How Many Calories Are in a Single Shot of Vodka?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Healthline, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. This makes it one of the lower-calorie spirits, with all calories deriving solely from the alcohol itself, as it contains no carbs, sugar, or fat.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content of a single shot of vodka, examining how proof level influences the final number. It also outlines the impact of different mixers, compares vodka's calories to other alcoholic beverages, and discusses its implications for diet and weight management.

Key Points

Caloric Content: A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96 to 97 calories.
Proof Matters: The calorie count of vodka increases with higher proof levels; for example, a 100-proof shot contains about 124 calories.
Mixers are Key: While plain vodka is low-calorie, sugary mixers like juice or liqueurs can significantly increase the total calories of your drink.
Zero Carbs: Unflavored vodka has zero carbohydrates, fat, or sugar, making it a viable option for low-carb or keto diets when paired with calorie-free mixers.
Empty Calories: Alcohol provides 'empty calories' that offer no nutritional benefit and are prioritized for metabolism, which can slow down fat burning.
Weight Management: Mindful drinking and moderation are essential, as excessive alcohol consumption can indirectly contribute to weight gain by affecting appetite and decision-making.

Understanding the Calories in a Standard Vodka Shot

All of the calories in vodka come from its alcohol content. Pure alcohol, or ethanol, contains roughly 7 calories per gram, which is nearly twice the calories of protein or carbohydrates. A standard U.S. shot is 1.5 fluid ounces, or 45 milliliters. The 'proof' indicates the alcohol by volume (ABV), with 80-proof vodka containing 40% alcohol.

For a standard 1.5 oz pour of 80-proof vodka, the calorie count is approximately 96 to 97 calories. This is a relatively low-calorie base for a drink, but it is important to remember that the total caloric intake can increase significantly with higher proof levels or sugary mixers.

How Vodka's Proof Affects Its Calorie Count

The higher the proof, the more alcohol is present, and therefore, the more calories the shot will contain. For example, a 100-proof vodka, which is 50% ABV, will have more calories per shot than a standard 80-proof version. This relationship is consistent across different brands of unflavored vodka at the same proof level.

Here is a breakdown of calories by proof level for a standard 1.5-ounce shot:

70-proof (35% ABV): approximately 85 calories
80-proof (40% ABV): approximately 96-97 calories
90-proof (45% ABV): approximately 110 calories
100-proof (50% ABV): approximately 124 calories

The Impact of Mixers on Your Calorie Intake

While a straight shot of vodka is relatively low in calories and contains no carbohydrates or sugar, the mixers used in cocktails can drastically change the nutritional profile. Popular choices like a vodka soda or vodka with diet soda will add no extra calories, but other common mixers can lead to a surprisingly high caloric total. Sugary juices, sodas, and creamy liqueurs are the main culprits for inflating the calorie count of a mixed drink.

For instance, a standard vodka soda with 1.5 oz of 80-proof vodka and soda water is just 96 calories. However, a vodka cranberry with the same amount of vodka and cranberry juice can jump to around 170 calories. A classic White Russian, which includes coffee liqueur and cream, can contain over 300 calories. For those monitoring their intake, it is crucial to consider the mixers carefully.

Vodka Calories vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

Compared to many other popular alcoholic drinks, vodka is a calorie-efficient option, especially if consumed neat or with a zero-calorie mixer. Here is a comparison of standard serving sizes:


Beverage	Standard Serving Size	Approximate Calories
Vodka (80 proof)	1.5 oz shot (45 ml)	97
Gin (80 proof)	1.5 oz shot (45 ml)	97
Whiskey (80 proof)	1.5 oz shot (45 ml)	97
Regular Beer	12 oz (355 ml)	150-200
Light Beer	12 oz (355 ml)	100-103
Wine	5 oz (145 ml)	120-130

Considerations for Weight Management and Dieting

For individuals on low-carb, keto, or other calorie-restricted diets, plain vodka is often a suitable choice due to its lack of carbohydrates, fat, and sugar. However, the "empty calories" in alcohol still contribute to overall intake and can hinder weight loss efforts. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver as a priority over other nutrients because it is a toxin, which can slow down your body's fat-burning process.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to weight gain indirectly by stimulating appetite and lowering inhibitions, which often results in poor food choices. Additionally, calories from alcohol can be easily overlooked and can add up quickly, contributing to a caloric surplus and preventing weight loss.

The Bottom Line

While a single shot of 80-proof vodka contains fewer than 100 calories, the overall impact on your health and weight is more complex. The final calorie count of your drink depends heavily on the proof of the vodka and the mixers you choose. For calorie-conscious drinkers, selecting low-calorie mixers like soda water or a splash of fresh juice is key. Moderate consumption and mindful pairing are the best strategies for incorporating vodka into a healthy lifestyle without derailing your goals.

Conclusion In summary, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains around 96-97 calories, with higher-proof versions containing more. These calories come from the alcohol itself and are considered 'empty calories' with no nutritional value. While plain vodka is a low-calorie and zero-carb option, the total calorie count of a mixed drink depends heavily on the mixers used. Those monitoring their weight should opt for low-calorie mixers and practice moderation to avoid the potential negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption, such as slowed metabolism and poor eating habits.

For more information on alcohol and its impact on your health, consult authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flavored vodkas typically have the same calorie count as their unflavored counterparts if no sugar has been added. However, some flavored varieties contain added sweeteners that can increase the calorie content, so it is best to check the label.

A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka (96-97 calories) is lower in calories than a 12 oz regular beer (150-200 calories) or a 5 oz glass of wine (120-130 calories).

Yes, unflavored vodka is a suitable choice for a low-carb or keto diet because it contains no carbs or sugar. To maintain a low-carb intake, it should be consumed neat or with a calorie-free mixer like soda water.

While vodka itself is low in calories, excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain. This is because it adds extra, empty calories to your diet and can slow down your body's fat-burning process as the liver prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol.

The lowest-calorie way to drink vodka is to have it neat, on the rocks, or mixed with a zero-calorie beverage like soda water or a diet soda. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime can add flavor without extra calories.

A double shot, which is typically 3 ounces, of 80-proof vodka would contain approximately 192 calories, or roughly double the amount of a single shot.

The calories in alcohol come from the ethanol itself, which contains about 7 calories per gram. This is more energy-dense than protein and carbohydrates (4 calories/gram) but less so than fat (9 calories/gram).