Leslie, is there any truth to the "beer belly"? Is beer worse than other drinks when it comes to calories?

No, drinking beer won't guarantee you a beer belly. In fact, compared to many summer cocktails a bottle of beer has fewer calories. A bottle of regular beer has 150 calories. The issue is alcohol calories from any type of drink. It's thought that alcohol calories are more likely to be stored around the middle than other calories.

How much and how often you drink does influence your weight?

 A large study from the U.K. found that men who consumed at least two drinks per day -- versus less -- showed the greatest weight gain, regardless of the type of alcohol consumed. And another study showed that the more drinks consumed in one occasion, the bigger the belly. In this study liquor drinkers had the highest amount of abdominal fat; beer wasn't linked with more fat around the middle.

But the occasional summer cocktail is not going to lead to a beer belly.

Okay so let's see how some drink stack up in terms of calories? What are the worst?

Okay, so keep these numbers in mind first: every 5-ounce glass of wine, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor or 12-ounce bottle of light beer has roughly 100 calories (regular beer delivers 150 calories per 12-ounce serving). The calories are coming from the alcohol itself, and in the case of beer, also from carbohydrate. Here are three of the worst cocktails when it comes to calories:

  • Frozen Margarita, 12 oz, 300 to 900 calories

Depending on the size of your drink, a frozen margarita can have as many as 900 calories! That's pretty much the same as eating three slices of key lime pie! Plenty of alcohol, sugary margarita mix and sometimes fruit juice provide the calories.

  • Long Island Iced Tea, 12 oz, 780 calories

This cocktail gets its calories from multiple types of alcohol and 11 teaspoons of sugar in the sweet and sour mix and the cola. One of these drinks will set you back three glazed donuts or 15 TimBits!

  • Pina colada, 12 oz, 650 calories

Calorie-wise, this creamy drink is the same as two slices of cheesecake!

Is you want to save calories, what are some better options?

There are definitely lighter options available. And you don't have to be condemned to a summer of white wine spritzers – they are one of the lower calories drinks, however -- about 95 calories each! Keep your cocktails simple to keep the calorie count down -- light beer (100 calories), a glass of wine (100 calories), or a mixed drink with a calorie free mixer like soda water, diet pop or diet tonic (80 to 100 calories).

If you are sitting on a patio, you can also request how your drink is made. You can ask from the amount of liquor to be cut down to 1 ounce, ask that no sugar or syrup be added, or ask for only a splash of juice to flavor the drink. Another way to dilute calories is to add extra ice to your drink. You get more volume for fewer calories.

A few other refreshing calorie summer cocktails include Cosmopolitan (150 calories), Mojito (160 calories) and Bellinis (120 calories) -- simply champagne topped with a splash of peach nectar.

Skinny Mojito (Serves 8. Per serving 95 calories)

Ingredients:

  • 2 large limes, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups water
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup light rum
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • Ice cubes
  • Quartered limes and mint leaves for garnish

Directions:

In a blender combine lime pieces, two cups water, and 2/3 cup sugar. Cover and blend about 30 seconds or just until limes are chopped. Strain through a sieve into a large pitcher. Add remaining two cups of water. Chill for one to two hours then stir in rum. Divide mint among 8 glasses. Fill each glass with ice cubes and pit chilled lime mix over ice and mint leaves. If desired, add extra mint and lime pieces.

Skinny Sangria (Serves 12. Per serving 100 calories)

Ingredients:

  • 750 ml bottle dry red wine
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 medium oranges, sliced
  • 1 cups chilled club soda
  • Ice cubes

Directions:

In a large pitcher combine all ingredients except club soda and ice cubes, Chill at least 2 hours for the flavours to blend. Add club soda just before serving. Pour over ice cubes.

Any other tips to help keep the alcohol calories to a minimum?

Slow your pace. Limit yourself to no more than one drink per hour. It takes an hour for your body to metabolize one alcoholic drink. Drinking more often will result in a higher blood alcohol concentration, not to mention a weaker resolve to eat moderately. To slow your pace, drink two glasses of water between alcoholic drinks. This will also help to keep you hydrated.

When it comes to health, how much alcohol is considered okay?

A number of studies have shown that one to two drinks per day is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. That said, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada does not recommend that you drink alcohol for the purpose of reducing your risk for heart attack and stroke. That's because the harmful effects of alcohol outweigh any benefits. In fact, a moderate intake of alcohol is linked with a higher risk of certain cancers. If you do drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink per day for women and two for men.

One standard drink is considered five ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of spirits and 12 ounces of beer.