Which flavored vodka has the least calories? The ultimate guide

According to a 2018 survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation, 77% of consumers reported actively trying to reduce their sugar intake. The calorie count of flavored vodkas has become a key consideration for mindful drinkers.

Quick Summary

A guide to the lowest calorie flavored vodkas, emphasizing products using natural infusions instead of added sugars. The analysis covers low-ABV and zero-sugar options to help consumers make informed choices.

Key Points

• Zero-Sugar Options are Best: Brands like Ketel One Botanical, Grey Goose Essences, and Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions are the lowest calorie flavored vodkas due to their zero sugar content.

• Lower Proof Equals Fewer Calories: The alcohol content (ABV) of vodka is the main source of calories, so lower-proof vodkas naturally have a lower calorie count per serving.

• Read the Label: Always check the product label for nutritional information and explicitly look for "zero sugar" or "no added sugar" declarations to avoid hidden calories from syrups.

• Avoid Sugary Mixers: The lowest-calorie flavored vodka can become a high-calorie drink when combined with sugary mixers. Use soda water, diet soda, or unsweetened tea instead.

• DIY for Full Control: Infusing your own vodka with fresh fruits, herbs, or spices guarantees no added sugar and provides complete control over flavor and calorie content.

Understanding Calories in Vodka

Vodka's calories come almost entirely from its alcohol content, with one gram of alcohol containing approximately seven calories. Pure, unflavored vodka typically contains no sugar or carbs. The calorie count of an unflavored vodka depends on its proof (the percentage of alcohol by volume, or ABV), with higher proof equaling more calories. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) vodka contains around 97 calories.

When flavor is added, the calorie count can change. Flavored vodkas come in two main types: those with added sugar and those with natural, zero-calorie infusions. The primary factor in finding a low-calorie flavored vodka is to look for brands that do not add sugar or artificial sweeteners. Many premium brands now offer dedicated low-calorie or zero-sugar lines that prioritize natural fruit and botanical essences.

The Lowest Calorie Contenders

Several brands have made a name for themselves by offering flavored vodkas with minimal calories. These brands achieve their low-calorie status by using low-ABV recipes or by simply infusing their product with natural flavors without adding sugar.

• Ketel One Botanical: This line is a standout in the low-calorie category, distilled with real botanicals and infused with natural fruit essences. Each 1.5-ounce serving contains just 73 calories, zero carbs, and zero sugar. Flavors include Cucumber & Mint, Grapefruit & Rose, and Peach & Orange Blossom. Their lower 30% ABV (60 proof) contributes to the reduced calorie count. The brand promotes mixing these with soda water for a light and refreshing cocktail.

• Grey Goose Essences: Similar to Ketel One Botanical, Grey Goose Essences are infused with real fruit and botanical essences, boasting zero sugar and zero carbs per 1.5-ounce serving. With an average of 73 calories per serving and a 30% ABV, they offer another excellent low-calorie option. Their flavors include Strawberry & Lemongrass, Watermelon & Basil, and White Peach & Rosemary.

• Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions: This line is specifically crafted for zero sugar and 100% flavor, making it a very low-calorie choice. Each 1.5-ounce serving contains only 72 calories, with 0g carbs, 0g sugar, and 0g fat. The 60-proof spirit comes in a variety of flavors, such as Cucumber & Lime, Watermelon & Mint, and Strawberry & Rose.

• Skinnygirl Vodka: Marketed specifically to health-conscious consumers, Skinnygirl offers a range of naturally flavored vodkas with less than 80 calories per 1.5-ounce serving. According to the brand, many of its naturally flavored vodkas contain around 75.8 calories per serving. The lower calorie count is achieved by combining natural flavors with a lower 30% ABV.

Factors That Impact Calorie Count

When searching for the lowest-calorie option, keep these factors in mind:

1. Proof (ABV): The most significant factor influencing vodka's calorie count is its alcohol content. A standard 80-proof (40% ABV) vodka will have more calories than a 60-proof (30% ABV) vodka, regardless of flavor.

2. Added Sugars vs. Infusions: Many traditional flavored vodkas, especially dessert-flavored varieties, use added sugars or syrups to enhance the taste. These added ingredients increase the total carbohydrate and calorie count. Zero-sugar infusions, on the other hand, rely on natural essences for flavor, keeping the calorie count low.

3. Mixers: The lowest-calorie flavored vodka can become a high-calorie drink with the wrong mixer. Always choose zero-calorie mixers like soda water, diet soda, or unsweetened iced tea. Avoid high-sugar options like fruit juice, regular soda, or syrups.

Making Your Own Low-Calorie Infusions

For complete control over flavor and calories, consider infusing your own vodka. This process is simple and guarantees no added sugars or artificial ingredients. You can customize the flavors to your liking using fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs.

Common Infusion Ideas:

• Citrus: Lemon, lime, or orange peel infusions. Use only the zest to avoid bitterness from the pith.
• Herbal: Cucumber, mint, basil, or rosemary provide fresh, crisp flavors.
• Spicy: Fresh jalapeño or black peppercorns can create a spicy kick.
• Fruity: Berries, peaches, or watermelon chunks add natural sweetness and color.

Comparison Table: Low-Calorie Flavored Vodkas

Brand	Flavor Profile	Approx. Calories (1.5 oz)	Proof	Notes
Smirnoff Zero Sugar	Cucumber & Lime, Watermelon & Mint, Strawberry & Rose	~72	60	Zero sugar, zero carbs
Ketel One Botanical	Grapefruit & Rose, Cucumber & Mint, Peach & Orange	~73	60	Distilled with botanicals, zero carbs
Grey Goose Essences	Watermelon & Basil, Strawberry & Lemongrass, White Peach & Rosemary	~73	60	Infused with fruit and botanicals, zero sugar
Skinnygirl	Bare Naked, many fruit flavors	~75	60	Natural flavors, lower ABV

How to Choose the Right Low-Calorie Vodka

1. Read the Label: The most reliable way to find the lowest-calorie vodka is to check the nutritional information. Look for brands that explicitly state "zero sugar" or provide a clear breakdown of calories, carbs, and sugars per serving. If the label is unclear, visit the brand's website for specifics.

2. Focus on Zero-Sugar Infusions: Products labeled as "zero sugar" or "botanical infusions" are your best bet. These use the natural essence of fruits and herbs for flavor without adding calories from sugar. Avoid brands with "liqueur" in the name, as they likely contain added sugar.

3. Consider Lower Proof: Vodkas with a lower ABV, such as Ketel One Botanical and Grey Goose Essences at 60 proof, naturally have fewer calories per ounce than standard 80-proof spirits. This can be a key differentiator when comparing similar products.

4. DIY for Ultimate Control: For those who want the absolute lowest-calorie option with full flavor control, infusing a high-quality, unflavored vodka at home is the best method. Use fresh ingredients and a long steeping time to extract maximum flavor.

Conclusion

For those seeking the lowest-calorie flavored vodka, your best options are brands like Ketel One Botanical, Grey Goose Essences, and Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions, all of which offer zero-sugar, naturally infused products. The key to keeping your cocktail low-calorie is to pair these spirits with zero-calorie mixers like soda water. While traditional, higher-proof flavored vodkas often contain added sugars, many newer brands prioritize natural flavoring and lower ABV to cater to a health-conscious market. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your flavor preference, but opting for a zero-sugar infusion is the most direct path to a lower-calorie flavored cocktail.

An Outbound Link

For a deeper dive into the science of alcohol and calories, explore the Healthline article on vodka nutrition facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lowest calorie flavored vodka available?

Ketel One Botanical, Grey Goose Essences, and Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions are among the lowest, each containing around 72-73 calories per 1.5-ounce serving. They achieve this with zero sugar, zero carbs, and a lower alcohol proof (60 proof).

Why do some flavored vodkas have more calories than others?

The main difference in calorie count comes from added sugar. Many flavored vodkas use sugary syrups to achieve a sweeter taste, while lower-calorie options rely on natural fruit and botanical infusions without added sweeteners.

Does higher-proof vodka have more calories?

Yes, higher-proof vodka has more calories because the calories in vodka come from the alcohol itself. A 1.5-ounce shot of 100-proof vodka contains more calories than the same size shot of 80-proof vodka.

Can I make my own low-calorie flavored vodka?

Yes, infusing your own vodka is an excellent way to control both the flavor and calorie content. Simply add fresh fruits, herbs, or spices to a bottle of unflavored vodka and let it steep for a week or more.

What is the difference between flavored vodka and a vodka liqueur?

Flavored vodka is typically a vodka base infused with natural or artificial flavors, often with minimal or no added sugar. A vodka liqueur is a flavored vodka with a significant amount of added sugar, which dramatically increases the calorie count.

How should I mix low-calorie flavored vodka?

For the lowest-calorie cocktail, mix flavored vodka with zero-calorie mixers such as soda water, diet soda, or unsweetened iced tea. A squeeze of fresh citrus can also enhance the flavor without adding significant calories.

Are zero-sugar flavored vodkas suitable for a keto diet?

Yes, zero-sugar flavored vodkas like Ketel One Botanical, Grey Goose Essences, and Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions are excellent choices for a keto diet, as they contain zero carbohydrates.