Rum vs. Vodka: Which is more fattening, rum or vodka?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

For unflavored, 80-proof spirits, a 1.5-ounce shot of vodka contains approximately 97 calories, which is virtually identical to an equivalent serving of rum. The real factor determining which is more fattening, rum or vodka, often comes down to the mixers and additives, not the base spirit itself.

Quick Summary

Unflavored rum and vodka have nearly identical calorie counts per serving, with the fat content of an alcoholic drink largely influenced by added sugars from mixers and flavored varieties. The real nutritional impact hinges on how the spirit is consumed, not the spirit itself.

Key Points

Nearly Identical Calories: Unflavored, 80-proof rum and vodka contain almost the same number of calories per serving (approximately 97 kcal per 1.5 oz shot).
Mixers are the Culprit: The main source of extra calories and sugar in alcoholic drinks comes from mixers like sodas, juices, and syrups, not the base spirit.
Flavored Spirits Add Sugar: Flavored rums and vodkas, unlike their unflavored counterparts, contain added sugars and consequently, more calories.
Empty Calories Impact Metabolism: Calories from alcohol are 'empty' and cause the body to prioritize burning alcohol, which slows down the fat-burning process.
Choose Low-Calorie Mixers: Pairing spirits with zero-calorie mixers like club soda or diet soda is the most effective way to reduce the total calorie count.
Moderation is Key: Regardless of the spirit, limiting overall alcohol consumption is the best strategy for managing weight and preventing negative health effects.

The Core Difference: Calories in Unflavored Spirits

When comparing standard, unflavored, and 80-proof versions of both rum and vodka, the calorie count is nearly identical. Research indicates that a typical 1.5-ounce shot of either spirit contains around 97 calories. The calories in hard liquor come directly from the alcohol itself, which contains about 7 calories per gram—more than protein or carbs (4 kcal/g) but less than fat (9 kcal/g). This means that for unflavored distilled spirits of the same alcohol by volume (ABV), the calorie difference is negligible. The proof of the spirit is the primary factor influencing calorie density, with higher-proof spirits containing more alcohol and thus more calories per ounce.

The Calorie Culprit: Mixers and Flavored Spirits

While the base spirits are similar, the overall 'fattening' potential changes dramatically once mixers are introduced. This is the key consideration for anyone watching their weight. Sugary sodas, high-calorie juices, and syrups can transform a relatively low-calorie spirit into a significant source of empty calories.

Here’s a breakdown of how mixers can impact your drink:

Rum-based cocktails: Drinks like a Piña Colada (380+ calories), Mai Tai (300+ calories), or even a standard Rum and Coke (185 calories) can pack a caloric punch due to the added sugars and creamy ingredients. Spiced or flavored rums also contain added sugars, increasing their inherent calorie count compared to their unflavored counterparts.
Vodka-based cocktails: While a simple vodka soda with a twist of lime is a very low-calorie option (around 82 calories), drinks like a Chocolate Martini (418 calories) or a White Russian (568 calories) demonstrate how mixers quickly add up. Flavored vodkas, like fruit or caramel varieties, also contain added sugars that increase the calorie load.

Rum vs. Vodka Nutrition: A Comparative Table


Feature	Plain 80-Proof Rum (1.5 oz shot)	Plain 80-Proof Vodka (1.5 oz shot)	Key Takeaway
Calories	~97 calories	~97 calories	Nearly identical calorie content from alcohol.
Carbohydrates	0g	0g	Both contain no carbs in their pure distilled form.
Sugar	0g	0g	No sugar content in unflavored versions.
Taste Profile	Sweet, often with hints of caramel and vanilla from molasses aging.	Neutral and clean, derived from grains or potatoes.	Flavor profiles differ, but this doesn't affect the calorie base.
Mixer Effect	Often paired with sugary sodas and tropical juices, increasing overall calories.	Can be mixed with low-calorie soda water or diet mixers for minimal calorie impact.	Vodka offers more versatility for lower-calorie mixing.

Alcohol and Weight Gain: Beyond Just Calories

It is important to remember that weight gain from alcohol is not solely a matter of calorie counting. The body's metabolic processes are affected in several ways.

Empty Calories and Metabolism

The calories from alcohol are considered 'empty' because they provide no nutritional value. When alcohol is consumed, the liver prioritizes metabolizing it because it's a toxic substance that the body cannot store. This process puts a halt on your body's ability to burn fat and carbohydrates for energy, essentially slowing down your metabolism and prioritizing the alcohol instead. Over time, this can contribute to fat storage, especially around the midsection.

Binge Drinking and Poor Choices

Alcohol also influences appetite and decision-making. Drinking can lower inhibitions and increase feelings of hunger, often leading to poor food choices like junk food. Binge drinking, defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more for men in a two-hour period, is particularly detrimental to weight management due to the large caloric intake and subsequent metabolic disruption.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Diet

If you are watching your weight, the choice between rum and vodka is less about the base spirit and more about how you prepare and consume it.

Prioritize moderation: Sticking to recommended guidelines (up to one drink per day for women and two for men) is crucial for managing weight and overall health.
Choose diet-friendly mixers: Club soda, diet soda, or a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice are your best friends. Avoid sugary juices, regular soda, and pre-mixed cocktail bases which are loaded with calories.
Be aware of flavored varieties: Flavored rums and vodkas often have added sugars. If you prefer flavor, opt for infusions or natural flavorings instead.
Consider a 'clean' drink: A simple vodka soda or a rum with diet cola and lime are far better options than their sugary cocktail equivalents.

For more information on alcohol and its impact on your health, visit Drinkaware.

Conclusion

In the debate of which is more fattening, rum or vodka, the core finding is that both unflavored, standard-proof spirits have almost identical calorie counts. The misconception that one is more fattening than the other arises from their common usage in cocktails. Rum is often associated with sweeter, tropical mixers that are high in sugar and calories, while vodka is more versatile and can be paired with zero-calorie options. The true nutritional impact of either spirit on your diet depends on the added ingredients, total quantity consumed, and the overall effect alcohol has on your metabolism. The key to minimizing weight gain is moderation and mindful selection of mixers, regardless of whether you choose rum or vodka.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to unflavored versions of the same proof, neither rum nor vodka is significantly healthier than the other. Both are distilled spirits with similar calorie counts and no nutritional value. The health impact is more dependent on moderation and the other ingredients in your drink.

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof rum contains approximately 97 calories. However, this number can be higher for spiced or flavored rums, or for rums with a higher alcohol proof.

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. As with rum, the calorie count can increase if the vodka is flavored or has a higher proof.

The primary factor is the mixer used. Sugary sodas, fruit juices, and creamy liqueurs add significant amounts of sugar and calories to your drink. Plain, unflavored spirits have very few calories compared to most mixers.

Yes, for any distilled spirit, a higher proof means a higher percentage of alcohol by volume. Since the calories in these spirits come from the alcohol, a higher proof leads to a higher calorie count per ounce.

To make a rum and coke healthier, use diet cola instead of regular soda. This eliminates the sugar and most of the calories from the mixer, significantly reducing the overall calorie count.

Excellent low-calorie mixer options include club soda, diet soda, calorie-free tonic water, and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. These alternatives allow you to enjoy a mixed drink without the added sugar and calories.

Alcohol calories are considered 'empty' because they provide energy without any essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or fiber. The body must also prioritize metabolizing alcohol, which can disrupt the metabolism of other nutrients.