Vodka vs. Beer: What has more calories, a shot of vodka or a beer?

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

On average, a standard 12-ounce beer contains more calories than a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka. Specifically, a regular beer has about 150 calories, while a standard shot of vodka contains around 97 calories. So, when you ask what has more calories, a shot of vodka or a beer, the answer depends entirely on serving size and beverage type. This article will help you understand the nutritional differences and make more informed decisions for your diet.

Quick Summary

Compare the caloric content of a standard shot of vodka versus a 12-ounce beer, detailing how alcohol content, carbohydrates, proof, and mixers affect the total calorie count and overall impact on weight management.

Key Points

Vodka has fewer calories per standard serving than beer: A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka (around 97 calories) contains fewer calories than a 12-ounce regular beer (around 153 calories).
Beer contains more carbs, contributing to its calorie count: As a fermented beverage, regular beer retains carbohydrates from grains, while distilled spirits like vodka have zero carbs, as they are removed during distillation.
Mixers significantly increase vodka's calories: While pure vodka is low in calories, combining it with sugary sodas, juices, or syrups can make a cocktail far more caloric than a beer.
Alcohol content affects calorie density in both drinks: Higher-proof vodka and higher-ABV craft beers contain more calories than their standard or lighter counterparts due to a higher concentration of alcohol.
Alcohol can hinder weight loss efforts: Alcohol provides 'empty calories' and forces the body to prioritize its metabolism, interrupting the fat-burning process and potentially leading to weight gain.
Moderation is key for both beverages: Regardless of the calorie difference per serving, excessive consumption of either beer or vodka poses health risks and can derail weight management goals.

The Caloric Breakdown: Vodka vs. Beer

The fundamental difference in calorie counts between vodka and beer comes down to two factors: alcohol content and carbohydrates. Alcohol itself is very energy-dense, containing approximately 7 calories per gram, which is nearly twice the amount in carbohydrates or protein. Fat, for comparison, has 9 calories per gram.

The Distilled Difference: Vodka

Vodka is a distilled spirit, which means it undergoes a process that purifies the liquid, leaving behind carbohydrates and sugars. A standard 1.5-ounce (45 ml) shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) vodka contains approximately 97 calories, with virtually zero carbohydrates. The higher the proof, the higher the alcohol percentage and, therefore, the more calories per shot. For example, a 100-proof shot of vodka contains about 124 calories. Since all the calories in pure vodka come from the alcohol, mixing it with zero-calorie mixers like diet soda or club soda results in a low-calorie drink.

The Fermented Fact: Beer

Unlike distilled vodka, beer is a fermented beverage made from grains. The fermentation process converts starches and sugars into alcohol, but some carbohydrates remain in the final product. This is why a standard 12-ounce (355 ml) regular beer contains not only alcohol calories but also carbohydrate calories, adding up to roughly 150 to 153 calories per serving. Light beers are brewed to have a lower calorie and carbohydrate count, averaging around 100 calories per 12-ounce serving. Craft beers, especially higher-alcohol varieties, can be much higher in calories, sometimes exceeding 300 calories per pint.

The Role of Mixers: A Hidden Calorie Trap

While a shot of vodka on its own is a lower-calorie option than a regular beer, its caloric impact can change drastically depending on the mixer. Mixing vodka with a sugary soda, fruit juice, or cocktail syrup can quickly make it the more calorie-dense choice. For example, a vodka cranberry can have over 180 calories, significantly more than a regular beer. In contrast, a simple vodka soda with a squeeze of lime remains under 100 calories.

Understanding Alcohol's Impact on Weight

Beyond the raw calorie count, it’s important to understand how your body processes alcohol. The calories in alcohol are often called "empty calories" because they provide energy without significant nutritional value. When you consume alcohol, your liver prioritizes metabolizing it because the body sees ethanol as a toxin to be removed. This process puts a pause on other metabolic functions, including the burning of fat for energy. This "fat sparing" effect means that drinking can hinder your weight loss efforts. Alcohol can also increase appetite and decrease inhibitions, which can lead to poor food choices and overeating.

Comparison Table: Vodka vs. Beer (Standard Servings)


Feature	1.5 oz Shot of 80-Proof Vodka	12 oz Regular Beer	12 oz Light Beer
Calories	~97 kcal	~153 kcal	~103 kcal
Carbohydrates	0 g	~13 g	~6 g
Alcohol by Volume (ABV)	40%	~4-5%	~4.2%
Primary Calorie Source	Alcohol	Alcohol and Carbohydrates	Alcohol and Carbohydrates

Making Healthier Choices

If you are counting calories or focusing on your nutrition diet, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize the impact of alcohol consumption:

Choose Lower-Calorie Options: Light beers are often comparable in calories to a standard shot of vodka, making them a good option for those who prefer beer. Spirits like vodka, gin, or whiskey are also low in calories when consumed straight or with a zero-calorie mixer.
Be Mindful of Mixers: Stick to club soda, diet soda, or a splash of fresh citrus juice to keep your cocktails low in sugar and calories.
Alternate with Water: Drinking a glass of water between each alcoholic drink can help you stay hydrated, pace yourself, and reduce your overall calorie intake.
Avoid Binge Drinking: Excessive alcohol consumption, regardless of the type, poses significant health risks and adds a large number of empty calories to your diet.

Conclusion

On a calorie-by-calorie basis, a standard shot of vodka has fewer calories than a standard 12-ounce regular beer due to the absence of carbohydrates. However, comparing a standard serving of each, a single 1.5 oz shot of vodka contains less than 100 calories, while a 12 oz regular beer contains about 150. Ultimately, the total caloric impact depends on the volume consumed and the addition of high-calorie mixers. For individuals focused on nutrition and diet, choosing lower-calorie options, being aware of mixers, and practicing moderation are the most effective strategies for enjoying alcohol responsibly. For further information on managing alcohol intake for weight loss, resources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) offer helpful guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Due to its higher alcohol concentration, vodka has more calories per ounce than beer. However, a standard single serving of beer (12 oz) is a larger volume than a standard shot of vodka (1.5 oz), leading to a higher total calorie count for the beer.

Yes, the higher the proof of vodka, the higher the alcohol content, and the more calories it contains. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of 100-proof vodka has about 124 calories, while an 80-proof shot has around 97 calories.

Beer is made through a fermentation process involving grains, which leaves some carbohydrates in the final product. Vodka is a distilled spirit, and the distillation process removes all carbohydrates, resulting in a carb-free final product.

Not necessarily. A 12-ounce serving of light beer typically has around 100 calories, which is comparable to the 97 calories in a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka. However, the exact count depends on the specific brand and alcohol content of both beverages.

Mixers can dramatically increase the calorie count of a vodka drink. Using sugary sodas or juices can add hundreds of calories, whereas mixing with club soda, diet soda, or adding a squeeze of citrus will keep the drink's calories low.

Yes, the calories from alcohol are often considered 'empty calories' with no nutritional value. The body also prioritizes burning alcohol, which can slow down fat metabolism and lead to increased fat storage and potential weight gain.

For weight management, lower-calorie options like spirits or light beer might be preferable. However, in terms of overall health, the amount consumed is more important than the type of alcohol. Excessive intake of any alcohol can lead to significant health problems.