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How Many Calories Are In a Vodka Seltzer Soda and What Influences the Count?

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4 min read

An estimated 82 calories are in a typical 8-ounce vodka soda using 1.5 ounces of 80-proof vodka, with the soda water adding virtually no calories. This makes a vodka seltzer soda one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drink options, but the final count can vary significantly based on ingredients and brand.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a vodka seltzer depends mainly on the vodka's proof, with unflavored seltzer and a touch of citrus adding minimal calories. Calorie totals increase with flavored seltzers, added syrups, or higher-proof vodka. Canned versions offer consistent calorie counts, usually between 90-110 calories per 12 oz can.

Key Points

  • Vodka is the main calorie source: A standard vodka seltzer contains calories almost entirely from the vodka itself, with soda water contributing zero.

  • Homemade is often lowest in calories: Mixing your own drink with 80-proof vodka and plain seltzer water can result in a cocktail around 100 calories.

  • Read canned labels carefully: Canned vodka seltzers vary in calories, typically ranging from 100-110 for a 12oz can, sometimes higher depending on flavors and brand.

  • Higher proof, more calories: As the proof of the vodka increases, so does the calorie count. For example, 100-proof vodka contains more calories than 80-proof.

  • Sugary mixers add significant calories: Avoid adding fruit juices or sugary syrups, which can drastically increase the total calorie count and are the main difference between a vodka soda and other mixed drinks.

  • Choose fresh garnishes for flavor: Adding fresh lime, lemon, or cucumber provides flavor without adding extra calories or sugar.

In This Article

The Calorie Breakdown: What Affects Your Vodka Seltzer?

To understand how many calories are in a vodka seltzer, it's essential to break down the ingredients. The calories in this simple cocktail come almost exclusively from the vodka itself. Unlike many mixed drinks, a standard vodka soda with a squeeze of fresh lime contains no added sugars, syrups, or juices, making it a very low-calorie choice.

The Role of Vodka Proof

The primary variable in your vodka seltzer's calorie count is the proof of the vodka. Alcohol itself contains calories—approximately 7 calories per gram. Higher-proof spirits contain more alcohol and, therefore, more calories per ounce. Here’s a basic breakdown for a typical 1.5-ounce pour:

  • 80-Proof Vodka: Roughly 97 calories.
  • 90-Proof Vodka: Approximately 110 calories.
  • 100-Proof Vodka: About 124 calories.

The Impact of Mixers and Flavors

While plain soda or seltzer water contains zero calories, flavored mixers and pre-made cocktails can dramatically increase the calorie count. For a simple homemade drink, fresh garnishes like lime or lemon add negligible calories. However, if you opt for pre-made canned versions or use sweetened mixers, the numbers change.

Common Calorie Additions

  • Flavored Seltzer: Some canned vodka seltzers use real fruit juice or natural flavors, which can add a few extra calories. For instance, some flavored vodka seltzers have around 100-110 calories per 12-ounce can.
  • Syrups and Juices: Adding flavored simple syrups or fruit juices to a homemade vodka seltzer will significantly increase the sugar and calorie content. For example, swapping plain seltzer for a standard tonic water can add over 100 calories per drink.

Comparison of Canned and Homemade Vodka Seltzers

There is a notable difference between crafting a vodka seltzer at home and purchasing a pre-made canned version. Homemade allows for full control over ingredients and portion sizes, typically resulting in the lowest-calorie option. Pre-made cans, while convenient, can vary widely by brand in their calorie and sugar content.

Homemade Vodka Seltzer (Approximate 8oz serving)

  • 1.5 oz 80-proof vodka: ~97 calories
  • Top with soda water: 0 calories
  • Squeeze of fresh lime: ~2-3 calories
  • Total: ~100 calories

Canned Vodka Seltzer (Approximate 12oz serving)

  • NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer: 100 calories
  • High Noon Vodka Seltzer: 100 calories
  • Truly Vodka Seltzer: 110 calories (with 2g sugar)
  • Minus196 Vodka Seltzer: 139 calories (with 3g sugar)

Comparison Table: Vodka Seltzer vs. Other Drinks

Beverage (12 fl oz) Approx. Calories Approx. Sugar (g) Notes
Homemade Vodka Seltzer ~100 0 Calorie count based on 1.5oz 80-proof vodka; zero-sugar soda
Canned Vodka Seltzer 100-110 0-2 Varies by brand; often zero sugar
Light Beer ~100 0 Varies by brand
Regular Beer ~150 Varies Can range from 150-200+ calories
Vodka Tonic ~190 25 Based on 1.5oz vodka and standard tonic water
Glass of Red Wine ~150 1 Based on a standard 5oz pour
Cocktail with Juice ~180+ Varies Example: vodka cranberry with standard cranberry juice

Tips for Minimizing Calories

For those watching their calorie intake, a vodka seltzer is an excellent choice, and there are ways to keep it even lighter.

  • Choose Lower Proof Vodka: If you're mixing your own drinks, selecting a lower-proof vodka will naturally reduce the number of calories per serving.
  • Stick to Fresh Garnishes: Flavoring your drink with fresh citrus wedges, cucumber slices, or a sprig of mint adds flavor with virtually zero calories. Avoid sugary juices or pre-made syrups.
  • Read the Label: If you opt for a canned vodka seltzer, always check the label. The calorie and sugar content can differ significantly between brands.
  • Experiment with Zero-Calorie Flavorings: For a bigger flavor punch without the calories, consider using natural, zero-calorie flavorings. Products like zero-calorie water enhancers can add variety to your seltzer.
  • Mind Portion Control: The number of calories in any drink is proportional to the serving size. Sticking to a standard 1.5 oz pour of vodka is key to managing calories.

Conclusion

A vodka seltzer is a fantastic low-calorie alcoholic beverage, but the number of calories hinges on your ingredients. A homemade version with 80-proof vodka and plain seltzer can hover around 100 calories per 8-ounce glass, while pre-made canned versions typically fall within the 100-110 calorie range for a 12-ounce can. By being mindful of vodka proof, choosing zero-calorie mixers like soda water, and favoring fresh garnishes over sugary syrups, you can enjoy this crisp drink while keeping the calorie count low. For more information on calorie counts, you can consult reliable sources like the USDA National Nutrient Database.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a vodka seltzer is an excellent choice for a low-calorie diet. When made with 80-proof vodka and plain soda water, it contains around 100 calories and no sugar, making it one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drink options available.

A traditional vodka seltzer made with unflavored vodka and soda water contains virtually zero carbohydrates. Some canned or flavored versions may contain a small amount of carbs, so it's always best to check the nutritional label.

Not always. Canned vodka seltzers are typically low-calorie, with many popular brands around 100-110 calories for a 12-ounce serving. However, the exact calorie and sugar content can vary by brand and flavor, so checking the label is important.

The calorie difference is significant. A vodka soda, made with calorie-free soda water, is much lower in calories (approx. 100). A vodka tonic, which uses sugar-containing tonic water, can have around 190 calories, nearly double that of a vodka soda.

Yes, a homemade vodka seltzer is a perfect fit for a keto diet. Since it contains 0 carbs and 0 sugar, it won't impact ketosis. Some pre-made brands are also keto-friendly, so check for 0g carbs and 0g sugar.

You can add flavor to a vodka seltzer without extra calories by using fresh garnishes like a squeeze of fresh lime, lemon, or grapefruit. Infusing the vodka with fruits or herbs beforehand is another zero-calorie way to add flavor.

Generally, a standard vodka seltzer is lower in calories and sugar than most regular beers and wines. A light beer may be comparable in calories, but a vodka seltzer with plain soda water has a distinct advantage due to its zero-carb and zero-sugar profile.

References

  1. 1
    The 7 Lowest-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks - EatingWell
  2. 2
    How many Calories are in a vodka soda? - Grey Goose
  3. 3
    Best Light & Low Calorie Hard Seltzers for 2025 - Spec's
  4. 4
    Vodka and soda nutrition facts and analysis. - Nutrition Value
  5. 5
    A Guide To Low Calorie Alcoholic Drinks - ThinK Wine Group

Related Topics:

#alcohol nutrition #mixed drinks #low calorie alcohol #low sugar cocktails #Vodka soda #healthy cocktails #vodka seltzer calories #drink calorie count

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.