And to point you in the right direction, we polled a few dietitians for their take on the healthiest alcohol to drink. Mixers, syrups, sodas, and other additions, however, quickly pile on the sugar and calories, so be mindful of what’s in that cocktail. The fermentation process for mezcal uses the agave heart and includes prebiotic fibers that may have some health benefits1 like supporting the microbiome, though research in humans is still needed. Single-ingredient mezcals may also be metabolized faster, meaning fewer hangover symptoms. Some evidence2 also finds that tequila may not be as severe a depressant as other types of alcohol. However, research on the benefits of the antioxidants in red wine are mixed, and it’s unclear how much red wine one4 would need to drink5 to see any health impact of these antioxidants. (It may be past the point when the cons start to outweigh the pros.) This is also a good pick for automatic portion control. A typical serving size of Champagne is 4 ounces. Plus, the bubbles mean people tend to sip more slowly and feel fuller faster, so you’re less likely to go back for another flute. “A benefit seen to drinking kombucha is its capability to aid in digestion and boost your immunity by introducing healthy bacteria to the gut microbiome, similar to other fermented foods such as yogurt or kimchi,” says Frimpong. Keep in mind that ABV, calories, and sugar will vary by brand, so you may want to check the label first. One drawback: Craft beers tend to have higher ABV. Generally, that means more calories too. For example, emerging research has found consuming any amount of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of cancers8 (including those of the liver, colon and rectum, breast, and mouth) and cardiovascular disease9. As a nightcap, alcohol is often used to unwind before bed. But while it can help us nod off faster, it ultimately creates major sleep disruptions that are doing us no favors. And it only gets worse from there. Alcohol consumption also affects hormone function10—which affects all sorts of bodily functions11—as well as mood. “And because alcohol lowers inhibitions, drinking can make it harder to make clearheaded decisions around healthy food choices,” adds Cording.
