Is Vodka the Least Calorie Alcohol? A Detailed Look at Nutrition

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

While often marketed as a dieter's spirit, a standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. This means vodka is not calorie-free, but it is one of the lowest-calorie spirits when consumed plain, a fact that requires careful comparison with other types of alcohol to be understood properly.

Quick Summary

This article examines the calorie content of vodka in comparison to other spirits, wines, and beers. It highlights that while vodka is low in calories, other zero-carb spirits are comparable, and mixers can dramatically increase the total count. Practical tips for choosing low-calorie drinks are also covered.

Key Points

Not the single lowest calorie alcohol: Other clear, distilled spirits like gin, tequila, and white rum have a similar calorie count per standard 1.5-ounce serving.
Calories come from alcohol, not carbs: Pure vodka and other spirits have zero carbohydrates, but the ethanol itself contains a dense 7 calories per gram.
Mixers are the main caloric culprit: The total calorie count of a drink is most heavily influenced by mixers like soda, juice, or sweetened liqueurs, not the base spirit.
Weight loss impact goes beyond calories: Alcohol consumption can disrupt the body's metabolism and temporarily halt fat burning, regardless of the drink's calorie content.
Stick to simple, zero-calorie mixers: For the lowest calorie option, mix vodka with club soda, seltzer, or a diet soft drink and a squeeze of fresh citrus.

Vodka: The "Clean" Spirit Myth and the Calorie Count

Vodka's reputation as a health-conscious alcohol choice stems from its low calorie and zero-carbohydrate content when consumed neat. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains around 97 calories, with the energy coming solely from the ethanol. Pure alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, which is nearly double that of protein or carbohydrates. This caloric density means that while a single serving of vodka is relatively low, the calories can accumulate quickly with each drink. Furthermore, the notion of vodka as a 'clean' or 'diet' spirit can be misleading, as alcohol consumption has several metabolic effects that can hinder weight loss efforts regardless of the drink's initial calorie count.

The Real Impact of Alcohol on Your Metabolism

Beyond the raw calorie count, the body's process for metabolizing alcohol has significant implications for weight management. The liver prioritizes breaking down alcohol, viewing it as a toxin, which effectively puts a pause on the burning of fats and sugars for energy. This 'fat-sparing' effect means that while you are drinking, your body is less efficient at burning fat. This metabolic shift, compounded by alcohol's tendency to stimulate appetite and lower inhibitions around food choices, can undermine a diet even with low-calorie beverages. Choosing low-calorie mixers is critical, as sugary sodas, juices, and liqueurs can transform a simple vodka shot into a high-calorie cocktail. For example, a vodka tonic with standard tonic water can contain up to 189 calories, compared to a vodka soda which stays around the 97-calorie mark.

Comparison of Alcohol Calorie Counts

To determine if vodka is truly the least calorie alcohol, it's essential to compare its nutritional profile to that of other common alcoholic beverages. When comparing pure spirits by standard serving size (1.5 oz), many are quite similar in calorie count. The significant variation arises from additional sugars and the volume of the beverage.

Calorie Comparison Table: Vodka vs. Other Alcohols


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Notes
Vodka (80 proof)	1.5 oz	97	Zero carbs and sugar
Tequila (80 proof)	1.5 oz	97	Comparable to vodka, zero carbs and sugar
Rum (80 proof)	1.5 oz	97	White rum is comparable, but dark rum can have more calories
Whiskey (80 proof)	1.5 oz	97	Zero carbs and sugar
Gin (80 proof)	1.5 oz	97	Zero carbs and sugar
Wine (Red)	5 oz	125	Contains carbs and sugar, but also antioxidants
Wine (White)	5 oz	121	Lower in carbs and sugar than red, but still higher than spirits
Beer (Regular)	12 oz	153	Significantly higher in calories and carbs
Beer (Light)	12 oz	103	A better option than regular beer, but still contains carbs
Champagne (Brut)	4 oz	84	The calorie count is lower per serving size than most wines

How to Enjoy Alcohol While Managing Calories

For those who want to be mindful of their calorie intake, particularly during weight management, simple strategies can make a big difference. The primary rule is to focus on the unadulterated spirit and control what you mix with it. By avoiding sugary cocktails and high-calorie liqueurs, you can minimize the caloric impact. This allows you to indulge in a low-calorie alcohol like vodka without sabotaging your dietary goals.

Here are some practical tips for healthier drinking:

Choose zero-calorie mixers: Instead of regular soda or juice, opt for club soda, seltzer, or diet soda. A vodka soda with a splash of lime is a classic low-calorie choice.
Infuse your own flavors: To add taste without sugar, try infusing your vodka with natural flavors like cucumber, mint, or citrus peels. This adds complexity and taste without the calories of artificial syrups.
Watch the portion size: Be mindful of your pour. A standard shot is 1.5 ounces, but it's easy to pour more generously at home. Sticking to a standard size prevents calorie creep.
Stay hydrated: Alternating alcoholic drinks with a glass of water can help slow down your consumption and prevent dehydration, which alcohol can exacerbate.
Experiment with low-calorie cocktails: A simple tequila with fresh lime and seltzer, or a gin with diet tonic, are other excellent low-calorie spirit-based alternatives.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Vodka's Caloric Status

While the popular belief that vodka is the least caloric alcohol holds some truth, it requires clarification. When consumed plain and compared to other pure distilled spirits like gin, tequila, and white rum, vodka offers a nearly identical low-calorie, zero-carb profile. The key takeaway is that the base spirit's calorie count is often a small part of the total calories consumed. The real caloric culprits are sugary mixers and high-proof, sweetened liqueurs. The decision to opt for a low-calorie spirit like vodka is an effective strategy for weight management only when paired with zero-calorie mixers and consumed in moderation. The metabolic reality is that excessive alcohol consumption, regardless of the type, will interfere with your body's fat-burning process and overall weight loss goals. Making informed choices about both the alcohol and the mixer is the most important step for health-conscious drinkers. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides further resources on alcohol's effects and responsible drinking.

Can Flavored Vodkas Affect the Calorie Count?

Yes, flavored vodkas can sometimes contain more calories than their unflavored counterparts. While many are made through infusion processes that add minimal to no calories, others use sugary syrups for flavor, significantly increasing the calorie and sugar content. Checking the label or the manufacturer's website is recommended to be sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, vodka is not calorie-free. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. All of these calories come directly from the alcohol content itself, as it has zero carbohydrates and zero sugar.

Vodka, gin, tequila, and other plain distilled spirits have a very similar calorie count per serving. An 80-proof, 1.5-ounce shot of any of these typically contains around 97 calories.

Yes, a standard 5-ounce glass of wine generally has more calories than a 1.5-ounce shot of vodka. For example, a glass of red wine is about 125 calories, and white wine is around 121, both of which also contain carbs and sugar.

Among the lowest calorie alcoholic drink options are a shot of plain, 80-proof vodka or other distilled spirits mixed with a zero-calorie mixer like club soda or diet tonic. A vodka soda with lime is a popular and very low-calorie choice.

Yes, but it requires mindful consumption and moderation. As alcohol slows down your body's fat-burning process, limiting your intake, avoiding sugary mixers, and incorporating low-calorie drink choices are crucial for maintaining weight loss goals.

It depends on the brand and flavoring process. Many flavored vodkas contain very few or no added calories beyond the base spirit. However, vodkas or cocktails with sugary syrups and ingredients will have significantly higher calories. Always check the label if possible.

For low-calorie mixers, opt for options with zero or minimal calories. Excellent choices include soda water, club soda, diet soda, sugar-free sparkling water, or a fresh squeeze of lemon or lime.