What is the Lowest Calorie Mixed Drink?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

While sugary cocktails can contain hundreds of calories, a vodka soda with a splash of fresh lime is widely considered the lowest calorie mixed drink, clocking in at under 100 calories per serving. This simple combination, made with spirit and zero-calorie soda water, proves that you don't have to sacrifice flavor to enjoy a mindful cocktail.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the specific components that make a drink low in calories, focusing on clear spirits and zero-calorie mixers. It details the preparation of classic and creative low-calorie mixed drinks while providing tips for reducing sugar and managing calorie intake from alcohol. Also includes several low-calorie recipes.

Key Points

Vodka soda is the lowest calorie mixed drink: Combining vodka with zero-calorie club soda and a squeeze of fresh lime creates a refreshingly simple cocktail under 100 calories.
Swap sugary mixers for diet versions: Using diet tonic water instead of regular tonic can save over 50 calories in a single gin and tonic.
Spirits are consistently low in calories: Clear liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila contain around 100 calories per standard 1.5 oz serving; the mixers are what cause the calorie count to spike.
Utilize fresh citrus and herbs for flavor: Natural flavor enhancers like fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and cucumber add taste complexity without adding sugar or calories.
Consider wine spritzers: A white wine spritzer with 3 ounces of dry wine and club soda is a low-alcohol, low-calorie option, coming in at approximately 75 calories.
Dilute drinks to reduce calories: Stretching a drink with extra club soda or sparkling water is an easy way to lower its overall calorie and alcohol content.
Practice mindful drinking: Limiting intake and alternating alcoholic drinks with water can help you stay within your health goals.

Demystifying the Calories in Mixed Drinks

Many popular mixed drinks are deceptively high in calories due to sugary mixers like juice, simple syrup, and regular soda. The key to creating a low-calorie mixed drink is to control two main factors: the base spirit and the mixer. Distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila have a consistent calorie count per ounce, but the mixer choice is where the real savings happen. By swapping out high-sugar mixers for calorie-free options, you can enjoy a refreshing beverage without derailing your health goals. Fresh ingredients like citrus juice, herbs, and spices also provide flavor without a calorie penalty.

The Anatomy of the Lowest Calorie Mixed Drink

At its core, the lowest calorie mixed drink is built on a few simple principles. The ideal base is a clear, unflavored spirit like vodka, which contains around 96 calories per 1.5 oz shot. The crucial component is the mixer. Soda water (club soda or seltzer) is a perfect choice because it has zero calories. A squeeze of fresh citrus, like lemon or lime, adds flavor without adding sugar. This simple formula, known as a vodka soda, sets the standard for a calorie-conscious cocktail.

Comparing Popular Low-Calorie Options

When comparing different low-calorie mixed drink options, the calorie count depends heavily on the specific ingredients and measurements. This table illustrates how minor ingredient swaps can make a significant difference in the final calorie count.


Drink	Standard Ingredients	Approximate Calories	Low-Calorie Swap	Approximate Calories (Low-Cal)
Vodka Soda	1.5 oz Vodka, 5 oz Club Soda, Lime Wedge	~97-100	Standard recipe; uses zero-cal mixer.	~97-100
Gin & Tonic	1.5 oz Gin, 4 oz Tonic Water	~170-200	1.5 oz Gin, 4 oz Diet Tonic Water	~100
Mojito	1.5 oz White Rum, Simple Syrup, Lime, Mint, Soda	~214	1.5 oz White Rum, Lime, Mint, Soda, Sugar-Free Sweetener	~97
Rum & Coke	1.5 oz Rum, 5 oz Cola	~185	1.5 oz Rum, 5 oz Diet Cola	~100

Creative Low-Calorie Recipes

While the classic vodka soda is a fantastic option, you can expand your low-calorie repertoire with a few simple recipes. Remember to prioritize fresh ingredients and calorie-free mixers to keep the calorie count in check. The key is to add flavor naturally rather than relying on sugar.

Skinny Mojito

1.5 oz white rum
8-10 fresh mint leaves
1 oz fresh lime juice
Sugar-free sweetener to taste (e.g., stevia or monk fruit)
Club soda

Directions: Muddle the mint leaves and lime juice gently in a glass. Add rum, sweetener, and ice. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

Tequila Lime Spritzer

1.5 oz tequila
1 oz fresh lime juice
Sparkling mineral water (like Topo Chico) or club soda

Directions: Fill a glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice. Top with sparkling water and stir. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge. This version is the basis for a lower-calorie Ranch Water.

White Wine Spritzer

3 oz dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
3 oz club soda

Directions: Pour the wine into a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a lemon slice or fresh berries.

Tips for Mindful Drinking

To further minimize your calorie intake from mixed drinks, consider these tips. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, virgin cocktails or a simple glass of sparkling water with fresh fruit are excellent choices. Drinking in moderation and being aware of serving sizes are the most important steps for enjoying alcohol while staying on track with your health goals.

Alternate with water: For every alcoholic drink you have, drink a glass of water. This helps with hydration and slows down your overall consumption.
Embrace fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, cucumber, or berries can add complex flavors without sugar. Consider making infused ice cubes for a simple and elegant touch.
Be aware of glass size: Large, oversized glasses can lead to larger pours and more calories. Stick to standard drink sizes.
Check labels for nutrition: Many new hard seltzers and pre-mixed cocktails now list calorie counts, making it easier to choose.

The Bottom Line

The clear winner for the lowest calorie mixed drink is a vodka soda with lime, offering a simple and crisp taste for under 100 calories. However, there are many other excellent low-calorie alternatives available. By making smart choices about your base spirit and mixer, and opting for fresh garnishes, you can enjoy delicious mixed drinks while staying mindful of your calorie intake. It's not about restriction, but about making informed choices to support a healthy lifestyle.

For more detailed information on healthy drinking habits and the impact of alcohol on weight loss, consult this comprehensive resource on mindful drinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

A vodka soda with lime is widely considered the lowest calorie mixed drink. It combines a shot of vodka with zero-calorie soda water and fresh lime juice, resulting in a cocktail with under 100 calories per serving.

Hard liquors like vodka, gin, and tequila have similar low-calorie counts per ounce compared to other spirits, with a standard 1.5 oz shot containing approximately 96-110 calories. The caloric impact mostly depends on the mixer.

To make cocktails lower in calories, avoid sugary juices and syrups. Instead, use zero-calorie mixers like diet soda, club soda, or unsweetened seltzer. Fresh citrus and herbs are also excellent, low-calorie flavor enhancers.

A gin and tonic can be low in calories if you use diet or slimline tonic water. A standard gin and tonic can have nearly 200 calories due to the sugar in regular tonic, but switching to a diet version brings the calorie count down to around 100.

A skinny margarita is a great low-calorie alternative. It is made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of agave nectar or a sugar-free sweetener instead of the high-calorie triple sec and sugary mixes.

Yes, it is possible to drink alcohol and still lose weight, but moderation is key. Choosing low-calorie options and limiting consumption can prevent excess calorie intake. Remember that alcohol provides empty calories with no nutritional value.

Ranch Water is a Texas highball made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and sparkling mineral water (traditionally Topo Chico). It is considered a low-calorie mixed drink, with some versions containing around 130 calories per serving.