Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in one shot of flavored vodka?

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof plain vodka contains approximately 96 to 98 calories. But what happens when you add flavor? The calorie count of flavored vodka can vary depending on the proof and whether sugar or artificial sweeteners have been added, making it crucial for those on a strict nutrition diet to understand the differences.

Quick Summary

The calories in a shot of flavored vodka are largely determined by its alcohol content (proof) and sugar additives. While many infused flavored vodkas have a similar calorie count to regular vodka, some sweeter versions contain extra sugar and carbs, increasing the total caloric load. Opting for sugar-free infused varieties or low-calorie mixers can help manage calorie intake.

Key Points

Calories Primarily from Alcohol: The calorie count in a shot of flavored vodka is mainly determined by its alcohol content, or proof.
Flavor Method Matters: Naturally infused flavored vodkas often have a similar calorie count to plain vodka, while varieties with added sugars or sweeteners are higher in calories and carbs.
Check the Label: Always read the nutritional information to distinguish between infused and sweetened products and to see the exact calorie count.
Mixers Add the Most Calories: The biggest source of extra calories in a vodka cocktail is typically the mixer; choose low-calorie or calorie-free options like soda water or fresh citrus juice.
Alcohol Hinders Fat Burning: Beyond the calories, alcohol consumption can temporarily slow down your body's fat-burning process and increase appetite, impacting weight loss efforts.
Proof Increases Calories: Higher proof vodkas contain more alcohol and therefore more calories per shot than lower-proof versions.

Understanding the Calories in Flavored Vodka

When considering alcohol on a diet, vodka is often seen as one of the 'safer' options because unflavored, pure distilled spirits contain no carbohydrates, sugar, or fat. The calories in standard vodka come solely from the alcohol itself, which contains approximately 7 calories per gram, nearly double the energy density of protein or carbohydrates. The key to understanding the caloric impact of flavored vodka lies in its proof and how the flavoring is achieved.

How Proof Affects Calorie Count

The proof of a spirit is a measure of its alcohol content, and it directly correlates with the number of calories. The higher the proof, the more alcohol is present and, consequently, the higher the calorie count will be per serving. Most commercial vodkas are 80-proof (40% alcohol by volume), but brands offer varieties ranging from 60-proof to 100-proof or higher. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of 100-proof vodka can contain up to 124 calories, significantly more than the 96 calories found in an 80-proof version. This principle applies to both plain and flavored vodkas.

The Difference Between Infusions and Additives

Manufacturers use different methods to add flavor, which profoundly impacts the final calorie and sugar count. This distinction is vital for anyone watching their diet.

Infusions: Many premium brands achieve flavor by infusing the spirit with natural essences, fruits, or botanicals. In this process, the flavor is extracted without adding extra sugar or artificial sweeteners. The resulting product often has a similar calorie count to its unflavored equivalent, and remains carb-free. Examples include Ketel One Botanical varieties and certain natural-flavor brands like Absolut, which states its flavored vodkas have no added sugar.
Added Sugars: Some sweeter flavored vodkas, particularly those with dessert-like profiles (e.g., whipped cream, caramel), add sugars or sweeteners. These additions increase the total calorie and carbohydrate content per serving. A product like Phillips Lime Flavored Vodka has a higher sugar content and total calories compared to a naturally flavored alternative. Always check the nutritional information or ingredient list if you are unsure.

Comparison of Flavored vs. Plain Vodka


Type of Vodka (1.5 oz shot)	Proof	Approx. Calories	Carbs & Sugars	Key Takeaway
Plain Vodka	80-Proof	96-98	0g	Baseline for most flavored varieties.
Naturally Infused Flavored	80-Proof	~98	0g	Minimal calorie change from plain vodka.
Lower-Proof Infused	60-Proof	~72-78	0g	Significantly lower in calories due to lower alcohol content.
Sweet Flavored with Added Sugar	Varies	90-120+	High	Added sugars increase total calories and carbs.

The Impact of Alcohol on Diet and Weight Management

While a single shot might seem insignificant, the cumulative effects of alcohol consumption can derail weight loss goals. Beyond the empty calories, alcohol affects the body in several ways that can impede progress:

Slows Fat Burning: The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol as a toxin over burning fat and sugar. This temporarily halts the fat-burning process.
Increases Appetite: Alcohol can lower inhibitions and disrupt hormones that control hunger and satiety, making you more likely to overeat or crave unhealthy foods.
Sleep Disruption: Poor sleep quality, often a side effect of drinking, can negatively impact appetite-regulating hormones and metabolism.

Making Smarter Choices with Flavored Vodka

For those who enjoy flavored vodka but want to stick to their nutrition plan, here are some tips:

Choose Wisely: Prioritize naturally infused or 'zero sugar' flavored vodkas. Read the label carefully to distinguish them from brands with added syrups or sweeteners.
Use Low-Calorie Mixers: The real calorie culprits are often the mixers. Avoid sugary sodas, juices, and tonic water. Instead, opt for calorie-free alternatives like sparkling water, diet soda, or a splash of fresh citrus juice.
Hydrate Strategically: Drinking water in between alcoholic beverages not only helps with hydration but also slows down your consumption. This can prevent overindulgence and help manage your overall calorie intake.
Count the Mixers: Don't just count the vodka; include the calories from your mixer. A vodka soda with a lime wedge is a far better choice than a vodka cranberry, for example.
Practice Moderation: The best strategy for any diet is moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.

Conclusion

While a shot of flavored vodka often contains a similar number of calories to plain vodka (typically around 96-98 calories for 80-proof), this can change based on the proof and presence of added sugars. Brands that use natural infusions will be closer to the baseline, while sweeter, often lower-proof options may contain hidden calories and carbohydrates. To stay on track with your nutrition goals, always check labels, opt for low-calorie mixers like soda water or fresh juice, and practice moderation. This mindful approach allows you to enjoy flavored spirits without derailing your diet. For more detailed information on how alcohol affects weight, check out this MedlinePlus resource on weight loss and alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Many flavored vodkas achieve their taste through natural infusions without adding calories or carbohydrates. However, some dessert or confectionery-flavored vodkas may have added sugars, which increases their calorie and carb count compared to a standard unflavored vodka.

No. While many brands offer flavored vodkas with zero added sugar, you must read the label carefully. Some sweeter flavors, often marketed as dessert or candy-flavored, contain added sugar and syrups, significantly increasing their calories and carbohydrates.

The best way to know is to check the nutritional information or ingredient list on the bottle. Brands will often specify if the product is 'naturally flavored,' 'zero sugar,' or an 'infusion.' If no nutritional information is available, brands with dessert-like flavor names are more likely to contain added sugars.

Yes, different flavored vodkas can have varying calorie counts, but the difference often has more to do with the brand's formula and alcohol proof than the specific flavor. A higher proof or the addition of sugar for flavor will increase the calories, regardless of whether it's citrus or caramel.

Yes, the proof of vodka has a direct impact on its calorie count. Since all the calories in pure vodka come from alcohol, a higher proof (higher alcohol percentage) means a higher number of calories per serving. For example, a 100-proof vodka has more calories per shot than an 80-proof version.

For those on a diet, the best options are flavored vodkas labeled as naturally infused or sugar-free. Brands like Ketel One Botanical or Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions are specifically designed to offer flavor with lower calories and no added sugar.

According to the USDA, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of unflavored, 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96 to 98 calories. Flavored varieties from reputable brands that use natural infusions will have a very similar calorie count.