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The sober curious movement has upended the alcoholic beverage market with Gen-Z leading the pack.

According to Gallup, young adults in the U.S. are making a marked shift to non-alcoholic beers and spirits. The survey found a 10% decline in alcohol consumption among 18 to 34-year-olds.

Initially dubbed a trend, the movement is fast becoming a lifestyle choice as consumers demand “low/no” alcohol choices, says The Conversation. Interestingly, alcohol brands are cottoning onto the wellness-focused mindset and diversifying their offerings.

Maybe you’ve thought about joining the movement or limiting your alcohol intake. How about considering low-calorie alcohol as a healthy alternative to traditional booze? 

Vodka Soda

A vodka soda is reportedly the lowest-calorie cocktail you can order. Registered dietitian Vanessa Rissetto tells Prevention that with just 96 calories, a liquor-based drink may help you consume less overall.

The reasoning? People tend to sip on a stronger cocktail slower than a glass of wine. Because alcohol dehydrates the body, mixing your drink with sparkling water keeps your hydration levels up.

Try a gluten-free vodka, which typically has 27.5% ABV—about two-thirds of the 40% ABV in conventional vodka. If you’re going for a pre-mixed vodka soda, purchase a product with no added sugar and made with real fruit juice.

Hot Toddy

Many people are inclined to avoid scotch due to its high-calorie count. However, according to the Scotch Whisky Association, a standard measure (25ml) contains 55 calories, no fat, and no carbohydrates.

Scotch connoisseurs often get riled up when individuals place scotch and whisky in the same category. As a guide to scotch, it’s important to know there’s a distinct difference.

Scotch whisky is primarily made from water and malted barley. Stored in oak casks, scotch gets its unique flavor profile from the aging process. 

Scotch drinkers can choose from single-malt scotch whisky, blended scotch whisky, single-grain scotch whisky, and blended-malt scotch whisky.

Lastly, The Liquor Bros explains that for scotch to be defined as authentic and legal, it must be produced in Scotland.

With less than 150 calories, a hot toddy could be the perfect winter cocktail to enjoy your scotch. A simple, wholesome drink made with scotch or bourbon whiskey, hot water, honey, lemon, and cinnamon.

Light Beer

As with every year, the U.S. surgeon general kicked off Dry January warning about the link between alcohol and increased cancer risks. The announcement prompted many to reach for the light beer. 

Certified nutrition specialist Madelyn Fernstrom tells TODAY.com that light beer, specifically beer with lower alcohol per volume, is the healthy choice.

Guinness, for instance, has almost the same alcohol content as light beer and is fermented, supporting gut health. Pilsners and lagers are also lower in alcohol with a less dense calorie count (100). 

In January, Coors Light released its Coors Light Face Roller to coincide with the Super Bowl. The brand’s sassy marketing strategy paid off as it released the chilled can as a facial massage tool for a limited run.

“Why not chill your face while you chill your Case of the Mondays?” said Marcelo Pascoa, vice president of marketing, via a statement.

Champagne

Everyday Health recommends switching out red wine for a glass of champagne. 

A single glass of bubbly has about 85 calories. It may not sound like a lot, but the trick is that champagne makes you feel full because of the carbonation. You might turn down that second drink.

Another option is adding a dash of orange juice, la mimosa style. Or, add club soda to your white wine to create a “spritzer.” Fernstrom says the bubbles are half the calories.

When shopping for a low-calorie champagne, look for a brut or extra-brut. The dry varietal has less sugar. Serve with a squeeze of orange juice to offset the acidic taste.

Mindful Drinking

Now more than ever, Gen-Z is making a conscious decision about their relationship with alcohol. It marks a broader shift towards intentional decision-making. 

The sober life might not be to your liking. Fortunately, brands are heeding the call for low-alcohol alternatives. And as you’ve seen above, getting rid of alcohol altogether need not be the answer.

Enjoying alcohol in moderation and with fewer calories ensures you can still be a social butterfly but without the harmful effects that come with the overconsumption of alcohol.

Whether you’re drinking a vodka soda or a hot toddy, always drink responsibly and drink for enjoyment and not the boozy effects.