Is a vodka soda the lowest calorie drink for health-conscious consumers?

With approximately 97 calories in a standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof vodka, a vodka soda is often hailed as a top contender for the lowest calorie drink. But is a vodka soda actually the most virtuous option, or are there other low-calorie alternatives worth considering for those watching their caloric intake?

Quick Summary

This article explores the calorie count of a vodka soda, examining why it is a popular low-calorie choice. It compares the drink to other light alcoholic options, such as wine spritzers and light beer, and provides tips for minimizing calories in mixed drinks.

Key Points

• Not always the lowest: While a vodka soda is very low in calories, a white wine spritzer or a smaller pour of a neat spirit can be slightly lower.

• Mixers are key: The primary reason a vodka soda is low-calorie is its use of zero-calorie club soda; sugary mixers quickly add hundreds of calories.

• Calories from alcohol: In distilled spirits like vodka, all calories come from the alcohol itself; the higher the proof, the more calories per ounce.

• Zero sugar, zero carbs: A vodka soda with unflavored soda water has no sugar or carbohydrates, making it ideal for low-carb diets.

• Moderation is essential: Regardless of the drink, consuming alcohol in moderation is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing calorie intake.

The Case for the Vodka Soda

At its core, a vodka soda is one of the simplest cocktails: vodka and club soda, often with a twist of lime or lemon. The brilliance of this drink lies in its ingredients. Distilled spirits like vodka have zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. The calories come purely from the ethanol content itself. Standard 80-proof vodka contains around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot. Since plain club soda or seltzer water contains zero calories, the entire calorie count of the drink is determined by the amount and proof of the vodka. A typical vodka soda with 1.5 ounces of vodka will clock in at just under 100 calories, making it an excellent choice for a low-calorie cocktail.

Why it's a popular choice for dieters

For those on low-carb diets like keto, a vodka soda is particularly appealing because it is entirely free of carbohydrates. Unlike drinks with sugary sodas or juices, there are no hidden sugars. The neutral flavor of vodka also makes it a versatile canvas for low-calorie additions. Squeezing in fresh lime juice, adding cucumber slices, or infusing with herbs like mint provides flavor without a significant calorie increase.

The Contenders: How Do Other Drinks Compare?

While the vodka soda is a strong competitor, it's not the only low-calorie game in town. Several other options rival its low-cal status, sometimes even beating it depending on the specific serving.

White wine spritzer

A white wine spritzer, made by mixing dry white wine with club soda, is a formidable challenger. A 5-ounce white wine spritzer might contain just 75 calories, placing it slightly below a standard vodka soda. The exact count depends on the wine's alcohol content and the ratio of wine to soda, but it's consistently a very low-calorie option.

Light beer

For beer lovers, a light beer offers a solid alternative. Many light beers contain between 90 and 110 calories per 12-ounce bottle. This is more calories per serving than a vodka soda, but the volume is significantly higher, allowing for longer sipping. Brands like Michelob Ultra are known for being particularly low in calories.

Hard seltzer

The hard seltzer boom has also introduced another popular low-calorie option. Many hard seltzer brands offer cans with around 99 calories, typically from fermented cane sugar rather than a distilled spirit base. These are often fruity and refreshing, serving as a ready-to-drink, low-calorie alternative to cocktails.

Neat spirits or spirits on the rocks

The absolute lowest-calorie option would be a shot of a distilled spirit neat or on the rocks. Since all calories come from the alcohol, drinking it without any mixer is the simplest way to keep the count down. This applies to vodka, tequila, gin, or whiskey, which all hover around the 97-100 calorie mark per 1.5 ounces at 80 proof.

The Impact of Mixers: The Calorie Trap

For many, the biggest calorie culprit in cocktails isn't the alcohol itself, but the mixers. A single 1.5-ounce shot of vodka is under 100 calories, but combining it with certain ingredients can quickly add hundreds more. For instance, a vodka cranberry can have 184 calories or more, and a rum and Coke can be as high as 185 calories with regular cola. The key to keeping drinks low-calorie is to be mindful of your mixers.

Smart mixer choices

• Club Soda or Seltzer: The zero-calorie classic, as used in a vodka soda.
• Diet Soda: Replacing regular Coke or tonic with diet versions saves a significant amount of sugar and calories. A gin and diet tonic has about 98 calories, compared to nearly 200 for a standard one.
• Lemon or Lime Juice: A simple, fresh squeeze adds flavor with minimal calories.
• Herbal Infusions: Slices of cucumber, mint, or rosemary can add complexity without adding sugar.

Comparison Table: Vodka Soda vs. Other Low-Calorie Drinks

Drink	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Ingredients	Pros	Cons
Vodka Soda	1.5 oz vodka + soda water	~97	Vodka, club soda, lime/lemon	Very low-cal, zero sugar, versatile	Some find the flavor plain
White Wine Spritzer	5 oz serving	~75-120	Dry white wine, soda water	Very low-cal, lower ABV	Lower alcohol content
Light Beer	12 oz	~95-110	Malted barley, hops, yeast	Filling, widely available	Higher calorie count than neat spirits
Hard Seltzer	12 oz	~99	Seltzer water, fermented cane sugar	Convenient, refreshing, often flavored	Can contain some sugar, sweetness may vary
Neat Spirit (e.g., vodka)	1.5 oz	~97	Vodka	Purest form, no mixer calories	Strong alcohol taste, high ABV concentration
Gin & Diet Tonic	1.5 oz gin + diet tonic	~98	Gin, diet tonic water, lime	Low-cal, classic flavor profile	Tonic water can sometimes have lingering artificial sweetener taste

How to make the lowest-calorie drink

Ultimately, the absolute lowest calorie alcoholic drink will be determined by the alcohol content and quantity. A smaller pour of an 80-proof spirit will have fewer calories than a larger pour, regardless of the mixer. A 1-ounce pour of vodka (around 64 calories) mixed with zero-calorie soda water is technically a lower-calorie drink than a 1.5-ounce pour. For the true health minimalist, a single shot of 80-proof vodka or tequila served neat would be one of the lowest-calorie options, containing just under 100 calories with no added sugar.

Conclusion

While a vodka soda is certainly a champion among low-calorie alcoholic drinks, it is not definitively the lowest. Drinks like a white wine spritzer or a small pour of vodka neat can offer a similar or even slightly lower calorie count. The vodka soda's reputation is well-earned, however, as it represents a consistently low-calorie, zero-sugar, and low-carb option when mixed with club soda. For those prioritizing minimizing calories, the best strategy is to stick with distilled spirits mixed with zero-calorie mixers and to be mindful of pour size. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference for flavor, volume, and alcohol content, but the vodka soda remains a reliable and safe bet for a guilt-free drink. For more resources on nutrition and healthy living, WebMD provides helpful articles on a variety of health topics.(https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/low-calorie-cocktails)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a vodka soda lower in calories than wine?

Yes, a vodka soda is typically lower in calories than a glass of wine. A 1.5-ounce vodka soda contains about 97 calories, whereas a 5-ounce glass of white or red wine is usually between 120 and 128 calories.

How many calories are in a vodka soda?

The calories in a vodka soda come entirely from the vodka. A standard 1.5-ounce pour of 80-proof vodka is around 97 calories, while a smaller 1-ounce pour is about 64 calories.

Does adding lime or lemon to a vodka soda add many calories?

No, a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice adds a negligible amount of calories, typically less than 10 for a standard lime wedge. This is a great way to add flavor without increasing the calorie count.

Is a vodka tonic the same as a vodka soda?

No, a vodka tonic is significantly higher in calories. While a vodka soda uses zero-calorie club soda, a standard tonic water contains sugar and therefore many more calories. A vodka tonic can contain over 180 calories.

What is the lowest calorie alcoholic drink you can have?

While a vodka soda is an excellent choice, a white wine spritzer with a lower alcohol content or simply a smaller pour of a neat spirit can be the lowest in calories, sometimes under 80.

Why are hard seltzers not always the lowest calorie option?

Hard seltzers are often low in calories but are typically made from fermented cane sugar and may contain some residual sugars and more carbohydrates than a vodka soda. This means a hard seltzer can sometimes be slightly higher in calories than a vodka soda, though still a very light option.

Is it possible to drink alcohol and still lose weight?

Yes, it is possible to drink alcohol in moderation while still losing weight. The key is to choose low-calorie options, limit frequency, and account for the calories in your total daily intake. Choosing simple, low-sugar cocktails is the best strategy.