How Many Calories in a Cucumber Mint Vodka Drink? A Comprehensive Breakdown

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96-97 calories, with no carbohydrates or fat. This makes the choice of mixer the single most significant factor in determining how many calories in a cucumber mint vodka drink.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a cucumber mint vodka drink is highly variable, largely dependent on the mixer. A zero-calorie option like soda water keeps the total low, typically under 100 calories, while sugary mixers can push it much higher.

Key Points

Calorie Source: The majority of calories in this drink come from the vodka itself, not the cucumber or mint.
Mixer Impact: Your choice of mixer is the most significant factor, with club soda adding zero calories compared to sugary alternatives.
Low-Calorie Recipe: A basic spritz with 1.5 oz of 80-proof vodka and club soda contains just under 100 calories.
Fresh Ingredients: Cucumber and mint contribute minimal calories while adding refreshing flavor and minor health benefits like hydration and antioxidants.
Keto-Friendly: A sugar-free version using club soda makes this a suitable drink for a low-carb or keto diet.
Commercial Options: Pre-packaged versions, like Ketel One's spritz, offer a consistent, low-calorie alternative to mixing your own.

Deconstructing the Calorie Count

To understand the total calories in your drink, you must analyze each component individually. The base of this cocktail is vodka, which, as a distilled spirit, contributes all its calories from the alcohol itself, without any sugar or carbs. The other ingredients—cucumber and mint—add flavor with a minimal caloric footprint.

The Caloric Core: Vodka

Standard Vodka (80 proof): A typical 1.5 oz shot, the equivalent of a jigger, contains about 96 to 97 calories.
Higher Proof Vodka: Stronger spirits have more calories. For instance, a 1.5 oz shot of 94-proof vodka jumps to around 116 calories.

The Freshness Factor: Cucumber and Mint

Cucumber: This vegetable is a dieter's friend. A half-cup of sliced cucumber (approx. 52g) contains a mere 8 calories, while a whole, large cucumber has only about 45 calories. For a single drink, you'll likely use just a few thin slices, contributing negligible calories to the final total.
Mint: Fresh mint is another near-zero-calorie ingredient used primarily for flavor. A typical serving of a few leaves or a sprig will add less than a single calorie.

The Crucial Variable: Mixers

The mixer is where the calorie count can skyrocket or stay perfectly in check. This is the single most important factor to control when trying to make a low-calorie cucumber mint vodka drink.

Club Soda or Sparkling Water: The ideal low-calorie mixer. Since these contain no calories, a cucumber mint vodka spritz with soda water will hover just around the 96-100 calorie mark, assuming a standard 1.5 oz pour of vodka.
Lemonade or Sugary Mixes: Using a sweetened mixer will dramatically increase the calorie count. For example, a recipe that uses lemonade could reach over 500 calories per drink due to the high sugar content. Similarly, tonic water is not calorie-free like soda water and will add its own sugar-based calories.
Cucumber-Flavored Spritzes: Canned options like Ketel One Botanical Vodka Spritz Cucumber & Mint offer a consistent calorie count, such as 89 calories per can, which is a convenient low-calorie option.

Crafting the Perfect Low-Calorie Version

To make a delicious and refreshing cucumber mint vodka drink without excess calories, follow these simple steps:

Start with Quality Vodka: Choose a standard 80-proof vodka for the calorie baseline.
Muddle Fresh Ingredients: Gently muddle a few slices of fresh cucumber and a handful of mint leaves in a cocktail shaker to release their aromatic oils. The minimal calories are worth the fresh, clean taste.
Add Citrus: A small squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright flavor. A single tablespoon of lime juice adds only about 4 calories.
Choose Your Mixer Wisely: Fill the glass with plain, calorie-free club soda or sparkling water. This provides the fizz and volume without the sugar.
Garnish for Effect: Add more fresh cucumber slices and a sprig of mint for an elegant finish.

Comparison of Cucumber Mint Vodka Drink Variations


Recipe Type	Key Ingredients	Approximate Calorie Count	Notes
Simple Spritz	1.5 oz vodka, cucumber, mint, club soda	~96-100 kcal	The lowest-calorie option. Crisp and refreshing.
Lemonade Cocktail	1.5 oz vodka, cucumber, mint, lemonade	~170+ kcal	Adds sweetness but significantly more calories.
Tonic Cocktail	1.5 oz vodka, cucumber, mint, tonic water	~190+ kcal	Tonic water contains sugar, unlike club soda.
Canned Spritz	Pre-mixed drink (e.g., Ketel One)	~89-95 kcal	Consistent, convenient, and low-calorie.

Health Benefits of Cucumber and Mint

While the primary health benefit of a cocktail is enjoyment, the fresh ingredients offer a small nutritional boost:

Hydration: Cucumber is over 95% water, which helps with hydration.
Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Both cucumber and mint contain antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress in the body.
Digestive Aid: Mint has long been used to soothe digestive issues like bloating and indigestion.
Nutrients: Cucumber contains trace amounts of important vitamins like Vitamin K, as well as potassium.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a cucumber mint vodka drink is highly customizable. A minimalist recipe using unflavored vodka, fresh cucumber, fresh mint, and calorie-free club soda will result in a drink with approximately 96-100 calories. By controlling your mixer choices and avoiding sugary syrups, you can enjoy this refreshing cocktail without compromising your dietary goals. For a more detailed breakdown of general alcoholic beverage calories, see this resource from MedlinePlus.

Low-Calorie Recipe for a Cucumber Mint Vodka Spritz

To achieve the lowest calorie count, here is a simple and fresh recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) 80-proof vodka
- 3-4 thin cucumber slices, plus extra for garnish
- A small handful of fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice (optional)
- 4-6 oz (120-180 ml) club soda or sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions:
1. In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add the cucumber slices and mint leaves. Muddle gently to release the flavors.
2. Add the vodka and lime juice (if using).
3. Fill the glass with ice.
4. Top with club soda or sparkling water.
5. Stir gently and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and a cucumber ribbon.

Enjoy this crisp, refreshing, and low-calorie cocktail!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if made correctly with a sugar-free mixer like club soda or sparkling water, a cucumber mint vodka drink can be a very low-calorie cocktail, typically staying under 100 calories per serving.

A standard 1.5 oz shot (a jigger) of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96-97 calories. This is the main caloric component of the drink.

No, fresh cucumber and mint add a negligible amount of calories. The flavor they provide is essentially calorie-free, with a small handful adding less than 5 calories combined.

To make this drink keto-friendly, ensure you use a vodka with no added sugar and a mixer that is calorie- and sugar-free, such as club soda or sparkling water. Plain vodka itself has no carbs or sugar.

A cucumber mint vodka drink made with tonic water will have a higher calorie count than one with club soda. Tonic water contains added sugar, which can push the total drink's calories to around 190 or more.

Yes, some brands offer pre-mixed, canned vodka spritzers with cucumber and mint flavoring. For example, Ketel One offers a botanical spritz with about 89 calories per can.

While it is still an alcoholic beverage, the fresh cucumber and mint provide some minor health benefits. Cucumber offers hydration, and both ingredients contain antioxidants that can aid digestion and reduce bloating.