How Many Calories Are in Raspberry Vodka and Diet Lemonade? The Low-Calorie Guide

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. When mixed with a zero-calorie diet lemonade, this creates a flavorful and surprisingly light drink option for those watching their caloric intake without sacrificing taste.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the calories in a raspberry vodka and diet lemonade cocktail, explaining how to calculate the total and why it is a healthier alternative to sugary drinks.

Key Points

Primary Calorie Source: The calories in a raspberry vodka and diet lemonade cocktail primarily come from the vodka, as diet lemonade is virtually calorie-free.
Vodka Calories by Proof: An average 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof raspberry vodka contains about 97 calories.
Low-Calorie Mixer: Diet lemonade uses non-caloric sweeteners, contributing minimal calories (less than 5 per serving), keeping the drink light.
Mindful Consumption: To manage intake, use a jigger for precise pouring and alternate with water to stay hydrated.
Healthier Cocktail Alternative: This combination is a smart choice compared to many other high-sugar cocktails, which can have significantly higher calorie counts.
No Carbs in Distilled Spirits: Like unflavored vodka, raspberry vodka is carb-free, making it a viable option for low-carb diets.

The Calorie Breakdown: Understanding Your Ingredients

To determine the total caloric value of your raspberry vodka and diet lemonade, you must first understand the contribution of each component. The majority of the calories in this particular mixed drink come from the alcohol itself, while the diet mixer contributes a negligible amount. The key is in knowing how to accurately measure and combine the two for a consistent, low-calorie beverage.

How Many Calories in Raspberry Vodka?

The primary source of calories in any spirit is the alcohol, or ethanol. Alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, which is more than carbohydrates or protein, and only slightly less than fat. The 'proof' of the vodka directly relates to its calorie content—the higher the proof, the more alcohol it contains, and the higher the calorie count will be per ounce. For most common 80-proof (40% alcohol by volume) vodkas, a standard 1.5-ounce shot contains approximately 97 calories.

It is important to note that most flavor-infused vodkas, such as raspberry vodka, do not add significant calories from the flavoring itself. The natural or artificial flavor is infused into the spirit without adding sugar. This means a raspberry vodka is typically similar in calories to an unflavored vodka of the same proof. Be wary of heavily sweetened 'liqueurs' or cocktails that are pre-mixed, as these will have a much higher sugar and calorie content.

The Minimal Calories of Diet Lemonade

Diet lemonade, or zero-sugar lemonade, is the ideal mixer for a low-calorie cocktail. These products are formulated with artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame instead of sugar, which means they contain very few, if any, calories. For example, many brands report their diet lemonade as having 1 to 5 calories per serving, which is virtually negligible in the overall calorie count of a cocktail. By choosing a diet mixer, you eliminate the hundreds of calories that could be found in a regular, sugar-sweetened lemonade.

Calculating the Total Calories in Your Drink

Calculating the total calories for your drink is a straightforward process once you know the individual components. The formula is simple:

Total Calories = Calories from Raspberry Vodka + Calories from Diet Lemonade

For a typical serving, you might use 1.5 ounces of 80-proof raspberry vodka and about 5 ounces of diet lemonade. This would result in a total calorie count of around 100-105 calories per drink. This is significantly lower than many other popular cocktails, making it an excellent option for those on a calorie-controlled diet.

Factors Influencing Your Cocktail's Calorie Count

Vodka Proof: A higher proof vodka will increase the total calories. For example, a 100-proof (50% alcohol) vodka shot has approximately 124 calories, bumping up the total count.
Serving Size: The amount of vodka you pour is the most significant factor. Using a jigger to measure your spirits precisely is crucial for managing your intake and staying consistent with your calorie goal.
Garnishes and Add-ins: While usually low-calorie, adding extra fruits like a lime wedge or fresh raspberries will contribute a small number of calories. Avoid high-calorie additions like sugary syrups or flavored rims.
Brand Variation: While most standard flavored vodkas are low in calories, it's always wise to check the manufacturer's nutritional information. Sweetened or premixed products will be substantially higher.

Comparison: Raspberry Vodka & Diet Lemonade vs. Other Cocktails


Drink	Key Ingredients	Approx. Calories
Raspberry Vodka & Diet Lemonade	Raspberry Vodka, Diet Lemonade	~100-110
Margarita	Tequila, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, Agave	~150-200+
Long Island Iced Tea	Multiple spirits, Cola	~250-300+
Rum & Coke	Rum, Cola	~150+
Pina Colada	Rum, Coconut Cream, Pineapple Juice	~400+

Tips for Enjoying Your Low-Calorie Drink

Stay Hydrated: Alternate each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water. This can help slow your alcohol consumption and keep you hydrated, which is especially important as alcohol is a diuretic.
Add Fresh Ingredients: Infuse your diet lemonade with fresh raspberries or a squeeze of lime for a vibrant flavor without adding extra sugar or calories.
Sip Slowly: Take your time to savor your drink. This not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also helps moderate your overall alcohol and calorie intake.

Conclusion

A raspberry vodka and diet lemonade cocktail is an excellent option for those seeking a flavorful, low-calorie alcoholic beverage. By using a standard 80-proof raspberry vodka and a zero-calorie diet lemonade, you can enjoy a drink for around 100-110 calories, significantly less than many traditional, sugar-laden cocktails. Mindful consumption and careful measurement are key to enjoying this refreshing drink while maintaining your dietary goals. As with all alcoholic drinks, moderation is crucial for overall health and well-being.

For more information on alcohol and its impact on your health, consult authoritative sources such as the Alcohol Change UK website, which offers valuable fact sheets and advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard flavor-infused vodkas have similar calorie counts to unflavored versions of the same proof, as the flavoring itself adds minimal calories. Check the label for sweetened or pre-mixed versions, as they will contain more calories.

An average 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof raspberry vodka typically contains around 97 calories.

Diet lemonade is an excellent mixer for low-calorie drinks because it uses artificial sweeteners instead of sugar, making it virtually calorie-free.

To further minimize calories, ensure you are using a strictly zero-sugar diet lemonade and measure your vodka precisely with a jigger to control the amount of alcohol, which is the main source of calories.

While this is a low-calorie cocktail option, alcohol still contains calories and can interfere with the body's fat-burning process. Moderation is key for weight management.

No, distilled spirits like vodka have zero carbohydrates. The carbs from the base ingredients are removed during the distillation process.

A 1.5-ounce shot of 100-proof vodka contains approximately 124 calories, whereas an 80-proof shot has about 97 calories. The higher proof means more alcohol content and thus more calories.