How many calories in a smash vodka soda?

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

A 12-ounce can of ready-to-drink smash vodka soda, from brands like Smirnoff or White Claw, typically contains around 100 calories, making it a popular choice for calorie-conscious consumers. This count is surprisingly low for a flavorful cocktail and stems from a specific ingredient makeup that sets it apart from other mixed drinks.

Quick Summary

A smash vodka soda, particularly from commercial brands, generally has about 100 calories per 12 oz can due to its low sugar content. Calorie counts vary based on ingredients like vodka and fruit juice, but pre-mixed options are designed to be low-calorie.

Key Points

Low Calorie Count: Pre-packaged smash vodka sodas from brands like Smirnoff and White Claw typically contain only 100 calories per 12 oz can.
No Added Sugar: Many popular brands use real fruit juice and natural flavors instead of added sugars, which keeps the calorie count low.
Main Calorie Source: The majority of calories come from the vodka itself, not sugary mixers, making it a cleaner, lighter drink option.
Homemade vs. RTD: Calories in a homemade smash vodka soda are easy to control, dependent on the amount of vodka, fruit, and any optional added sweeteners.
Better Alternative: Compared to many other cocktails and high-sugar mixers, a smash vodka soda is a low-calorie alternative for social drinking.
Drink in Moderation: Despite being lower in calories, it is still an alcoholic beverage, and moderate consumption is advised for maintaining health and wellness.

Calorie Count for Commercial Smash Vodka Sodas

Commercial ready-to-drink (RTD) smash vodka sodas are widely known for being low in calories. For instance, both Smirnoff SMASH Vodka Soda and White Claw Hard Seltzer Vodka Smash proudly advertise their calorie count on their packaging. These products typically contain approximately 100 calories per 12-ounce can. The key to this low-calorie formulation is the use of real fruit juice for flavor instead of added sugars or artificial sweeteners, combined with triple-distilled vodka and soda water. They also feature a moderate alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 4.5%. This makes them a lighter, more refreshing alternative to other canned cocktails or high-sugar mixers.

Factors Influencing a Smash Vodka Soda's Calories

The Vodka

The primary source of calories in any vodka soda is the vodka itself. All hard liquor's calories come from its alcohol content, as it contains no sugar or carbohydrates. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. The ABV of the vodka used will determine the calorie load. Since commercial smash vodka sodas typically use a lower ABV, the total calorie contribution from the vodka is controlled and kept minimal.

The 'Smash' Elements: Fruit and Herbs

A traditional "smash" cocktail involves muddling fresh fruit and herbs with a spirit, a sweetener, and a splash of water or soda. In commercial smash vodka sodas, real fruit juice and natural flavors are used to capture this essence. The crucial distinction is that many brands advertise "no added sugar," meaning the minimal sugars present are from the fruit juice itself. This is a major factor in keeping the total calorie count low compared to a cocktail made with sugary syrups or juice concentrates. For a homemade smash, the calories will depend on the amount and type of fruit and sweetener used. Fresh muddled fruit adds some calories, but far fewer than processed syrups.

The Soda

Plain soda water contains zero calories, making it the perfect low-calorie mixer. It provides the fizzy, refreshing finish of the drink without adding to the calorie count. Brands may use different types of soda water or mineral water, but the calorie impact remains negligible.

Homemade Smash Vodka Soda: How to Control Calories

Creating a smash vodka soda at home allows for precise control over the ingredients and calorie count. Here's a basic recipe outline and how to keep it low-cal:

Muddle Your Flavors: In a glass, gently muddle fresh fruit (like berries, peach, or lime) and herbs (such as mint or basil). This releases their natural juices and aromas. Using fresh fruit means you avoid the high sugar content of store-bought juices.
Add Vodka: Pour a measured shot of vodka (1.5 oz for approximately 97 calories).
Sweeten (or not): To keep calories low, skip the added sugar. If you prefer some sweetness, use a few drops of a zero-calorie sweetener or a minimal amount of a natural alternative like stevia.
Top with Soda: Fill the rest of the glass with ice and top with zero-calorie soda water.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and an extra sprig of mint.

This method ensures the maximum flavor from natural ingredients while keeping the calories focused almost entirely on the alcohol content, with just a few extra from the fresh fruit.

Comparison Table: Smash Vodka Soda vs. Other Popular Drinks

This table provides a quick look at how a commercial smash vodka soda compares to other common alcoholic beverages. (All values are approximate for a standard serving size).


Drink	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Calorie Source
Smash Vodka Soda (RTD)	12 oz can	100	Vodka, real fruit juice
Vodka Soda with Lime	8 oz glass	82-133	Vodka
Classic Mojito	6 oz glass	143-170	Rum, sugar syrup
Hard Seltzer (e.g., Truly)	12 oz can	100-110	Fermented cane sugar
Classic Margarita	4 oz glass	170+	Tequila, triple sec, sugary mixer

Health Considerations Beyond Calories

While a smash vodka soda is a low-calorie option, it's important to remember that it is still an alcoholic beverage and should be consumed in moderation. Drinking can lead to dehydration and may influence diet goals due to lowered inhibitions that can lead to overeating. For those focusing on mindful drinking, alternating alcoholic drinks with water is a helpful strategy. The nutritional benefits of the real fruit juice are minimal, and the main draw is the lower calorie count compared to many other cocktail options.

Conclusion

Ready-to-drink smash vodka sodas offer a convenient, low-calorie option for those seeking a flavorful and refreshing cocktail. With around 100 calories per 12-ounce can, they represent a significantly lighter alternative to many other mixed drinks. The key to this is the use of real fruit juice and a low ABV, without added sugars. For those who prefer to make their own, controlling the calories is straightforward by using fresh ingredients and avoiding added sweeteners. Whether store-bought or homemade, the smash vodka soda is a testament to the fact that you can enjoy a delicious cocktail without a hefty calorie price tag.

For more information on moderate alcohol consumption and health, consult resources from authoritative sources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Frequently Asked Questions

A smash vodka soda is often a lower-calorie alternative to many other cocktails, especially those made with high-sugar mixers, juices, or syrups. However, the healthiness depends on the ingredients; commercial smash drinks tend to be lower in calories and sugar than many traditional cocktails.

The main difference is the fruit. A traditional vodka soda with lime and a 1.5oz shot of vodka has around 96-133 calories, while a smash vodka soda, which includes muddled fruit juice, averages about 100 calories per 12 oz can, which is comparable or slightly less due to lower ABV and no added sugar.

Many of the popular ready-to-drink brands, such as Smirnoff and White Claw, advertise that their smash vodka sodas have no added sugar. However, the calorie count can still be influenced by natural sugars from real fruit juice, so it is always wise to check the label.

To make a low-calorie smash at home, use fresh muddled fruit and herbs for flavor instead of sugar. Combine it with a measured shot of vodka and top with zero-calorie soda water. Avoid adding sugar syrups to keep the calorie count down.

The ready-to-drink smash vodka sodas from brands like Smirnoff and White Claw are generally labeled as gluten-free. Vodka made from potatoes or grapes is naturally gluten-free, but if made from grain, the distillation process usually removes gluten. Check the specific product label for confirmation.

For pre-mixed versions, a smash vodka soda is not necessarily higher in sugar. Brands like Smirnoff specifically formulate their products with no added sugar, relying on natural fruit juice for sweetness, unlike many classic cocktails that use sugary syrups. A traditional vodka soda has virtually no sugar.

While the specific flavors may contain slightly different amounts of fruit juice, popular brands typically maintain a consistent calorie count across their variety packs. For example, Smirnoff SMASH offers various flavors, with each can containing approximately 100 calories.