What clear alcohol is lowest in calories?

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

One gram of pure alcohol contains seven calories, nearly as many as a gram of fat. For those mindful of their intake, understanding what clear alcohol is lowest in calories is crucial for making informed choices without compromising on flavor. Pure spirits, when consumed neat or with zero-calorie mixers, offer the best options for minimizing caloric impact.

Quick Summary

Pure, clear spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila contain comparable and minimal calories from alcohol alone, making them the lowest-calorie choices. The overall calorie count depends on the mixers used. Choosing sugar-free options is key to keeping drinks light.

Key Points

Vodka is a top contender: A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka contains around 97 calories, making it a reliable low-calorie option.
Gin and tequila are similar: Unflavored 80-proof gin and white tequila have virtually the same calorie count as vodka per 1.5 oz serving.
Mixers add most calories: Sugary juices and sodas are the primary source of excess calories in mixed drinks, not the alcohol itself.
Choose zero-calorie mixers: Stick to club soda, diet tonic water, or fresh citrus juice to keep your drinks low-cal.
Higher proof, more calories: The more alcohol in a spirit (higher ABV), the more calories it contains per volume.
Unflavored is key: Flavored spirits often have added sugars; choose unflavored versions to avoid hidden calories.
Always check the label: Nutritional information is important, but for pure spirits, all calories come from the alcohol content.
Avoid sugary cocktails: Pre-mixed or creamy cocktails are often high in sugar and should be avoided for a low-calorie option.

The Science Behind Calories in Alcohol

All calories in pure, distilled spirits come from ethyl alcohol, with one gram containing approximately seven calories. This is why the higher the proof (alcohol by volume), the higher the calorie count will be for the same volume. Unlike beer or wine, spirits contain virtually no carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. This consistency across unflavored spirits is why vodka, gin, and tequila have very similar calorie profiles. However, the final calorie count of a mixed drink is overwhelmingly influenced by the mixers, such as sugary sodas, juices, or syrups, which can add hundreds of extra calories. For a low-calorie drink, it's essential to pair clear spirits with zero-calorie mixers like diet tonic, club soda, or a splash of fresh citrus.

Vodka: The Top Contender for Lowest Calories

Vodka is often considered the best choice for those seeking the lowest-calorie clear alcohol due to its distillation process, which results in a neutral, pure spirit with no added sugars or carbohydrates. On average, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96-97 calories. Its neutral flavor also makes it incredibly versatile for pairing with calorie-free mixers, ensuring the drink's total calorie count remains low. When creating low-calorie cocktails at home, vodka is the perfect base, pairing well with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime or lemon.

Comparing the Top Low-Calorie Clear Spirits

While vodka is a leader, other clear spirits offer nearly identical calorie counts, making them excellent choices as well. The primary differentiator is flavor, which is a matter of personal preference.


Spirit	Calories (per 1.5 oz/45ml, 80 proof)	Carbs	Key Flavor Profile
Vodka	~97	0g	Neutral and clean, without a distinct taste.
Gin	~97	0g	Juniper berries, botanicals, and herbs.
Tequila (Blanco)	~97	0g	Earthy, sweet, and sometimes peppery from blue agave.
White Rum	~97	0g	Light, crisp, and slightly sweet from sugar cane.

As the table illustrates, the caloric difference between these 80-proof spirits is negligible. The best choice is based on the desired flavor profile for a specific drink. For example, gin's botanical notes are essential for a classic low-calorie Gin and Tonic using diet tonic water, while blanco tequila's agave flavor shines in a 'skinny' Margarita with fresh lime juice.

The Importance of Avoiding Sugary Mixers

The most significant factor in a drink's calorie content is not the spirit but the mixer. A shot of vodka with club soda is a low-calorie choice, but the same vodka mixed with a sugar-laden cranberry juice or tonic water can add more than 100 extra calories per drink. This is a critical consideration for anyone managing their calorie intake. Opting for diet or sugar-free mixers is the simplest way to enjoy a drink without the high-calorie penalty.

Smart Ways to Enjoy Lowest-Calorie Clear Alcohol

Enjoying low-calorie spirits doesn't have to be boring. Here are a few creative ways to make delicious, low-calorie drinks:

Classic 'Skinny' Cocktails: Mix vodka or tequila with sparkling water and a large squeeze of fresh lime juice. Add some fresh mint or cucumber for extra flavor.
Infused Spirits: Infuse a clear spirit like vodka with natural flavors by adding fresh fruits (like strawberries or lemon peel) or herbs (such as basil or rosemary). This adds flavor without any extra calories.
Moderation and Hydration: Alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water to stay hydrated and reduce overall consumption. Drinking on an empty stomach can also be avoided by pairing your drink with a healthy snack.
Read the Label: Be wary of flavored spirits, as they often contain added sugars and sweeteners that significantly increase calorie content. Always check the label or stick to traditional, unflavored versions. For more nutritional information on various foods and beverages, a resource like the USDA's FoodData Central can be helpful. USDA FoodData Central

Conclusion

While multiple clear spirits are contenders for the lowest-calorie spot, unflavored, 80-proof vodka, gin, tequila, and white rum all provide approximately 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot, with negligible nutritional differences. The key to keeping your drink low in calories lies in the mixer, not the spirit. By choosing zero-calorie mixers and exercising moderation, you can enjoy these spirits as part of a balanced diet without excess calories from sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unflavored, 80-proof vodka, gin, and tequila are all considered the lowest-calorie clear alcohols, with each containing approximately 97 calories per 1.5-ounce serving.

Yes, because all calories in pure spirits come from alcohol, a higher proof (higher alcohol by volume) means more calories per volume.

To keep your drink low-calorie, use zero-calorie mixers such as club soda, diet tonic water, sparkling water, or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.

Yes, flavored spirits, including many flavored vodkas and rums, often contain added sugars and other ingredients that significantly increase their calorie count.

Tequila and vodka have nearly identical calorie counts per serving. Claims of one being healthier often refer to potential benefits from agave compounds, but these are mostly removed during distillation, and their effects are largely speculative.

Any reported differences are typically minor and a result of rounding or slight variations in proof between brands. For 80-proof versions, the calorie counts are essentially the same.

Use a standard 1.5-ounce shot of a low-calorie clear spirit (like vodka or gin) and mix with a calorie-free mixer. Garnish with fresh fruit or herbs for extra flavor without adding sugar.

Empty calories refer to calories that provide little to no nutritional value, such as vitamins or minerals. All calories in pure spirits are considered empty.

In addition to using zero-calorie mixers, you can add infusions like fresh fruit slices or herbs to a spirit to add flavor naturally. You can also experiment with spices or a splash of bitters.