Data ranking
Low ABV Whiskey Cocktails, Ranked by Data
The lowest-ABV Whiskey cocktails in this data are Canal Street Daisy (5.6% ABV), Jack's Vanilla Coke (6.8% ABV), Bloody Scotsman (7.6% ABV).
We reviewed 153 nutrition-complete recipes and found 25 that fit this guide. Median: 21.7g sugar.
153Recipes reviewed
25Matching this guide
21.7gMedian sugar
299 kcalMedian calories
13.6%Median ABV
Ranked recipes
| # | Drink | Why it ranks | ABV | Nutrition | Alcohol | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canal Street Daisy | 5.6% ABV | 5.6% | 116 kcal · 5.7g sugar · 11.8g carbs | 0.75 std | Cocktail |
| 2 | Jack's Vanilla Coke | 6.8% ABV | 6.8% | 299 kcal · 35.1g sugar · 35.1g carbs | 1.50 std | Cocktail |
| 3 | Bloody Scotsman | 7.6% ABV | 7.6% | 380 kcal · 54.4g sugar · 57.2g carbs | 1.50 std | Cocktail |
| 4 | Whiskey Flip | 9.0% ABV | 9.0% | 293 kcal · 18.7g sugar · 19.0g carbs | 0.75 std | Cocktail |
| 5 | Cotton Club Flip | 9.1% ABV | 9.1% | 375 kcal · 43.6g sugar · 54.5g carbs | 1.33 std | Cocktail |
| 6 | The Bone | 10.0% ABV | 10.0% | 351 kcal · 44.8g sugar · 49.2g carbs | 1.50 std | Cocktail |
| 7 | Bourbon Cooler | 11.3% ABV | 11.3% | 361 kcal · 44.1g sugar · 50.9g carbs | 1.50 std | Cocktail |
| 8 | Buddy's Favorite | 11.3% ABV | 11.3% | 148 kcal · 0.0g sugar · 0.0g carbs | 1.50 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 9 | Dinah Cocktail | 11.3% ABV | 11.3% | 351 kcal · 45.8g sugar · 51.0g carbs | 1.50 std | Cocktail |
| 10 | Bourbon Cobbler | 12.9% ABV | 12.9% | 325 kcal · 4.9g sugar · 7.5g carbs | 1.50 std | Cocktail |
| 11 | Goldrush | 12.9% ABV | 12.9% | 211 kcal · 11.8g sugar · 17.0g carbs | 1.50 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 12 | Incider Cocktail | 12.9% ABV | 12.9% | 210 kcal · 5.3g sugar · 8.0g carbs | 1.50 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 13 | Japanese Fizz | 13.6% ABV | 13.6% | 165 kcal · 4.8g sugar · 6.4g carbs | 1.30 std | Cocktail |
| 14 | Soul Kiss Cocktail | 13.8% ABV | 13.8% | 191 kcal · 10.6g sugar · 14.6g carbs | 1.26 std | Cocktail |
| 15 | Elk's Own Cocktail | 14.3% ABV | 14.3% | 442 kcal · 31.6g sugar · 41.5g carbs | 2.87 std | Cocktail |
| 16 | Rebel Charge | 14.3% ABV | 14.3% | 302 kcal · 18.4g sugar · 23.3g carbs | 1.67 std | Cocktail |
| 17 | John Collins | 14.6% ABV | 14.6% | 173 kcal · 5.0g sugar · 6.3g carbs | 1.50 std | Cocktail |
| 18 | Highland Cooler | 14.9% ABV | 14.9% | 361 kcal · 51.9g sugar · 51.9g carbs | 1.50 std | Cocktail |
| 19 | Bourbon and Water | 15.0% ABV | 15.0% | 148 kcal · 0.0g sugar · 0.0g carbs | 1.50 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 20 | Cablegram | 15.0% ABV | 15.0% | 369 kcal · 52.5g sugar · 53.8g carbs | 1.50 std | Cocktail |
| 21 | Irish Rickey | 15.0% ABV | 15.0% | 163 kcal · 1.0g sugar · 5.0g carbs | 1.50 std | Cocktail |
| 22 | Whiskey Toddy (cold) | 15.0% ABV | 15.0% | 276 kcal · 33.1g sugar · 33.1g carbs | 1.50 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 23 | Derby Fizz | 15.3% ABV | 15.3% | 385 kcal · 25.6g sugar · 29.9g carbs | 1.96 std | Cocktail |
| 24 | Jitterbug Sour | 15.4% ABV | 15.4% | 443 kcal · 35.7g sugar · 46.8g carbs | 2.83 std | Cocktail |
| 25 | Applejack | 15.8% ABV | 15.8% | 192 kcal · 21.7g sugar · 24.4g carbs | 0.92 std | Quick, easy serve |
All nutrition values are estimates based on standard recipe quantities. — = data not available.
Best picks by use case
Things to watch
- Recipe variations differ by bartender and bar — actual values may vary
- Double pours are not accounted for in standard recipe estimates
- ABV and standard drinks matter even when sugar and calories are low
- Some drinks are inherently higher in one metric even when lower in another
Methodology
Is this guide right for you?
Good fit if:
- You want a data-backed shortlist of drink options
- You want ranked results rather than a generic list
- You want to compare options across a specific axis
Poor fit if:
- You need medical or dietary advice
- You need exact bar-specific values — these are data estimates
- You need a complete guide to this drink category
Frequently asked questions
- How is the ABV ranking calculated?
- This page ranks directly on estimated alcohol by volume (ABV) from WhatDrink recipe quantities and ingredient strength data. Lower estimated ABV ranks ahead; sugar, calories, and carbs are shown as separate context rather than being blended into the ABV rank.
- Are these nutrition values accurate?
- These are estimates based on standard recipe quantities and ingredient nutrition data in the WhatDrink database. Actual values vary by brand, bartender pour, glass size, and preparation method. Use this as a relative comparison guide, not a precise dietary calculator.
- Does lower ABV always mean a healthier drink?
- Not necessarily. A single lower metric does not make a cocktail healthier overall. Alcohol, calories, sugar, carbs, serving size, and individual context are different dimensions. Use this ranking for relative comparison on alcohol by volume (ABV), then check the other displayed metrics separately.
- How should I use this page to choose a drink?
- The table lets you compare whiskey cocktails side by side on ABV. Click through to any individual cocktail page for the full ingredient list and nutrition breakdown. The "Top picks" panel adds cross-metric context without changing the page's primary ranking method.
- How many whiskey cocktails are on this page?
- This ranking includes 25 whiskey cocktails that pass WhatDrink's recipe quality and data completeness filters. The list updates as new recipes are added to the database.
- Why focus on whiskey specifically?
- Whiskey is the base spirit, which sets the alcohol foundation. The mixers and modifiers around it determine most of the sugar and calorie variation, making whiskey cocktails a useful controlled comparison.