Understanding the Nutritional Components
A mixed drink typically combines a spirit with a mixer. When considering what is healthier, vodka, tonic or club soda, the mixer often plays a significant role in the overall nutritional profile of the drink.
Vodka: The Spirit Base
Vodka is a distilled spirit. A standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof (40% alcohol by volume) vodka contains around 97 calories [1]. These calories come from the alcohol content. This serving size of pure vodka contains no carbohydrates, sugar, or fat.
Tonic Water: A Mixer with Added Sugar
Tonic water is carbonated water with quinine added, which gives it a bitter taste [3]. To counteract this bitterness, sweeteners are typically added, often high-fructose corn syrup or sugar [3]. A standard 8-ounce serving of regular tonic water can contain approximately 80 to 90 calories and up to 22 grams of sugar [2, 4]. Diet tonic water options are available that use artificial sweeteners to eliminate calories and sugar.
Club Soda: A Zero-Calorie Option
Club soda is carbonated water that has minerals added, such as sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate [5]. These minerals contribute a slightly distinct taste compared to plain sparkling water. Crucially, club soda contains zero calories and zero sugar [5]. This makes it a neutral mixer in terms of caloric and sugar intake.
Comparison Table: Nutritional Information
Here is a comparison of a standard 1.5-ounce serving of vodka and 8 ounces of each mixer:
| Item | Calories | Sugar | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodka (1.5 oz, 80 proof) | ~97 [1] | 0g | Alcohol |
| Tonic Water (8 oz) | ~80–90 [2] | ~22g [4] | Quinine, Sugar |
| Club Soda (8 oz) | 0 [5] | 0g | Minerals |
| Vodka Tonic | ~177+ | ~22g | Alcohol, Quinine, Sugar |
| Vodka Soda | ~97+ | 0g | Alcohol, Minerals |
The Lower Calorie Combination: Vodka and Club Soda
Based on the nutritional information, a drink made with vodka and club soda contains fewer calories and significantly less sugar compared to a drink made with vodka and tonic water [2, 5]. The absence of added sugar in club soda is the primary reason for this difference [5]. For those monitoring sugar intake, club soda offers an alternative mixer.
Customizing with Flavor
If plain club soda is desired, flavor can be added without increasing sugar or calories significantly.
- Citrus Slices: Adding a wedge or squeeze of fresh lime or lemon can provide a burst of flavor [6].
- Herbs: A sprig of mint or a slice of cucumber can infuse the drink with subtle taste [6].
- Unsweetened Juices: A small splash of unsweetened cranberry or grapefruit juice can add flavor, though it will add a small amount of sugar and calories [6].
- Flavored Seltzers: Some flavored seltzer waters offer zero calories and zero sugar options that can be used as a mixer [6].
Conclusion
When considering what is healthier, vodka, tonic or club soda, the mixer choice is a key factor. Club soda provides a zero-calorie, zero-sugar option. Tonic water, due to added sweeteners, contributes calories and sugar to a drink. Understanding the nutritional content of each component can help in making choices about beverages.
