Is Vodka the Lowest Calorie Drink? Unpacking the Truth

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories, with zero carbs or sugar. While this makes vodka a strong contender, the answer to 'is vodka the lowest calorie drink?' is far more nuanced, depending heavily on its proof and accompanying mixers.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content of vodka, comparing it with other distilled spirits, beers, wines, and low-calorie mixed drinks. It details how proof and mixers significantly influence the final calorie count and identifies genuinely low-calorie alcohol options.

Key Points

Not the absolute lowest: While vodka is among the lowest-calorie spirits, other options like hard seltzers and light beers can have similar or lower calories per serving.
Mixers are the major calorie source: The biggest caloric danger with vodka isn't the spirit itself, but the high-sugar mixers often used in cocktails.
Proof affects calories: Higher-proof vodka contains more calories than lower-proof versions, as all its calories come from the ethanol.
Other spirits are comparable: Clear, 80-proof spirits like gin, tequila, and white rum contain almost the same number of calories per standard shot.
Body prioritizes alcohol metabolism: Consuming alcohol can slow down your body's fat-burning process and lead to weight gain, regardless of the calorie count.
A vodka soda is a reliable low-cal choice: Combining vodka with zero-calorie soda water and fresh citrus is one of the simplest ways to make a low-calorie alcoholic drink.

The Caloric Content of Vodka

When discussing vodka's calorie count, the key factor is the alcohol content, measured by proof. Since pure alcohol contains about seven calories per gram, the higher the proof, the more calories per serving. For instance:

70-proof (35% ABV) vodka: ~85 calories per 1.5 oz shot.
80-proof (40% ABV) vodka: ~97 calories per 1.5 oz shot.
100-proof (50% ABV) vodka: ~124 calories per 1.5 oz shot.

Unlike many other alcoholic beverages, plain, unflavored vodka has no carbohydrates, fat, or sugar. All of its calories come directly from the alcohol itself, making it a favorite for those on low-carb or keto diets. However, this calorie structure is similar to that of other clear, distilled spirits like gin and tequila.

Vodka vs. Other Clear Spirits

Vodka's reputation as a low-calorie option is well-deserved, but it's not unique in this regard among spirits. Other clear liquors, when compared at the same proof, have a very similar calorie count. According to health resources and liquor guides, a 1.5 oz serving of most 80-proof spirits contains nearly identical calories.

Comparing Spirits (1.5 oz, 80-proof):

Vodka: ~97 calories
Gin: ~98 calories
White Tequila: ~98 calories
White Rum: ~97 calories
Whiskey: ~98 calories

This makes it clear that vodka is not uniquely the lowest calorie spirit, but rather a leader within a tight group of contenders. The choice between them on a purely caloric basis is often negligible.

The Mixer Problem: Where Calories Lurk

The biggest factor influencing the final calorie count of a vodka drink isn't the spirit itself, but the mixers used. A plain vodka soda with a lime twist is an extremely low-calorie cocktail because soda water and fresh citrus contain virtually no calories. However, many popular cocktails use high-sugar mixers that can turn a relatively lean spirit into a sugary indulgence. For example, a vodka-cranberry can contain upwards of 200 calories due to the juice.

Calorie-Saving Mixer Tips:

Stick to zero-calorie mixers: Club soda, diet tonic water, or diet sodas are your best bet.
Add flavor naturally: Use a squeeze of fresh lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice, or muddle some fresh herbs like mint or cucumber.
Beware of store-bought mixes: Pre-made cocktail mixes are often loaded with unnecessary sugar and calories.

Vodka vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

Compared to beer, wine, and sugary cocktails, straight spirits like vodka almost always come out on top in terms of calorie efficiency. This is especially true per standard serving size.

The Calorie Comparison Table


Beverage	Standard Serving	Approximate Calories
Vodka (80-proof)	1.5 oz shot	97
Light Beer	12 oz can	90-120
Hard Seltzer	12 oz can	90-100
Dry Wine	5 oz glass	120-125
Red Wine	5 oz glass	125
Regular Beer	12 oz can	150+
Sugary Cocktails	8 oz serving	200-400+

As the table illustrates, light beers and hard seltzers can compete with or even beat vodka's per-serving calorie count, though their larger serving size means the spirit is more potent. However, compared to a full-calorie regular beer or a sweetened cocktail, vodka is a clear low-calorie choice.

Alcohol and Weight Management

Beyond the raw calorie count, it's crucial to understand how the body processes alcohol. Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, which prioritizes it over other macronutrients like fat. This can temporarily halt your body's fat-burning process, a phenomenon known as "fat sparing". Alcohol is also referred to as "empty calories" because it provides energy without any nutritional value. Additionally, drinking can increase appetite and lower inhibitions, leading to poor food choices.

For those focused on weight management, drinking in moderation and choosing the right pairings are essential. Opting for low-sugar mixers is a major step. Healthline provides an in-depth guide on vodka's nutrition.

Conclusion: Is Vodka the King of Low Calories?

While vodka is a famously low-calorie option, it is not definitively the lowest calorie drink available. Other clear spirits, like gin and tequila, offer a nearly identical calorie profile per serving. Even light beers, hard seltzers, and dry wines can be very competitive in a head-to-head comparison, especially considering their different alcohol content and serving sizes. The most important takeaway for minimizing calorie intake is to avoid sugary mixers and drink in moderation. A vodka soda with a fresh lime twist remains one of the most reliable and simplest low-calorie alcoholic choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single lowest-calorie drink, as it depends on serving size and additives. However, plain spirits like vodka, light beers, hard seltzers, and dry wines are generally among the lowest-calorie alcoholic options.

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) vodka contains approximately 97 calories. The calorie count increases with higher proof.

Most flavor-infused vodkas do not add significant calories beyond the alcohol itself. However, be cautious of vodka drinks made with sugary syrups, which can dramatically increase the calorie and carb count.

When compared at the same proof, vodka and gin have a nearly identical calorie count. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof gin has about 98 calories, just one more than vodka.

Light beers can have a similar calorie count per serving as a shot of spirits. For example, a 12-ounce can of light beer (around 100 calories) has a larger volume but comparable calories to a 1.5-ounce shot of vodka (97 calories).

Good low-calorie mixers for vodka include club soda, soda water, diet tonic water, or diet sodas. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon, lime, or a few berries can also add flavor without a lot of extra calories.

Yes, but moderation is key. You can incorporate low-calorie alcoholic options into your diet while managing your weight, especially by avoiding sugary mixers and drinking responsibly. However, alcohol can still interfere with weight loss goals.

Many cocktails are high in calories because they combine spirits with high-sugar mixers like juices, syrups, and sodas. These additions, not the alcohol itself, are the main source of the high calorie count.