Low Calorie Pumpkin Beers

'Tis the season for all things pumpkin -- especially drinks. I love pumpkin flavored beers, and when they add the sugar and cinnamon to the rim, who can resist these tasty treats of fall?

Here are the lowest calorie pumpkin beers that I have found -- and for research purposes, yes, I have tasted them all! I had to log in an extra couple of hours on the Stairmaster to eradicate the indiscretions, for you, my readers, it was worth it!

Just make sure you toast me when you drink one of these sweet ales. Oh, and don't forget to swap out splenda for sugar. Hey. make a difference where you can!

Old Post Road Pumpkin Ale
This beer has less than 150 calories (not bad considering 8 of the 10 we tried had more than 200 calories each) and is smooth and buttery -- definitely one of the sweetest-tasting pumpkin beers. And it's fairly popular -- you'll be able to find it in convenience stores as well as basic package stores. This one got a B+ on taste.

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale
Maybe I'm partial because I've been to this brewery, with generous offerings of beer served to us by a happy and informative tourguide. Whatever the reason, I truly like this beer and look forward to its release each year. With just 150 calories and a light-beer kind of taste, I think this beer appeals to everyone. One caveat: there's no real pumpkin in here; just artificial flavorings. And for that reason, Liquor Chick must give it a B-

Jack's Pumpkin Spice Ale
At 166 calories and lots of nutmeg, spices, and yes, pumpkin flavor, this is Anheuser Busch's fall time contender. It's good, albeit a little heavier than Old Post and Shipyard. But that makes it different in its own right. There are so many more pumpkin beers than there used to me, that it's nice that one doesn't take like all the rest. All around, this beer gets an A-

Other Honorable Mentions

Southern Tier Imperial Pumpking - Higher in calories than the others, but also higher in alcohol (9%) so you won't need to drink as much to feel... harvesty. This one's been in our basement bar for the past month, so I know it quite well. Try it if you see it because you won't find it everywhere.

Saranac Pumpkin Ale - Tasty, light and very drinkable. But the calories (230!) eliminated it from Liquor Chick Hall of Fame. Good in small doses, while you climb the elliptical machine, for instance.

Boston Beerworks Pumpkinfest Ale - I couldn't find the calorie count on this one, and quite frankly I don't want to know. I love this beer, and since I can only get it when I go to the Brewpub, I don't have it often enough for it to make a difference. It's good to enjoy once in while, and the freshness, sugared rim (no, I didn't ask for splenda either) and smooth finish make this one my favorite. Thank goodness they don't serve it all year long.

Bartender's Secrets to Lighten Up the Calories

After years of working as a bartender -- and even more years of pouring for myself --I have learned how to make not only delicious and fun drinks, but low-calorie alternatives to these drinks as well. Sometimes we decide to follow a recipe to the letter, but more often than not, I ammend it just a touch in order to keep the calories down -- and the numbers on my scale. I drink often enough -- I don't need my jeans size to betray that fact!

I have found that the lighter versions are sometimes even tastier, and the feeling of doing something better for our health -- well, that's nice too. Here are a few of my old standby recommendations on how to drink smarter:

1. Substitute seltzer water and a splash of a light juice for full-calorie juice ingredients. Two of my favorites are Ocean Spray Light Cranberry Pomegranate and V-8 Diet Splash. These two juices are so flavorful, that if you simply mix them with vodka and soda, you will have tasty, juice-inspired cocktail. An added bonus – the cranberry helps your body flush the alcohol through your system faster. If you want to go for the lowest of all sparkling mixers, switch out fizzy water for 2-calorie Fresca.

2. Sometimes you need more than "just a splash" to make the recipe the right way. So in these cases, always use fresh squeezed fruits rather than juices when they are specifically called for. If you squeeze your own at least you'll be reducing the amount of sugar and additives that things like Sweetened Lime Juice and premade orange juice have. It takes a little longer, but the nutrients in whole fruit juices are worth the extra aggravation.

3. Stick to clear colored spirits over darker ones. Vodka and Gin have fewer calories than Dark Rum and Whiskeys. Light Rum is better than dark, but both are still more sugar-laden than vodka and gin.

4. Better yet, eliminate mixers altogether and drink infused vodka instead. Vodka that has been infused with flavors (a fall favorite of mine is Apple Cinnamon Infused Vodka!) is not only better tasting, but you can actually sip it on the rocks since the burn of the alcohol is mellowed out by the smooth flavor of whatever’s been tossed in there. It is so easy – and not at all limiting – to make your own Infused Vodka. Jalapeño and Garlic; or Orange Vanilla; even herb-infused vodkas. Drink less, get buzzed, and at virtually no calories (60 calories per ounce of vodka)?!?! Count me in.

5. Dry white wine and dry champagne are good to consume, both by themselves, or mixed in with something. Not that I am fan of diluted wine, but there is something to be said for the lasting power of a White Wine Spritzer – grandmas and twenty-somethings alike are always drinking these. And look at the celebrities we see downing champagne at swanky clubs. It’s more than a status statement – those skinny girls know what’s what.

Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut Champagne is one of the lowest-calorie champagnes on the market, clocking in at only 60 calories per glass. No surprise – models like Kate Moss know what they are doing. Cheaper sparkling wine alternatives (Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut runs around $60 a bottle) that are also dry and belly-friendly include Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs ($15 a bottle) and Westport Rivers Blanc de Noirs ($23 a bottle). With these prices and benefits, there will always be a reason to celebrate with some bubbly!

These few suggestions will keep your drinks flowing – without overflowing your love handles. I am willing to bet that you won't miss the extra sugar -- and around Halloween time, you know you are going to steal, I mean, eat some of your kids' candy. Save the calories for that -- and you'll feel entitled to that yummy drink.