Which Alcoholic Drink is the Lowest Calorie?

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

One gram of pure alcohol contains seven calories, nearly as much as a gram of pure fat. To minimize your intake, knowing which alcoholic drink is the lowest calorie is key, as the total can vary drastically depending on the type and mix. By opting for distilled spirits with low-calorie mixers, you can enjoy a drink without derailing your health goals.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits mixed with calorie-free soda water are the lowest-calorie alcoholic options. This guide compares clear liquors, wine, beer, and hard seltzers, revealing the best choices for minimal caloric impact. It also includes simple tips to significantly reduce calories in popular cocktails.

Key Points

Pure Spirits are Lowest Calorie: Distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, and rum (80 proof) are lowest in calories per standard 1.5 oz shot (approx. 97-100 kcal).
Choose Zero-Calorie Mixers: Combining pure spirits with mixers like club soda, seltzer, or diet tonic creates the leanest mixed drinks, like a vodka soda or a gin and diet tonic.
Avoid Sugary Cocktails: High-sugar mixers, syrups, and liqueurs found in drinks like margaritas and piña coladas significantly increase calorie count, often into the 200-400+ range.
Light Beer and Seltzer are Good Options: Many light beers and hard seltzers contain around 100 calories per 12 oz serving, making them a solid alternative to regular beer.
Drink Dry Wine in Moderation: Dry white and red wines are moderate options, but still higher in calories per serving than a simple mixed spirit drink.
Flavor with Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh citrus wedges, herbs, and muddled fruit to add flavor to your drinks without the added calories from sugar.

The Surprising Truth About Pure Spirits

While many people assume light beer or wine is the lowest-calorie option, pure, distilled spirits actually contain fewer calories per serving, as long as they are not paired with sugary mixers. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka, gin, rum, tequila, or whiskey contains approximately 97 to 100 calories and has zero carbohydrates. The key to keeping the total calorie count low is in the mixer.

The Lowest-Calorie Mixers and Cocktails

To create the most calorie-efficient drink, combine a pure spirit with a zero-calorie mixer. This simple formula is the foundation for several popular and surprisingly light drinks. For example, a vodka soda with a splash of fresh lime is often cited as the overall lowest-calorie alcoholic drink. The club soda adds volume and hydration without any calories, while the lime provides flavor.

Classic Low-Calorie Drinks:

Vodka Soda: A 1.5 oz pour of vodka with club soda and a lime wedge is one of the leanest mixed drinks available, often totaling around 100 calories.
Gin and Diet Tonic: Standard tonic water is loaded with sugar, but swapping to a diet version dramatically reduces calories. A gin and diet tonic comes in at around 98 calories.
Tequila with Lime: A simple shot of 100% agave tequila served with a squeeze of fresh lime is a clean and low-calorie choice, typically 99 calories. For a longer drink, add club soda for a skinny Paloma.
Whiskey on the Rocks: Enjoying whiskey neat or with a bit of ice is a classic, no-sugar-added way to drink. A 1.5 oz pour is about 105 calories.
Rum and Diet Coke: Replacing regular cola with a diet version for a Cuba Libre saves a significant amount of sugar and calories, bringing the total to about 100 calories.

Calorie Comparison: Spirits vs. Wine vs. Beer

When comparing different types of alcohol, it's crucial to look at standard serving sizes and the impact of mixers. The core difference lies in the process and the inclusion of carbohydrates and sugar.

Comparing Popular Alcoholic Beverages


Beverage	Standard Serving	Approximate Calories	Key Calorie Sources
Vodka Soda (with lime)	8 oz	~82–105	Pure spirit (no sugar/carbs)
Hard Seltzer	12 oz can	~99–100	Fermented cane sugar, flavorings
Light Beer	12 oz can/bottle	~95–100	Alcohol and residual carbohydrates
Dry White Wine	5 oz glass	~120	Alcohol and residual sugar
Dry Red Wine	5 oz glass	~125	Alcohol and residual sugar
Regular Beer	12 oz can/bottle	~150	Alcohol and carbohydrates
Margarita	4 oz serving	~170+	Spirit, sugar syrup, and juice

How to Reduce Calories in Any Cocktail

Many classic and tropical cocktails are calorie bombs due to high-sugar mixers and liqueurs. By making conscious ingredient swaps and smart ordering choices, you can dramatically lower the caloric load.

Choose Zero-Calorie Mixers: Replace high-sugar sodas, juices, and tonic water with club soda, seltzer, or diet alternatives.
Add Fresh Flavor: Muddle fresh herbs like mint or basil, or use citrus wedges and peels for flavor without the added sugar.
Skip the Syrups: Avoid drinks made with simple syrup, grenadine, or other sweet liqueurs. If a recipe calls for it, ask for a diet version or use a sugar alternative.
Water Down with Ice: Asking for extra ice can help stretch out your drink and slow down your consumption, which naturally limits overall calorie intake.
Don't Supersize: Be mindful of serving sizes, especially at bars or restaurants, where drink sizes are often much larger than standard pours.

Mindful Drinking and Calorie Control

Ultimately, the lowest-calorie alcoholic drink is the one you consume in moderation. The calories from alcohol are often referred to as "empty calories" because they offer little to no nutritional value. When consumed in excess, alcohol can disrupt weight loss efforts by lowering inhibitions, which can lead to overeating and poor food choices. Creating a balanced approach that includes low-calorie options and mindful consumption is the most sustainable strategy.

For more in-depth nutritional information on thousands of food and beverage items, the USDA's FoodData Central is an authoritative and reliable resource. It's a great tool for anyone committed to a mindful diet and lifestyle.

Conclusion When determining which alcoholic drink is the lowest calorie, a pure spirit like vodka, gin, or tequila mixed with a calorie-free beverage like club soda is the clear winner. These simple mixed drinks and light beers consistently contain fewer calories than wine or more complex, sugary cocktails. By opting for these lighter choices and practicing mindful drinking, you can enjoy your favorite beverages while staying on track with your health and wellness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

A vodka soda with a squeeze of fresh lime is widely considered the lowest-calorie alcoholic drink, often containing as few as 82 calories per 8-ounce drink due to the low-calorie nature of vodka and the zero calories in club soda.

Most standard 80-proof distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila have a similar low-calorie count per 1.5-ounce shot (around 97-100 calories). However, higher-proof spirits and sugary liqueurs contain more calories.

Yes, light beer is a good low-calorie option, with many brands containing around 95-100 calories per 12-ounce serving. This is a significant saving compared to regular beer, which can have 150 calories or more.

To lower calories, use zero-calorie mixers like club soda, diet tonic, or seltzer instead of regular soda, sugary juices, or tonic water. You can also use fresh herbs and citrus for flavor instead of syrups.

Generally, wine has a slightly lower calorie count per serving than regular beer. A 5-ounce glass of dry wine has about 120-125 calories, while a 12-ounce regular beer has about 150 calories. However, light beer is often lower in calories than wine.

Yes, you can drink alcohol and still lose weight, but moderation is key. Choosing low-calorie options, limiting intake, and budgeting for the calories in your daily count will help you stay on track with your health goals.

Yes, hard seltzers are typically a low-calorie choice. Many brands contain around 100 calories per 12-ounce can and have minimal or zero added sugar.