How many calories are in a strawberry stinger?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition tracking site FatSecret, a Kauai brand Strawberry Stinger smoothie contains 198 calories per 350ml serving. However, determining how many calories are in a strawberry stinger is more complex for cocktail versions, as the exact caloric content depends heavily on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

Quick Summary

The calories of a Strawberry Stinger depend entirely on its recipe, ranging significantly between a fruit-based smoothie and a spirit-based cocktail. Factors like alcohol type, sweetener volume, and mixers contribute most to the final calorie count.

Key Points

Recipe Varies: The calorie count for a Strawberry Stinger depends on whether it's a non-alcoholic smoothie or an alcoholic cocktail.
Smoothie Calories: A known smoothie version, like the Kauai Strawberry Stinger, contains approximately 198 kcal per 350ml serving.
Cocktail Calories: A cocktail made with strawberry vodka and simple syrup can range from 150-200 calories per serving, but is highly recipe-dependent.
Sugar is Key: Added sweeteners, especially simple syrup, contribute significantly to the calorie count in cocktail versions.
Reduce Calories: To make a lighter cocktail, opt for less syrup, sugar-free mixers, and rely more on fresh fruit for flavor.

Determining the precise calorie count for a "Strawberry Stinger" is complicated by the fact that the name can refer to multiple different drinks. The two most common types are a non-alcoholic smoothie and a vodka-based cocktail. A smoothie will typically contain a moderate amount of calories from fruits and yogurt, while a cocktail's calorie count is driven by the alcohol and added sugars.

The Smoothie-Style Strawberry Stinger

One of the most widely cited examples is the Kauai Strawberry Stinger smoothie. This version is a non-alcoholic blend of fruit and yogurt, with published nutritional information readily available.

Calorie Count: Around 198 kcal per 350ml serving.
Ingredients: Typically includes strawberries, banana, frozen yogurt, and pressed apple juice.
Nutritional Value: Unlike its cocktail counterpart, this version offers some nutritional benefits, including vitamins (such as Vitamin C), fiber, and protein from the fruit and yogurt. The total calorie count is influenced by the sweetness of the fruit and any added sugars in the yogurt or juice.

The Cocktail-Style Strawberry Stinger

For the adult version, the Strawberry Stinger is a mixed drink, and its calorie count is far less consistent. As alcohol contributes a significant number of calories (7 per gram), the type and amount of spirit used play a major role. A typical recipe often includes vodka, fresh strawberries, simple syrup, and citrus juice.

Calorie Breakdown for a Cocktail Example

Let's calculate the approximate calories for a hypothetical cocktail recipe with common ingredients:

2 oz Strawberry Vodka: A 1.5 oz shot of strawberry vodka can contain around 95-100 calories. A 2 oz serving would therefore be approximately 127-133 calories.
1 oz Simple Syrup: A 1 oz serving of standard simple syrup contains around 50 calories.
0.5 oz Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds minimal calories, about 1-2 calories per half-ounce.
Muddled Strawberries: A few fresh strawberries add negligible calories, perhaps 10-15 calories depending on the amount.

Total Estimated Calories: Based on this example, a cocktail-style Strawberry Stinger would have an estimated total of 190 to 200 calories. This number is highly variable, changing with different brands of flavored vodka, different simple syrup ratios (e.g., 2:1 vs 1:1), and added mixers like soda water.

Other Cocktail Variations

Some recipes, like one found on Difford's Guide for a 'Strawberry Sting', include more complex ingredients such as chilli liqueur, vermouth, and egg white. These additional components will each add to the overall calorie total, making a universal calorie count for the cocktail impossible.

Comparison Table: Smoothie vs. Cocktail


Feature	Strawberry Stinger Smoothie (Kauai)	Strawberry Stinger Cocktail (Typical)
Calories (per serving)	~198 kcal (350ml)	~150-200 kcal (depending on recipe)
Main Ingredients	Strawberries, banana, yogurt, apple juice	Strawberry vodka, simple syrup, lime juice, fresh fruit
Sugar Source	Fruit sugars and sweetened yogurt	Alcohol and added simple syrup
Alcohol Content	None	Yes
Nutritional Profile	Contains vitamins, fiber, and protein	Primarily sugar and alcohol, low in nutritional value

How to Reduce the Calorie Count

If you are a fan of the cocktail but are watching your calorie intake, there are several modifications you can make:

Use Unflavored Vodka: Standard 80-proof vodka has roughly 97 calories per 1.5 fl oz and contains no sugar. Flavored vodkas sometimes include added sugars, increasing the calorie count.
Opt for Less Syrup: Simple syrup is pure sugar and water, and a major calorie contributor. Reducing the amount or using a sugar-free alternative can significantly lower the calorie count.
Add Diet Mixers: If your recipe includes a splash of soda, swapping it for a diet or zero-calorie mixer will save calories without sacrificing flavor.
Balance with Fresh Fruit: Focus on maximizing the fresh strawberry flavor by muddling more fruit and relying less on syrup for sweetness.

Conclusion

The question of how many calories are in a strawberry stinger does not have a single answer. It is essential to first identify whether the drink is a smoothie or a cocktail. A popular smoothie brand has a published calorie count of about 198 kcal. For a cocktail, the number is highly dependent on the recipe, particularly the alcohol and sugar content. By understanding the ingredients, you can better estimate the calorie impact and even make adjustments for a lighter version.

For more information on alcohol calories, see the MedlinePlus calorie count guide on alcoholic beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term can refer to both, which is the main reason for the confusion over its calorie count. A popular smoothie version exists, but many recipes also detail it as a vodka-based cocktail.

Calorie counts vary based on the recipe's specific ingredients and proportions. Differences in the type of alcohol, amount of simple syrup or juice, and other additions like liqueurs can drastically change the final calorie count.

Yes, you can. For a cocktail, reduce or replace simple syrup with a zero-calorie sweetener, use a sugar-free mixer like diet soda, and choose standard unflavored vodka over some sweetened varieties.

While it depends on the brand, a 1.5 fl oz shot of some strawberry vodkas contains around 95-100 calories and often includes some carbohydrates from added sugar.

While fruit adds some calories, the amount is often minimal compared to the sugar from simple syrup or mixers. Muddled strawberries primarily add flavor, fiber, and some nutrients for a relatively small calorie cost.

The primary calorie sources are the alcoholic spirit (vodka or rum) and any added sweeteners, especially high-sugar simple syrup or flavored liqueurs.

Simple syrup is a major calorie source. A single ounce can add about 50 calories to the drink, making the amount used a critical factor in the final calorie count.