How many calories are in a single vodka? A comprehensive guide

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. However, this calorie count can fluctuate based on the proof of the alcohol and the addition of various mixers. Understanding how many calories are in a single vodka is crucial for those watching their weight or managing their overall caloric intake.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content of a standard vodka shot, detailing how proof influences the final count. It also examines how mixers affect total calories and offers tips for making lower-calorie vodka drink choices for weight management.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories.
Proof Affects Calories: Higher-proof vodka contains more alcohol and, therefore, more calories per serving.
Mixers are Calorie Traps: The addition of sugary mixers like juice or soda dramatically increases the total calorie count of a vodka drink.
Vodka is Carb-Free: Pure, unflavored distilled vodka contains zero carbohydrates, sugar, and fat.
Impact on Metabolism: Alcohol metabolism takes priority in the liver, temporarily pausing the body's ability to burn fat.
Low-Calorie Options Exist: To reduce calories, opt for plain vodka, drink it neat or on the rocks, and use zero-calorie mixers like soda water.
Flavor Does Not Mean Extra Calories: Many infused or naturally flavored vodkas have the same calorie count as unflavored versions, but sweetened vodkas or syruped cocktails do not.

The Core Calorie Count of Plain Vodka

Pure distilled spirits, including vodka, contain no carbohydrates, sugars, or fat. The entirety of the caloric content comes from the alcohol (ethanol) itself, which contains roughly 7 calories per gram. The concentration of alcohol, or 'proof,' is the primary factor determining the number of calories in a shot. To find the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV), you simply divide the proof by two.

For a standard 1.5-ounce (45 ml) shot of vodka, the calorie count breaks down as follows:

80-Proof (40% ABV): 97 calories
90-Proof (45% ABV): 110 calories
100-Proof (50% ABV): 124 calories

This makes vodka a relatively low-calorie alcoholic beverage when compared to many beers, wines, and sugary cocktails.

How Mixers Drastically Increase Calories

While plain vodka is low in calories, the mixers used to create cocktails can dramatically increase the overall caloric load. The simple addition of sugary beverages can turn a 97-calorie shot into a high-calorie indulgence. It is the added sugars and syrups in these mixers that are the main culprits for excess calories and potential weight gain associated with drinking.

Here are some examples of popular vodka drinks and their typical calorie counts:

Vodka Soda: 97 calories (using 1.5 oz vodka and zero-calorie soda water)
Vodka Cranberry: 184 calories (1.5 oz vodka + 5 oz cranberry juice)
Moscow Mule: Approx. 150 calories (1.5 oz vodka + ginger beer + lime)
Vodka Tonic: 189 calories (7 oz drink with vodka and tonic water)

The Impact of Vodka on Your Diet and Metabolism

Consuming alcohol, including vodka, affects your body's metabolism and can interfere with weight management goals. When you drink, your liver prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol before it can process fats and carbohydrates. This process, known as 'fat sparing,' temporarily halts your body's fat-burning capabilities. Over time, this can contribute to weight gain, especially when combined with poor food choices and increased appetite that often accompany drinking.

Additionally, the calories from alcohol are considered 'empty calories,' providing little to no nutritional value. They offer energy but none of the essential vitamins or minerals your body needs to function optimally.

Comparison of Vodka Calories to Other Common Alcoholic Beverages


Beverage	Serving Size	Average Calories
Vodka (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz (45 ml)	97
Red Wine	5 fl oz (145 ml)	125
White Wine	5 fl oz (145 ml)	128
Regular Beer	12 fl oz (355 ml)	153
Light Beer	12 fl oz (355 ml)	103
Gin (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz (45 ml)	97
Whiskey (80 proof)	1.5 fl oz (45 ml)	97
Coffee Liqueur	1.5 fl oz (45 ml)	160

As the table shows, a shot of plain vodka is comparable in calories to other standard-proof spirits, and significantly lower in calories than beer, wine, and liqueurs. The key takeaway is that the most substantial increase in calories comes from mixers, not the spirit itself.

Tips for Enjoying Vodka with Fewer Calories

For those who want to enjoy vodka while being mindful of their caloric intake, several strategies can help:

1. Drink it Straight or On the Rocks

Consuming vodka neat or with ice removes the need for any mixers, keeping the calorie count at its lowest possible point. This is the simplest and most effective method for controlling calories from vodka.

2. Choose Zero or Low-Calorie Mixers

Replace high-sugar juices and sodas with calorie-free alternatives. Excellent choices include:

Soda water or club soda
Diet soda
Flavored sparkling water
A splash of lemon or lime juice

3. Be Wary of Flavored Vodkas and Syrups

Some flavored vodkas contain added sugars and sweeteners, which can increase their caloric content above that of standard unflavored vodka. Always check the label if you are concerned about hidden calories. Be especially careful of pre-mixed vodka drinks and cocktails made with sugary syrups.

4. Practice Mindful Consumption

Drinking in moderation is key to maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. Excessive alcohol consumption not only adds a significant number of calories but also impacts your judgment, potentially leading to unhealthy food cravings and choices. Alternating alcoholic beverages with water is a good strategy to stay hydrated and reduce overall intake.

Conclusion

In summary, a single 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories, with the total number depending on its proof. While plain vodka is a low-calorie alcohol choice, the real concern for calorie-conscious individuals is the mixers used in cocktails. High-sugar juices, sodas, and syrups can transform a simple drink into a calorie-dense beverage. For those looking to manage their weight, choosing low or zero-calorie mixers, limiting intake, and being aware of the calories in flavored varieties are the most effective strategies. For more information on health and weight management, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) at https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, higher-proof vodka has more calories because it contains a higher concentration of alcohol. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of 100-proof vodka contains about 124 calories, compared to 97 for 80-proof.

Not necessarily. Many naturally infused or flavored vodkas have the same calorie count as standard vodka. However, products with added sugars or syrups will be higher in calories, so it is important to check the label.

No, pure distilled vodka does not contain any carbohydrates or sugar. Any carbs or sugars found in a vodka drink come from the mixers used.

For a low-calorie vodka drink, consider using zero-calorie mixers such as soda water, club soda, or diet soda. A splash of lemon or lime juice can also add flavor without adding calories.

Alcohol can negatively impact weight loss by temporarily halting the body's ability to burn fat, slowing metabolism, and increasing appetite. The calories in alcohol are also 'empty calories,' providing no nutritional value.

A standard shot of 80-proof vodka is generally comparable in calories to a shot of gin or whiskey of the same proof. It has fewer calories per serving than most beers, wines, and sweet liqueurs.