Understanding the Calories in Unflavored Tito's Vodka
Before delving into the specifics of a 'lemon' version, it is crucial to understand the base product. Tito's Handmade Vodka is a distilled spirit made from corn, and like most standard vodkas, its calories come exclusively from the alcohol itself. As documented on Tito's official website, a 1.5-ounce serving of their 80-proof vodka contains approximately 98 calories. This is significant because it means the product itself contains no sugar, carbohydrates, fat, or protein. This makes it an ideal, low-calorie base for cocktails, provided you are mindful of what you mix with it.
The Difference Between Commercial and Homemade Flavored Vodkas
Many people are familiar with commercial flavored vodkas from brands like Absolut or Deep Eddy. These often contain added sugars and sweeteners to achieve their flavor profile, which dramatically increases the calorie count compared to the unflavored version. In contrast, Tito's encourages customers to create their own infused vodkas using fresh ingredients. This do-it-yourself method offers several advantages for health-conscious consumers. By infusing Tito's with fresh lemon peel or juice at home, you can control the amount of sugar added, or even use a zero-calorie sweetener if desired. The calories from a simple lemon infusion using only the fruit are minimal. For example, a single tablespoon of lemon juice adds only about 3 calories, while infusing the vodka with just the peel and no sugar adds negligible calories at all. This approach prevents the sugar shock found in many pre-flavored spirits.
Calculating Calories for a DIY Tito's Lemon Drink
To accurately determine the calories in your Tito's lemon vodka drink, you must add the calories of the mixers to the base calorie count of the vodka. Here's a basic guide to get you started on some common lemon-flavored drink variations:
- Tito's and Soda with a Lemon Wedge: A simple and low-calorie classic. A 1.5 oz shot of Tito's (98 calories), combined with zero-calorie soda water and a lemon wedge, results in a total calorie count that remains very close to the vodka itself. The calories from the lemon wedge are virtually zero.
- Tito's Lemon Drop: This is where the calories can add up quickly. A traditional recipe calls for simple syrup and lemon juice. With one ounce of simple syrup adding around 50 calories, and a shot of orange liqueur or triple sec adding around 80-107 calories, the drink can easily exceed 200 calories.
- Tito's Lemon Infusion: For a simple, flavorful option, infuse Tito's with lemons yourself. Slice fresh lemons and add them to a bottle of Tito's for a few days. The resulting spirit will have the bright lemon flavor without any added sugars, so the calorie count remains 98 calories per serving. The negligible calories from the fruit itself are not typically counted.
Comparing Calories in Different Lemon-Flavored Vodka Drinks
| Drink Type | Vodka (1.5 oz) | Lemon Juice | Simple Syrup / Liqueur | Estimated Total Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tito's & Soda with Lemon | ~98 kcal | Negligible | 0 kcal | ~98 kcal |
| Tito's Lemon Drop (Standard Recipe) | ~98 kcal | ~3 kcal | ~50+ kcal | ~151+ kcal |
| Tito's Fresh Lemon Infusion | ~98 kcal | Negligible | 0 kcal | ~98 kcal |
| Deep Eddy Lemon Flavored Vodka (1.5 oz) | 105 kcal* | Contained | Contained | ~105 kcal |
*Note: Deep Eddy Lemon is 70 kcal per 1 oz, so 1.5 oz is approximately 105 kcal.
Tips for Enjoying Low-Calorie Vodka Drinks
If you are watching your calorie intake, there are several ways to enjoy a delicious lemon-flavored Tito's drink without the extra sugar and calories. These options prioritize fresh, natural flavors over sugary additives:
- Use zero-calorie mixers: Options like soda water, plain iced tea, or sugar-free lemon-lime soda are excellent choices.
- Control your sweeteners: Instead of simple syrup, consider using a squeeze of fresh citrus or a natural, zero-calorie sweetener if you need a touch of sweetness. A small amount of honey simple syrup can be used for a slightly higher calorie count but with a more controlled, natural approach.
- Garnish with fresh fruit: A lemon or lime wedge can add fresh flavor without adding any significant calories or sugar.
Conclusion: Your Mixer Matters Most
Contrary to what some may assume, Tito's does not offer a pre-bottled lemon vodka. The calories in a lemon-flavored Tito's drink depend entirely on the mixers you choose. A standard 1.5-ounce serving of Tito's contains 98 calories, and by opting for a simple DIY lemon infusion or mixing with low-calorie options like soda water and a fresh lemon wedge, you can keep the total calorie count minimal. Beware of sugary liqueurs or syrups, which can dramatically increase the calorie total. By controlling your ingredients, you control the flavor and nutritional impact, allowing for a responsible and refreshing cocktail experience.
Infusions: Control Your Calories and Flavor
For those who love flavored spirits but are watching their waistline, homemade infusions are the way to go. Here are some of the popular infusions from Tito's official website that you can use to add flavor without piling on the calories:
- Lemon Infusion: Simply slice lemons and soak them in Tito's for a few days.
- Berry Infusion: Add frozen blueberries or raspberries for a sweet flavor.
- Cucumber Infusion: Add fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing, spa-like flavor.
- Herbal Infusions: Mint or rosemary can add complexity without calories.
Always remember to taste your infusion as it develops and strain the solids once it reaches your desired flavor intensity. This gives you complete control over the end result, both in taste and nutrition.
The Takeaway for Calorie Counters
For anyone monitoring their calorie intake, understanding that Tito's does not add sugar to its product is the most important information. The caloric load of a lemon-flavored drink comes from other added ingredients. This knowledge empowers you to craft cocktails that align with your dietary goals while still enjoying a quality spirit. Simple mixers, fresh ingredients, and conscious choices are key to keeping your drink both delicious and low in calories.
