Nutrition Diet: What's the lowest calorie cocktail you can drink?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

With many popular cocktails containing hundreds of calories—a traditional margarita can have over 400—many health-conscious individuals ask: what's the lowest calorie cocktail you can drink? For those watching their weight, the answer lies in simple, sugar-free mixers paired with clear spirits.

Quick Summary

The lowest calorie cocktails consist of clear spirits like vodka or gin mixed with zero-calorie mixers like soda water. Learn which specific drinks are the lightest and how to customize cocktails to minimize sugar and empty calories.

Key Points

Vodka Soda is the Lowest Calorie Cocktail: Containing around 82 calories, a Vodka Soda with a squeeze of lime is the simplest and lightest option.
Choose Clear Spirits: Opt for clear spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila, as they generally contain fewer calories than their darker counterparts.
Ditch Sugary Mixers: The biggest calorie culprits are syrups and sugary sodas. Stick to zero-calorie mixers like club soda or diet tonic.
Embrace Fresh Flavors: Use fresh citrus juice, muddled herbs, and bitters to add flavor without piling on calories.
Customize Your Order: Don't be afraid to ask for a "skinny" version of a classic cocktail, swapping syrups for fresh ingredients and diet mixers.
Moderation is Key: Regardless of your drink choice, consuming alcohol in moderation is essential for balancing both your social life and nutrition goals.

The Champion: Vodka Soda

If you're seeking the absolute minimum in cocktail calories, the Vodka Soda is the undisputed winner. A typical 8-ounce Vodka Soda contains as few as 82 calories. Its recipe is straightforward: vodka, club soda, and a splash of freshly squeezed lime or lemon. The calories come almost entirely from the alcohol, as the club soda and fresh citrus are nearly calorie-free. This simplicity makes it a favorite for those aiming to enjoy a drink without derailing their diet.

How to Build a Better, Lighter Cocktail

Understanding what makes a cocktail low in calories is the first step toward making smarter choices. The key is to control the two main components: the base spirit and the mixer.

Choose Clear Spirits: Clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila generally have fewer calories than darker, sweeter liquors or liqueurs. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka or gin has around 100 calories.
Use Zero-Calorie Mixers: This is where you save the most. Swap sugary sodas and juices for calorie-free alternatives. The most common choices include:
- Club Soda or Seltzer: The ultimate zero-calorie mixer.
- Diet Tonic Water: Provides the characteristic bitter flavor of a Gin and Tonic without the sugar found in regular tonic.
- Unsweetened Tea or Coffee: Can add depth and flavor without extra calories.
Add Flavor with Fresh Ingredients: Instead of syrups, use fresh herbs, spices, or fruit. Muddled mint or cucumber, a sprig of rosemary, a dash of bitters, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can elevate your drink's flavor profile with minimal caloric impact.

Low-Calorie Cocktail Recipes

Here are some simple, low-calorie recipes you can easily make at home or order at a bar.

Classic Vodka Soda

1.5 oz vodka
4-6 oz club soda
Juice from 1/2 fresh lime
Instructions: Fill a glass with ice. Add vodka and lime juice. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Gin & Diet Tonic

1.5 oz gin
4-6 oz diet tonic water
Lime or lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions: Fill a glass with ice. Add gin and top with diet tonic. Stir gently and garnish with a citrus wedge.

White Wine Spritzer

3 oz dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
2 oz club soda or sparkling water
Instructions: Pour chilled wine into a glass filled with ice. Add sparkling water and stir. A lemon twist or frozen berries can be added for extra flavor.

Skinny Margarita

1.5 oz tequila
1 oz fresh lime juice
0.25 oz agave nectar (optional)
Splash of soda water
Instructions: Shake tequila, lime juice, and agave with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice. Top with a splash of soda water.

How to Order Smart at a Bar

When you're out and about, a few simple phrases can make all the difference in keeping your drink light.

Request diet mixers: Ask for diet tonic or diet soda to replace the high-sugar versions.
Stick to fresh juices: For flavor, ask for a "splash" of fresh juice rather than using pre-made, sugar-filled sour mixes or fruit blends.
Ask for extra ice: Diluting your drink with more ice can help you pace yourself and reduce the amount of alcohol and calories consumed per sip.
Go simple: The fewer ingredients, the better. A spirit with soda is a safe, low-calorie bet.

Low-Calorie vs. High-Calorie Cocktails

This comparison highlights how easily calories can add up in popular drinks due to syrups, liqueurs, and sugary juices.


Cocktail Type	Ingredients	Estimated Calories	Reason for High Calorie Count	Low-Calorie Version (Calories)
Vodka Soda	Vodka, soda water, lime juice	~82	Zero-calorie mixer	N/A
Gin & Tonic	Gin, tonic water	~200	Sugar in regular tonic water	Gin & Diet Tonic (~57)
White Wine Spritzer	Dry white wine, soda water	~75	Diluted wine	N/A
Margarita	Tequila, Triple Sec, sour mix	~280-400	Sugary mix, orange liqueur	Skinny Margarita (~88-120)
Piña Colada	Rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice	~380-490	Cream, sugary juice	Not recommended for low-calorie
Long Island Iced Tea	Multiple spirits, cola, sour mix	~780	Multiple liquors, sugary mixers	Not recommended for low-calorie

Conclusion

While the Vodka Soda is a standout for its simplicity and minimal calories, many popular cocktails can be adapted to be more diet-friendly by making simple swaps. By choosing clear spirits, opting for zero-calorie mixers like club soda, and flavoring with fresh citrus and herbs instead of syrups, you can enjoy a delicious drink without the added sugar and empty calories. Ultimately, mindful drinking and moderation are key to enjoying cocktails while still adhering to your nutrition goals.

For more information on alcohol and weight loss, consult resources like MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Vodka Soda uses vodka and soda water, while a Gin and Tonic uses gin and tonic water. For a low-calorie version, a Gin and Diet Tonic is the best option, as regular tonic water contains a significant amount of sugar.

While most standard 80-proof spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey contain around 100 calories per 1.5-ounce serving, many liqueurs are much higher in calories due to added sugar.

Yes, but in moderation. The key is to account for the 'empty calories' from alcohol in your daily intake and choose lower-calorie options to avoid consuming unnecessary sugar.

For a skinny margarita, skip the sugary premade mixes. Combine 1.5 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and a splash of agave nectar or a zero-calorie sweetener, topping with soda water.

Piña Coladas are high in calories because they are made with sugary coconut cream and pineapple juice, which contain a lot of sugar and fat. A single serving can contain close to 500 calories.

While red wine has beneficial antioxidants, a standard 5-ounce glass contains around 125 calories. Cocktails like a Vodka Soda often contain fewer calories and less sugar.

To add flavor without sugar, you can muddle fresh herbs like mint or basil, use fresh citrus juice, add a dash of bitters, or use flavored sparkling water.