What is the lowest calorie cocktail?

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

The vodka soda is often cited as one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic cocktails available, typically containing around 82-98 calories per 8-ounce serving. This simple drink owes its low-calorie count to its ingredients: vodka, which provides all the alcohol and calories, and zero-calorie club soda. A squeeze of fresh citrus adds flavor without extra sugar.

Quick Summary

A vodka soda is widely considered the lowest calorie cocktail, using a clear spirit and zero-calorie mixer. This article explores why this drink is a top choice, compares it to other light cocktails like spritzers and skinny versions, and provides tips for creating low-calorie, flavorful drinks without sacrificing taste.

Key Points

Vodka Soda is the Lowest Calorie Cocktail: A simple vodka soda is the winner, with a standard serving containing under 100 calories by combining vodka with zero-calorie club soda.
Clear Spirits are Key: Opt for clear spirits like vodka, gin, or tequila, which generally have lower calorie counts than darker liquors.
Choose Zero-Calorie Mixers: Always use diet or sugar-free mixers such as club soda, seltzer, or diet tonic water instead of sugary sodas, juices, or tonic.
Use Fresh Flavors: Enhance drinks with fresh citrus juice (lime, lemon), muddled herbs (mint, basil), or slices of cucumber instead of caloric syrups and bottled juices.
Lighter Variations Exist: Low-calorie versions of popular drinks like the cosmopolitan, mojito, and gin and tonic are easy to make by swapping out high-sugar ingredients.
Practice Dilution: Using more ice can help dilute the drink, reducing the alcohol and calorie content per sip, which also encourages slower consumption.

The Vodka Soda: A Low-Calorie Champion

When it comes to the lowest calorie cocktail, the vodka soda is the undisputed champion. A standard 1.5-ounce pour of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96 calories, with club soda or seltzer water adding zero extra calories. When served with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon, the total calorie count remains under 100 calories for a standard drink. Its simplicity is its strength; with no sugary mixers, syrups, or liqueurs, it removes all the primary sources of excess calories in mixed drinks. For those who find the classic a bit too simple, infusing the drink with fresh herbs like mint or cucumber slices can add complex flavor without adding a single calorie.

How to Create a Refreshing Vodka Soda

Creating this minimalist drink is straightforward, and a few bartender-approved tips can elevate the experience. For the best flavor, use high-quality vodka and fresh citrus. Avoid bottled juice concentrates, which often contain hidden sugars and preservatives. Start with a tall glass filled with ice. Add 1.5 to 2 ounces of vodka, top with chilled club soda, and squeeze a fresh lime wedge over the drink. A lime wedge garnish finishes it perfectly. For variations, experiment with different citrus, such as a lemon twist or a grapefruit slice. For a touch of color and extra flavor, muddle a few fresh raspberries or blackberries in the glass before adding the ice and liquor.

Other Contenders for the Lowest Calorie Cocktail Title

While the vodka soda is a perennial favorite, other options come close and offer different flavor profiles for those looking for variety.

The Skinny Cosmopolitan

A traditional cosmopolitan can contain 200+ calories, primarily from the sugar in triple sec and cranberry juice. A skinny version, however, swaps these high-calorie ingredients for lighter alternatives. Recipes for a skinny cosmopolitan often use unsweetened pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, and a zero-calorie sweetener like Stevia or agave nectar. Some versions might also use mandarin-flavored vodka and orange extract to mimic the triple sec flavor without the calories. The result is a vibrant, tangy cocktail with as few as 112 calories per serving.

The White Wine Spritzer

For wine lovers, a white wine spritzer is an excellent low-calorie choice. Mixing three parts dry white wine with one part club soda can dramatically reduce the calorie count of a standard glass of wine. For example, a five-ounce glass of white wine might have around 130 calories, but turning it into a spritzer can cut that down to around 75 calories. The added soda water also helps with hydration and slows down consumption, making it a mindful choice for social occasions. Recommended wines include sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or riesling, which offer strong aromatic qualities.

The Light Mojito

Traditional mojitos are packed with sugar from simple syrup. A lighter version can be made by replacing the simple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener or by simply muddling fresh mint and lime with rum, then topping with soda water. This version preserves the refreshing, zesty flavors of mint and lime while slashing hundreds of calories. Some recipes even substitute rum for a clear spirit like vodka for a slightly different take.

The Light Gin and Tonic

Swapping regular tonic water for its diet or slimline version is an easy way to save a significant number of calories in a gin and tonic. A standard gin and tonic can have upwards of 170 calories, while a diet version typically has around 115 calories. This allows you to enjoy the botanical notes of gin without the added sugar, and a lime wedge remains the perfect garnish for a low-calorie version.

Comparison of Low-Calorie Cocktails


Cocktail	Key Ingredients	Approximate Calories	Flavor Profile
Vodka Soda	Vodka, Club Soda, Lime	82-98 calories	Clean, crisp, and neutral
Skinny Cosmopolitan	Vodka, Unsweetened Pomegranate Juice, Lime, Sweetener	~112 calories	Tangy, citrusy, and a little sweet
White Wine Spritzer	Dry White Wine, Club Soda	~75 calories	Light, bubbly, and fruity
Light Mojito	Rum, Mint, Lime, Club Soda, Sugar-Free Sweetener	100-130 calories	Refreshing, minty, and zesty
Light Gin & Tonic	Gin, Diet Tonic Water, Lime	~115 calories	Botanical, bitter, and citrusy
Ranch Water	Tequila, Lime Juice, Topo Chico	~131 calories	Crisp, refreshing, and tangy

Tips for Crafting Low-Calorie Cocktails

Creating delicious, low-calorie drinks is less about restriction and more about smart substitutions and technique. Choosing a clear spirit like vodka, gin, or tequila is a great start, as they typically contain fewer calories per ounce than darker liquors. Always opt for a zero-calorie mixer, such as club soda, seltzer, or diet tonic water, instead of sugary sodas, juices, or syrups. Instead of relying on sweeteners, use fresh herbs like mint and basil, or citrus zest and juice, to add natural flavor and aroma. A muddler can help release these essential oils and juices. For a sweeter drink, opt for a natural, calorie-free sweetener like Stevia or a modest amount of agave nectar. Finally, using plenty of ice can help dilute the drink, resulting in less alcohol and fewer calories per sip.

Conclusion

While the vodka soda often holds the title for the single lowest-calorie cocktail, there is a variety of delicious, low-calorie drink options available. The key to enjoying a cocktail while being mindful of calorie intake is choosing clear spirits, using zero-calorie mixers, and incorporating fresh, natural flavors. Whether you prefer the classic simplicity of a vodka soda, the sophistication of a skinny cosmopolitan, or the refreshing zest of a light mojito, you don't have to sacrifice flavor to achieve your dietary goals. By making informed choices and smart substitutions, you can enjoy a perfect cocktail without the extra calories. Ultimately, the best low-calorie cocktail is the one you enjoy the most, crafted with fresh, quality ingredients and consumed in moderation.

[Authoritative Outbound Link]: Healthline Article on Lowest Calorie Alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest calorie cocktail is generally considered to be a vodka soda with a squeeze of fresh lime, containing approximately 82-98 calories per serving.

To reduce calories, use clear spirits, swap sugary mixers for zero-calorie options like club soda or diet tonic, and use fresh herbs and citrus for flavor instead of syrups.

Yes, a vodka soda is significantly better for your waistline. A rum and Diet Coke is around 135 calories, while a regular rum and Coke can be 200 calories, far more than the under-100 calorie vodka soda.

While lower in calories, alcohol still provides 'empty calories' without nutritional value. It's best to consume alcohol in moderation and focus on overall dietary balance, even with low-calorie options.

A skinny cosmopolitan is a low-calorie version of the classic cocktail that uses unsweetened pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, and a zero-calorie sweetener instead of sugary triple sec and cranberry juice.

A gin and diet tonic is a low-calorie option, typically containing about 98-115 calories, depending on the amount of gin.

Ranch Water is a Texas-style highball made with tequila, lime juice, and Topo Chico sparkling mineral water. It is considered a low-calorie option, with around 131 calories for a 10-ounce serving.