Debunking the Myth: Which Vodka is Zero Calories?

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional science, all distilled alcoholic spirits contain calories, making it a myth that any traditional vodka is zero calories. Pure alcohol, or ethanol, has approximately 7 calories per gram, which is the primary source of calories in standard vodka. While this means no alcoholic vodka can truly be zero-calorie, there are specific non-alcoholic options and mixing techniques that can significantly reduce your caloric intake.

Quick Summary

All traditional vodka contains calories from the alcohol content itself. This article explains why alcoholic spirits have calories, compares the nutritional content of different vodka types, and highlights truly zero-calorie non-alcoholic options and low-calorie mixing strategies.

Key Points

No Alcoholic Vodka Is Zero Calories: The calories in alcoholic vodka come directly from its ethanol content, at about 7 calories per gram.
ABV Determines Calorie Count: The higher the proof (or ABV) of a vodka, the higher its calorie count will be per serving.
Flavored Vodka Varies: Many flavor-infused vodkas have similar calories to plain vodka, but sweetened liqueurs have added sugar and more calories.
Truly Zero-Calorie Options Exist: Non-alcoholic 'vodka' spirits, such as Dhos, offer a zero-sugar, zero-calorie alternative for mocktails.
Low-Calorie Mixers are Key: To minimize calories, mix vodka with soda water, diet tonic, or other zero-calorie mixers.
Check Product Labels: For flavored vodkas and pre-mixed drinks, check the nutritional information on the bottle or manufacturer's website to avoid hidden sugars.

Understanding the Truth: Why Alcoholic Vodka Has Calories

The most important fact to understand is that pure alcohol, or ethanol, is a caloric substance. At roughly 7 calories per gram, it is almost as calorically dense as pure fat (9 calories per gram). Vodka is primarily a mixture of water and ethanol. Therefore, any product labeled as vodka that contains alcohol will, by its very nature, contain calories derived from that alcohol content.

The number of calories in a standard serving of vodka is directly related to its alcohol by volume (ABV), or 'proof.' Higher proof vodka contains more alcohol per serving, which in turn means more calories. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) vodka contains approximately 96-97 calories. This debunks any notion of a truly zero-calorie alcoholic vodka.

The Difference Between Plain and Flavored Vodka

Many consumers wonder if flavored vodkas are higher in calories than their unflavored counterparts. The answer depends on how the flavor is added. In many cases, flavor is infused using concentrated 'essences' or natural extracts during or after distillation, which adds minimal to no calories or sugar. This means a shot of an infused flavored vodka, such as Absolut Citron, can have a similar calorie count to regular vodka.

However, it is crucial to distinguish between flavor-infused vodka and sweetened vodka liqueurs. Products that are vodka-based but have added sugars and syrups for flavor will have a higher calorie count. Always read the label carefully to understand the true nutritional content of a flavored spirit.

Non-Alcoholic Options: The True Zero-Calorie Solution

For those who truly need a zero-calorie, vodka-like experience, the market for non-alcoholic alternatives has expanded significantly. Brands like Dhos offer a non-alcoholic vodka spirit that is expertly crafted to mimic the taste of vodka but contains zero sugar and zero calories. These products provide the flavor profile for creating sophisticated cocktails and mocktails without the caloric impact of alcohol.

Comparison Table: Calorie Content of Different Beverages

To put vodka's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison with other common alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, based on typical serving sizes.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Source of Calories
Vodka (80 Proof)	1.5 oz shot	96-97 calories	Alcohol (Ethanol)
Vodka (100 Proof)	1.5 oz shot	124 calories	Alcohol (Ethanol)
White Wine	5 oz glass	121 calories	Alcohol & Sugars
Regular Beer	12 oz can	153 calories	Alcohol & Carbohydrates
Light Beer	12 oz can	110 calories	Alcohol & Carbohydrates
Sweet Liqueur	1.5 oz shot	165+ calories	Alcohol & Added Sugars
Non-Alcoholic 'Vodka'	1.5 oz shot	0 calories	None

How to Enjoy a Low-Calorie Vodka Drink

Since zero-calorie alcoholic vodka doesn't exist, the next best thing is to minimize the calories added by mixers. A vodka's natural zero-carbohydrate and zero-sugar profile makes it an ideal base for creating diet-friendly cocktails. By combining vodka with zero-calorie mixers, you can control your total caloric intake while still enjoying a delicious drink. Here are some popular, low-calorie vodka cocktail options:

Vodka Soda: Mix vodka with soda water and a squeeze of lime or lemon. The soda water adds no calories, and the fresh citrus provides natural flavor.
Vodka Tonic (Light): Use diet tonic water instead of regular tonic, which is loaded with sugar. A 1.5 oz pour of vodka with diet tonic water will be significantly lower in calories.
Skinny Mule: For a lighter take on a Moscow Mule, use diet ginger beer or a sugar-free ginger ale, fresh lime juice, and vodka.
Martini: A classic Martini made with vodka and dry vermouth contains fewer calories than many elaborate cocktails, especially if consumed dry.

Reading the Fine Print

For those watching their calorie intake, it is vital to be a label sleuth. Unlike beer and wine, spirits are not typically required to list nutritional information, though some brands are beginning to do so voluntarily. If the label isn't clear, check the manufacturer's website. They often provide nutritional data for their products. This is especially important for pre-mixed, canned cocktails which are often high in sugar and calories.

Conclusion: Navigating Caloric Content in Spirits

When you ask "which vodka is zero calories?", the straightforward answer is none, as long as it contains alcohol. The calories in vodka come directly from the alcohol itself. However, consumers can make informed choices to enjoy vodka in a way that minimizes caloric impact. This includes opting for genuinely zero-calorie non-alcoholic spirits, using low-calorie mixers, and being mindful of cocktail components. By understanding the fundamentals of alcohol's caloric content, you can better manage your intake and enjoy your beverages responsibly, whether it's a simple vodka soda or a crafted low-calorie cocktail. For more information, resources like Healthline provide further details on vodka's nutritional facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all alcohol (ethanol) contains calories, providing approximately 7 calories per gram. Since vodka is primarily water and ethanol, all alcoholic vodka has calories.

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96-97 calories. This number will increase with higher-proof vodkas.

Not necessarily. Many infused flavored vodkas have a similar calorie count to plain vodka. However, vodka liqueurs with added sugar will be higher in calories. It's important to read the label.

The best way is to use zero-calorie mixers. Popular options include soda water, diet tonic, diet soda, or a squeeze of fresh citrus juice.

Yes, but it will be non-alcoholic. Brands like Dhos Non-Alcoholic Vodka are specifically made to be a zero-calorie, zero-sugar alternative to traditional vodka.

Some vodkas marketed as 'light' may have a slightly lower calorie count because they have a lower alcohol content (ABV), but they are not calorie-free.

Unlike food, spirits in many places are not legally required to list nutritional information. However, some brands voluntarily provide this data, and it is often available on their websites.