Vodka Takes the Crown for What's the Lowest Calorie Spirit Drink?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce serving of pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey contains, on average, around 97 calories. This makes unflavored, clear spirits the go-to answer for what's the lowest calorie spirit drink, but vodka often edges out the competition with a slightly lower average calorie count. However, the real calorie culprit isn't the spirit itself but the high-sugar mixers it's often paired with.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits like vodka and gin have the lowest calorie counts per serving, provided they are not mixed with sugary additions. The real determinant of a drink's total calories is the mixer used, with options like club soda or diet tonic being the best choices. Simple, classic cocktails and consuming spirits neat are the most effective ways to manage calorie intake while drinking.

Key Points

Clear Spirits Lead the Pack: Unflavored vodka, gin, tequila, and unaged rum are all excellent choices for the lowest-calorie spirit, with a 1.5-ounce serving typically containing around 97 calories.
Mixers are the Main Culprit: Sugary mixers like regular soda, tonic water, and fruit juices drastically increase a drink's calorie count, often adding hundreds of calories.
Opt for Calorie-Free Mixers: To keep your drink light, pair spirits with club soda, seltzer, or diet tonic water. Fresh citrus and herbs can add flavor without calories.
Proof Impacts Calories: Higher-proof spirits (e.g., 100-proof) will naturally have more calories per ounce than standard 80-proof versions.
Control Portions and Hydrate: Drinking in moderation and alternating with water is the most effective way to manage both calorie intake and overall health effects.
Check for Added Sugar: Always read the label on flavored spirits and liqueurs, as they often contain added sugars and sweeteners.

The Calorie Breakdown of Popular Spirits

At its core, all alcohol contains calories, with approximately seven calories per gram. The final calorie count of a spirit, therefore, is primarily determined by its alcohol content (ABV) and any added sugars. Higher-proof spirits will have more calories per ounce than lower-proof ones. However, when comparing standard 80-proof (40% ABV) servings, many spirits fall into a similar range.

Pure, unflavored spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila are distilled to remove most of the sugars and carbs, leaving them with similar nutritional profiles. According to MedlinePlus, a 1.5-fluid-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka, rum, gin, or whiskey contains 97 calories. While some sources claim vodka has a minor edge, for most practical purposes, these clear spirits are essentially tied as the lowest-calorie options when consumed neat or with zero-calorie mixers.

The Real Culprit: Calorie-Rich Mixers

The biggest mistake people make when trying to reduce their drink's calorie count is adding sugary mixers. A simple vodka and cranberry, for example, can quickly jump from under 100 calories to over 200 depending on the type and quantity of juice used. Other offenders include:

Regular Tonic Water: Often confused with soda water, regular tonic water is loaded with sugar and can add over 80 calories to a single drink.
High-Sugar Juices: Juices like pineapple, orange, and cranberry can contain a significant number of calories and carbohydrates.
Cream-Based Liqueurs: Drinks like a White Russian, made with cream liqueur, can skyrocket to over 500 calories per serving.
Pre-Made Cocktail Mixes: Bottled margarita or daiquiri mixes are notorious for their high sugar and calorie content.

Comparison of Common Spirit Drinks

To illustrate the impact of mixers, here is a comparison table of different common spirit drinks based on a 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof liquor.


Drink Type	Standard Recipe	Estimated Calories	Primary Calorie Source	Notes
Vodka Soda	1.5 oz Vodka, club soda, lime	~97-100	Alcohol	A classic low-calorie choice.
Gin & Diet Tonic	1.5 oz Gin, diet tonic water	~97-100	Alcohol	Replacing regular tonic saves significant calories.
Tequila & Soda	1.5 oz Tequila, club soda, lime	~97-100	Alcohol	Another zero-carb, low-calorie option.
Whiskey & Diet Coke	1.5 oz Whiskey, diet soda	~97-100	Alcohol	Avoids the sugar from regular soda.
Classic Margarita	1.5 oz Tequila, 1 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz orange liqueur, 0.5 oz agave syrup	~160-200+	Orange liqueur, agave	High in sugar and calories.
Vodka Tonic	1.5 oz Vodka, 5 oz regular tonic	~180-190	Tonic water	Sugar from the tonic boosts calories significantly.

How to Enjoy Spirits Responsibly and Minimally

For those who prefer not to drink their spirits straight, there are many ways to build a cocktail that is mindful of calories. By focusing on low-calorie mixers and natural flavorings, you can create a delicious drink without the added sugar burden.

Tips for Low-Calorie Cocktails:

Go for Club Soda or Seltzer: These have zero calories and are great for adding fizz to any spirit. A squeeze of fresh citrus is all you need for flavor.
Choose Diet Mixers: If you prefer the taste of soda or tonic, opt for their diet or sugar-free versions. Always check the label, as some diet mixers may still contain artificial sweeteners or other ingredients.
Use Fresh Fruit and Herbs: Muddle fresh mint, basil, or berries to infuse your drink with natural flavor. Add a slice of cucumber or a sprig of rosemary for a sophisticated touch.
Read the Labels: Many spirits and liqueurs have added sugars, even clear ones. A quick check of the label can reveal which brands are truly pure. This is especially important for flavored spirits.
Control Your Portions: The simplest way to control calories is to consume less alcohol. Stick to standard 1.5-ounce pours, and remember to alternate with a glass of water to stay hydrated.

The Bottom Line on Lowest Calorie Spirit Drink

When searching for the lowest-calorie spirit, vodka is a reliable front-runner, but any unflavored, 80-proof distilled spirit, including gin, tequila, and whiskey, is a comparable choice. Ultimately, the caloric impact of a spirit drink is less about the spirit itself and more about the additives. By choosing zero-calorie mixers like club soda or diet tonic, you can enjoy a drink that is both flavorful and light.

Conclusion

For calorie-conscious drinkers, the choice of spirit is less critical than the choice of mixer. While clear, unflavored spirits like vodka and gin are among the lowest-calorie options, their final impact on your diet depends entirely on what you add to them. By opting for simple, low-sugar combinations, it's possible to enjoy a spirit drink without sabotaging your health goals. Always prioritize moderation and make mindful choices to stay on track. For more information on alcohol calories and responsible drinking, consult the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

For an 80-proof serving, both vodka and gin contain approximately the same number of calories, around 97 per 1.5 ounces. The difference is negligible, so the key is avoiding sugary mixers for either spirit.

Yes, pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey have zero carbohydrates and are keto-friendly. The key is to avoid sugary mixers and stick to zero-carb options like club soda or diet sodas.

To make a low-calorie margarita, use 100% agave tequila with fresh lime juice and a low-calorie sweetener instead of traditional sugary mixes. Add sparkling water for fizz, and you have a lighter version of the classic cocktail.

When comparing unflavored, 80-proof light and dark rums, the calorie count is virtually identical at around 97 calories per 1.5 ounces. Any difference is typically due to added ingredients in flavored or spiced varieties.

Whiskey and rum have similar calorie counts per standard 80-proof serving, making them comparable choices. The main difference in calories comes from the mixers and whether the spirit is flavored or aged.

The best zero-calorie mixers include club soda, seltzer, sparkling water, and diet tonic water. These allow you to add volume and effervescence to your drink without adding sugar.

An average 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila contains around 96-98 calories, with zero carbs. This makes it a great choice for a low-calorie drink when consumed neat or with a splash of lime and soda.