drink. Made using Canadian water and barley, Molson Ultra is a great example. It’s a light option that’s brewed to 70 calories and two grams of carbs per can — without any preservatives. Bold carbonation balances the malty sweetness and light hop bitterness of this clean beer.

Sleeman Clear 2.0

Sleeman Clear 2.0/BC Liquor Stores

There’s one more refreshing low-cal beer worth trying in 2021: Sleeman Clear 2.0. This 4% ABV easy-drinking brew boasts a light straw colour and leaves a softly sweet, crisp finish on the palate. Sip it while taking in aromas of citrus, sweet malt, and delicate hops, knowing it contains only 80 calories and two grams of carbs per can.

To find more low-calorie refreshment beverages and beers, head to a BC Liquor Stores location near you or bcliquorstores.com. Check out BC Liquor Stores on Instagram to get the latest product updates.

Please enjoy responsibly.