Does vodka high in calories?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96-97 calories, a figure that is not as low as many assume. The question, 'Does vodka high in calories?', requires a deeper look into where these empty calories come from and how they affect your dietary goals.

Quick Summary

Vodka is calorie-dense because of its alcohol content, with an 80-proof shot containing around 97 calories. Sugary mixers significantly increase the total caloric intake, highlighting the importance of wise choices for managing your diet and avoiding excess empty calories.

Key Points

Vodka is Not Calorie-Free: A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories, with higher proof versions having more.
Mixers Add Major Calories: The high calorie count in many vodka cocktails comes from sugary mixers like juices and sodas, not just the vodka.
Alcohol is Calorie-Dense: With 7 calories per gram, alcohol contains nearly as many calories as fat (9 per gram), making it a concentrated source of energy.
Empty Calories, No Nutrients: Vodka offers empty calories without any nutritional value, which can contribute to weight gain.
Slows Fat Burning: The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, which slows down the fat-burning process and can lead to fat storage.
Flavored Vodka Varies: Some flavored vodkas are low in sugar and calories, while others use added syrups that significantly increase the calorie count.
Moderation is Key: To manage calories, choose plain vodka with zero-calorie mixers like soda water and limit your overall intake.

The Truth Behind Vodka's Calorie Content

Many people mistakenly believe that since vodka is a clear spirit with no carbohydrates or fat, it must be a low-calorie drink. While it is lower in calories than many mixed drinks, its pure alcohol content packs a surprising punch. All the calories in plain distilled vodka come directly from the ethanol, which contains approximately 7 calories per gram. For context, that is nearly twice the calories per gram of protein and carbohydrates, and only slightly less than pure fat, which has 9 calories per gram. This caloric density means that even a standard shot contributes meaningfully to your daily energy intake, despite its lack of nutritional value.

The Role of Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

The calorie count of vodka is directly tied to its proof, or its ABV. The higher the proof, the higher the alcohol percentage, and consequently, the higher the calories.

70 Proof (35% ABV): Approximately 85 calories per 1.5 oz shot.
80 Proof (40% ABV): Approximately 96-97 calories per 1.5 oz shot.
100 Proof (50% ABV): Approximately 124 calories per 1.5 oz shot.

For those watching their calorie intake, choosing a lower-proof vodka can make a small difference, but the main lesson is that alcohol contains significant calories regardless of its form.

The Real Calorie Culprits: Mixers and Cocktails

While plain vodka is not calorie-free, the true danger for waistlines lies in the mixers used in cocktails. A simple vodka soda is a relatively low-calorie choice, but adding sugary juices, sodas, or liqueurs can inflate the calorie count dramatically.

Common high-calorie culprits include:

Regular soda: Adds over 100 calories per 8 oz.
Cranberry juice: Adds over 100 calories per cup.
Orange juice: Adds over 100 calories per cup.
Sweetened liqueurs: Found in drinks like White Russians and Espresso Martinis, these can add hundreds of calories.

On the other hand, there are several low-calorie and no-calorie options for mixers:

Soda water or club soda: Adds fizz with zero calories.
Diet soda: Keeps the calories minimal.
A squeeze of fresh citrus: Lemon or lime can add flavor without sugar.
Herbs and spices: Infuse your vodka with mint or cucumber for a low-calorie flavor boost.

Vodka vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages: A Calorie Comparison

To put vodka's calorie count in perspective, compare it to other popular alcoholic drinks. When consumed straight or with a zero-calorie mixer, vodka often fares better on a calorie-per-serving basis.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Notes
Vodka (80 proof)	1.5 oz shot	97	All calories from alcohol.
Red or White Wine	5 oz glass	120-130	Contains carbs and sugar.
Regular Beer	12 oz can/bottle	150-200	Higher in carbs and calories.
Light Beer	12 oz can/bottle	103-110	Lower carbs and alcohol content.
Vodka Tonic	7 oz serving	~190	Calories from vodka and sugary tonic.

Why Does Alcohol Impact Weight Gain?

The relationship between alcohol consumption and weight gain is complex, involving several factors beyond just calorie counts. The calories from alcohol are often called 'empty calories' because they provide energy without any beneficial nutrients.

Metabolic Priority: When you drink alcohol, your liver prioritizes metabolizing it as a toxin, putting the normal fat-burning process on hold. This effect, known as "fat sparing," means your body is more likely to store fat, particularly around the abdomen.
Increased Appetite and Reduced Inhibition: Alcohol can stimulate appetite and lower inhibitions, leading to overeating and poor food choices, especially salty, fatty, or sugary snacks. This can significantly increase overall calorie intake.
Hormonal Effects: Excessive alcohol intake can disrupt hormonal balance, including levels of cortisol, which can influence where and how your body stores fat.

Understanding Flavored Vodkas

Another common area of confusion is flavored vodka. Many consumers assume flavored versions are automatically higher in calories. While this can be true, it is not a given.

Naturally Infused Vodkas: Some flavored vodkas get their taste from natural infusions, which do not add significant calories or sugar. For example, Grey Goose Essences are designed to be low-calorie.
Sugared Flavored Vodkas: Other products add sugary syrups after the distillation process, dramatically increasing the calorie and sugar content. Always check the nutrition label or the manufacturer's website to be sure.

Conclusion: Navigating Vodka's Calorie Reality

In conclusion, the assertion 'Does vodka high in calories?' is both a myth and a reality. Plain vodka is not calorie-free, and its energy comes solely from alcohol, making it a calorically dense beverage. However, it is generally lower in calories than beer or wine on a per-serving basis. The primary driver of high-calorie vodka drinks is the addition of sugary mixers. By being mindful of your mixers, controlling portion sizes, and recognizing alcohol's impact on metabolism, you can enjoy vodka responsibly while keeping your calorie intake in check.

For more information on the impact of alcohol on weight management, consult resources like the Healthline article on vodka's nutritional facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, pure distilled vodka has no carbohydrates, sugar, or fat. The distillation process removes these components, leaving only ethanol and water.

Yes, pure vodka is a suitable choice for keto and low-carb diets because it contains zero carbs and zero sugar. The key is to avoid high-sugar mixers and opt for zero-calorie alternatives.

No, not all flavored vodkas are high in calories. Many are flavored through infusions without adding sugar. However, some brands add sugary syrups, so it is important to check the nutritional information on the label.

Higher proof vodkas contain a greater percentage of alcohol, which means they have more calories per serving. For example, a 1.5 oz shot of 100-proof vodka contains more calories than an 80-proof shot.

Excellent low-calorie mixers for vodka include soda water, club soda, diet soda, or a splash of lemon or lime juice. These options add flavor and volume without a significant increase in calories.

Alcohol calories are considered 'empty' because they offer no nutritional benefit. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over fat, which can hinder weight loss efforts.

Most 80-proof distilled spirits, including vodka, gin, and whiskey, have a very similar calorie count of around 96-97 calories per 1.5 oz shot. The main difference in calorie intake comes from mixers.