The messages about healthy diet and exercise are finally beginning to sink in with me, so I’ve been doing a little research to see just what effect everyone’s favorite fermented beverage has on the caloric load and carbohydrate intake. The news is somewhat encouraging. As always, however, please talk with your physician about what is best for you.
- A twelve-ounce serving of “regular” beer has approximately 140 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates.
- A twelve-ounce serving of “light” beer has approximately 100 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates.
- A five-ounce serving of dry wine has approximately 104 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates.
- A five-ounce serving of dessert wine has approximately 235 calories and 19 grams of carbohydrates.
- A 1.5 ounce serving of hard liquor/spirits has approximately 98 calories and zero grams of carbohydrates.
- A 1.5 ounce serving of liqueurs/cordials has approximately 175 calories and 19 grams of carbohydrates.
I think the data speaks for itself: stay away from beer and drink wine in moderation (two five-ounce servings for men, one five-ounce serving for women). Or have a wee dram of single malt Scotch. 
Avoid the liqueurs, cordials, and (whimper) dessert wines.