Does Amsterdam Vodka Have Calories? The Surprising Truth

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Most people are unaware that while distilled spirits contain zero carbs, they are not calorie-free. So, does Amsterdam vodka have calories? Yes, it does, and understanding where those calories come from is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

Pure Amsterdam vodka contains calories derived solely from its alcohol content, as the distillation process removes carbohydrates and sugar. The final calorie count depends on the alcohol by volume, and any flavored variations or sugary mixers will increase the total intake significantly.

Key Points

Calories from Alcohol Only: Unflavored Amsterdam vodka's calories come entirely from ethanol, as the distillation process removes carbohydrates and sugar.
Around 100 Calories Per Shot: A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof Amsterdam vodka contains approximately 97-100 calories.
Mixers are the Major Culprit: The primary source of extra calories in vodka drinks comes from sugary mixers like soda, juice, and syrups.
Flavored Vodka Considerations: Flavored Amsterdam vodkas often maintain a similar calorie count to the original if no sugar is added for flavor, but it's wise to check nutritional information.
Calorie-Free Mixers are Key: To minimize calorie intake, pair Amsterdam vodka with zero-calorie mixers such as soda water or diet soda.
Higher ABV Means More Calories: Since calories are alcohol-based, higher-proof vodkas contain more calories per serving.
Alcohol Metabolism is a Priority: The body processes alcohol before other nutrients, which can affect overall calorie burning and potentially contribute to weight gain.

The Core of Vodka Calories: The Distillation Process

Vodka, at its most fundamental, is a simple spirit made from fermented and distilled agricultural products like grain or potatoes. The fermentation process uses yeast to convert sugars into ethanol. Crucially, the subsequent distillation and filtration processes remove nearly all carbohydrates, sugars, and other impurities from the liquid.

This is why pure, unflavored Amsterdam vodka, or any standard vodka, has a macronutrient profile of zero grams of carbohydrates, protein, or fat. The only energy source left is the alcohol itself, which contains a high concentration of calories. At approximately 7 calories per gram, alcohol is a dense source of energy, second only to pure fat. Therefore, the higher the alcohol percentage (ABV), the more calories the spirit will contain.

How Calorie Content Varies by Amsterdam Vodka Type

While the original Amsterdam vodka is a standard neutral spirit, the brand also offers a variety of flavored options. These flavored vodkas can introduce additional calories, but not always. The key is whether the flavoring is an added sugar or a natural, calorie-free extract. For example, some brands add fruit extracts without increasing the sugar content, whereas others use sweetening agents that will add calories and carbohydrates.

Commonly available Amsterdam vodka varieties and their calorie information:

New Amsterdam Original Vodka: A standard 1.5 fl oz (45 ml) shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) vodka typically contains around 97-98 calories.
New Amsterdam Flavored Vodkas (e.g., Peach, Mango, Red Berry): These typically maintain a similar calorie count to the original, often around 100 calories per 1.5 fl oz serving. This is because the flavors are often infused without added sugar, as confirmed by brand-specific nutritional data on platforms like Nutritionix. However, checking the label for specific varieties is always a good practice, as some flavorings can affect the final nutritional content.

The Impact of Mixers: Where Hidden Calories Lie

The most significant factor that can change a drink's calorie count is the mixer. A clean spirit like Amsterdam vodka can quickly become a high-calorie beverage when combined with common cocktail ingredients.

High-Calorie Mixers: Standard sodas, fruit juices, and syrups can drastically increase the calorie count. A double vodka and regular cola, for instance, can contain over 160 calories.
Low-Calorie Mixers: Health-conscious drinkers can opt for calorie-free mixers to keep the overall intake low. Options include soda water, diet cola, or a splash of water with a lemon or lime wedge. A vodka soda with 1.5 oz of vodka is only about 96 calories.

Alcohol Metabolism and its Effect on Weight

When we consume alcohol, the body prioritizes metabolizing it over other nutrients. This means that the liver works to process the ethanol, and the calories from alcohol are used for energy rather than being stored. While this may sound beneficial, it means that the body is less efficient at burning calories from food consumed around the same time, which can lead to weight gain over time. For those on a diet, moderation is key.

Comparison Table: Amsterdam Vodka vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages


Beverage Type	Standard Serving	Approximate Calories	Notes
Amsterdam Vodka (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz	97-100	Pure alcohol calories; 0 carbs/sugar.
Light Beer	12 fl oz	103	Contains carbs from fermentation.
Regular Beer	12 fl oz	153	Higher calories due to carbs and higher ABV.
Red Wine	5 fl oz	125	Contains natural sugars and carbs.
Gin (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz	97	Similar to vodka; calories from alcohol only.
Rum and Regular Cola	8 fl oz	185	High sugar and calorie content from cola.

Conclusion: Understanding Amsterdam Vodka Calories

Amsterdam vodka, like any other unflavored distilled spirit, contains calories that come exclusively from its alcohol content. A standard 1.5 fl oz shot contains roughly 97-100 calories. It is free of carbohydrates, sugar, and fat. For those monitoring calorie intake, the biggest variable is the mixer chosen. Choosing diet mixers or zero-calorie alternatives can keep the total calorie count low. However, it is essential to remember that alcohol calories are still a factor in overall consumption and should be included in any dietary plan.

Visit a reputable source for more information on general alcohol calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5 fluid ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) Amsterdam vodka contains approximately 97-100 calories.

Yes, unflavored Amsterdam vodka is a zero-carb drink. The distillation process removes all carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, leaving only alcohol and water.

Many flavored varieties, including New Amsterdam's, are infused without adding sugar and therefore have a similar calorie count to the original. However, it is always recommended to check the specific product's nutritional information.

The calories in vodka come exclusively from the alcohol (ethanol). Alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, making it a high-density source of energy.

Good low-calorie or zero-calorie mixers include soda water, diet soda, sugar-free tonic water, or simply a splash of water with a lime or lemon wedge.

Yes, consuming any alcoholic beverage, including Amsterdam vodka, can lead to weight gain. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol for energy, which can reduce the body's ability to burn calories from other foods.

Yes, vodka with a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) will have more calories per serving than a lower-proof vodka because the calories are directly linked to the alcohol content.