With the holidays over, many of us are trying to shed those extra pounds gained from devouring holiday cookies and downing a little too much eggnog. But that doesn't mean you have to stop going out on the town.

Bar Nun bar manager Chip Ford says customers at his restaurant and bar often inquire about lower calorie drinks.

“You'd be surprised,’’ he says. “A lot of people ask what drinks have the lowest calories.’’

And what drinks does he suggest?

“After asking what kind of drinker they are, I would push one of the low-carbohydrate beers or a vodka soda,’’ he says.

Ford says that there's fewer than 100 calories in a vodka soda and no carbohydrates. He also pushes beers such as Michelob Ultra, which has 95 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs per serving, and Rolling Rock Green Light — a new low-carb beer that was introduced in October. There's a mere 91 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs per serving in Rolling Rock Green Light, which has already become a favorite in the Valley bar scene.

“It's smooth,’’ says Bar Nun patron Suzanne Carpenter, 30, of Ahwatukee Foothills. “I like the taste. I watch my carbs so this is a good drink for me to stick with. You'll see a lot of women drinking this or Michelob Ultra at the bars.’’

The two beers are healthier than a bar favorite such as Bud Light, which has 110 calories and 6.6 grams of carbs per serving.

If you're yearning for something more flavorful than a beer, Ford suggests a classic martini (about 130 calories), Cosmo (168 calories) or Screwdriver (180 calories). If you're craving a shot, he suggests a Kamikaze (“the healthiest shot by far’’).

The bartender says to stay away from drinks such as Guinness, White Russians, Chocolate Martinis or an Irish Car Bomb, which combines a few shots. “Drinks like that are really high in calories,’’ he says.
He also recommends that customers let their bartender know they're counting calories.

“A lot of people don't know what goes into a drink,’’ he says. “You can make the same drink several ways. Let your bartender know so he can make it as healthy as possible.”

What's in your drink?

Ever wonder how many calories are in your drink? Here's what's in some libations:
Drink Calories Carbs
Piña Colada (5 oz.) 260 12g
Smirnoff Ice (12 oz.) 228 32g
Screwdriver (5 oz.) 180 20g
Margarita (5 oz.) 165 24g
Bloody Mary (5 oz.)120 5g
Miller Light (12 oz.) 96 3g