What's the Best Low Calorie Mixer for Vodka?

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Over one-third of consumers actively look for low-calorie or low-sugar beverage options. If you are wondering what's the best low calorie mixer for vodka, you're not alone. The right mixer can make a huge difference in your drink's calorie count, transforming a high-sugar cocktail into a light and refreshing option without sacrificing flavor.

Quick Summary

This guide details the top low-calorie and sugar-free mixers for vodka, exploring zero-calorie options like club soda and infused water, as well as light alternatives such as diet sodas and cranberry juice. It also provides tips for creating flavorful, low-calorie vodka cocktails at home.

Key Points

Club Soda is the lowest calorie option: For a zero-calorie mixer, club soda or sparkling water with a fresh citrus squeeze is the best choice.
Infused Water for Natural Flavor: Create your own flavor with infused water by adding fresh fruits and herbs like cucumber, mint, or berries, for a calorie-free, natural taste.
Diet Sodas Offer Classic Flavors: Diet sodas like Coke Zero or Diet Sprite provide classic cocktail flavors without any sugar, using artificial sweeteners instead.
Watch Out for Hidden Sugars: Many mixers, especially juices, are packed with sugar. Always choose low-sugar or sugar-free versions of cranberry juice or lemonade.
Use Natural Garnishes: Enhance your drink's flavor and aroma with fresh garnishes like lime wedges, cucumber ribbons, or mint leaves for zero extra calories.
Consider Flavored Vodkas: For flavor without sugary mixers, choose flavored vodkas infused with natural essences, as many contain zero sugar.

The Ultimate Guide to Low-Calorie Vodka Mixers

When enjoying a vodka cocktail, the real source of calories often comes from the mixer, not the spirit itself. By choosing the right ingredients, you can drastically reduce the calorie and sugar content of your drink. This guide explores the best low-calorie mixers for vodka, from zero-calorie classics to flavorful, low-sugar alternatives, and offers tips for creating delicious, guilt-free cocktails.

The Zero-Calorie Champions

For the absolute lowest calorie option, these mixers are your best friends. They provide hydration and a base for your drink without adding a single calorie.

Club Soda or Sparkling Water

A classic for a reason, a vodka soda is the ultimate low-calorie cocktail. Club soda or sparkling water provides a clean, bubbly canvas that lets the vodka's flavor shine. A squeeze of fresh citrus, like lime or lemon, adds a bright, natural taste without any added sugar. You can also experiment with flavored sparkling waters like La Croix or Bubly for a hint of fruit flavor.

Infused Water

Making your own infused water is a simple and creative way to add natural flavor to your vodka. Muddle fresh fruits like berries or cucumber slices with herbs like mint or rosemary for a light, refreshing drink. This method adds flavor with virtually zero calories and provides a more sophisticated, natural taste than artificial syrups.

Diet Sodas

For those who prefer a cola or lemon-lime flavor, diet sodas and diet ginger ales are excellent choices. Mix vodka with Diet Coke, Coke Zero, or Diet Sprite for a familiar taste with no sugar and zero calories. Be mindful that artificial sweeteners are used, which may not be everyone's preference.

Flavorful, Low-Calorie Alternatives

If you want more flavor than a simple vodka soda, these mixers offer great taste while keeping calories in check.

Low-Sugar Cranberry Juice

Traditional cranberry juice is loaded with sugar, but many brands now offer low-sugar or sugar-free versions. Mixing vodka with a splash of diet or light cranberry juice provides a tangy and fruity flavor, creating a low-calorie version of a classic Cape Codder. Always check the label to ensure you're getting a low-sugar product.

Unsweetened Coconut Water

For a subtle, tropical twist, use unsweetened coconut water. It's naturally low in calories and adds a hint of sweetness and electrolytes, making it a surprisingly hydrating mixer. Pair it with a vodka and a splash of lime for a refreshing, beachy drink.

Kombucha

This fermented tea is naturally low in sugar and offers a unique, slightly tangy flavor profile. Mix vodka with a flavor of kombucha you enjoy, like ginger or berry, for a probiotic-rich and low-calorie cocktail. It also adds a nice, natural fizz.

The Comparison: A Table of Low-Calorie Mixers


Mixer	Calories (per 8 oz)	Sugar Content	Best For	Notes
Club Soda/Sparkling Water	0	0g	Ultra-low calorie, clean taste	Add fresh citrus or herbs for flavor
Diet Sodas	0	0g	Classic soda flavor	Uses artificial sweeteners
Infused Water	0	0g	Natural, fresh fruit flavors	Takes time to infuse, but no added sugar
Light Cranberry Juice	~40	~10g	Tangy, fruity flavor	Use in moderation; check labels
Unsweetened Coconut Water	~45	~6g	Subtle, tropical sweetness	Also provides electrolytes
Kombucha	~20-50	~2-10g	Tangy, effervescent, complex	Probiotic benefits; can vary widely

Expert Tips for Making Low-Calorie Vodka Drinks

Embrace Freshness: Always opt for fresh-squeezed citrus juice over bottled alternatives, which often contain preservatives and added sugars. Fresh lime and lemon juice are your best friends.
Flavorful Garnishes: Use fresh garnishes to add a sensory experience to your drink without adding calories. Mint leaves, cucumber ribbons, or a slice of orange or grapefruit can elevate your cocktail.
Natural Sweeteners: If you crave sweetness, use a few drops of a no-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit instead of sugary syrups. You can also make your own simple syrup with a zero-calorie sweetener.
Infuse Your Own: For more exotic flavor combinations, try infusing your own vodka with fruits, herbs, or even spices. This way, you control the flavor and avoid any added calories from artificial sources.
Go For Flavored Vodka: Many brands offer flavored vodkas infused with natural essences, like citrus or berries, that contain zero sugar and minimal calories. This eliminates the need for a mixer altogether or allows you to pair it with simple club soda for a more flavorful drink.

Conclusion

Finding the best low calorie mixer for vodka is about understanding your preferences and knowing your options. For those seeking the absolute minimum calories, club soda or infused water with fresh citrus is the clear winner. If you desire more complex flavors, low-sugar alternatives like diet soda, unsweetened coconut water, or kombucha are excellent choices that still keep your drink light. By focusing on fresh, natural ingredients and avoiding sugary syrups, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying cocktail without compromising your health goals. Cheers to healthier sipping!

Link to Healthline article about vodka calories and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best zero-calorie mixer for vodka is club soda or sparkling water. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon can be added for extra flavor without adding any calories.

Yes, diet sodas like Coke Zero, Diet Sprite, or diet ginger ale are excellent low-calorie mixers for vodka, offering a familiar taste with zero sugar.

To add fruit flavor without high-calorie juice, you can use flavored sparkling water, muddle fresh fruit and herbs into club soda, or use a few ounces of a low-sugar cranberry or grapefruit juice.

Most naturally flavored vodkas that are infused with essences of fruit and botanicals contain no additional calories or sugar beyond the base spirit. Always check the label to ensure it’s not a sweetened, flavored liquor.

Healthy garnish ideas include fresh mint leaves, cucumber slices, lime or lemon wedges, or berries. These add flavor and aroma without extra calories.

Yes, kombucha can be a great low-calorie mixer. It adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and natural carbonation, along with some probiotic benefits.

A good alternative to simple syrup is a few drops of a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You can also make a simple syrup using these sweeteners at home.