Which Has More Calories, Vodka Tonic or Vodka Soda? The Definitive Answer

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard vodka tonic can contain over 50% more calories than a vodka soda, with the difference stemming almost entirely from the choice of mixer. This makes the question of which has more calories, vodka tonic or vodka soda, an easy one to answer for those monitoring their caloric intake.

Quick Summary

Compare the calorie counts of a vodka tonic and a vodka soda to see the clear difference in sugar and calorie content, and learn how your mixer drastically affects your drink.

Key Points

Tonic Water is the Calorie Culprit: The sugar content added to standard tonic water is the reason a vodka tonic has significantly more calories than a vodka soda.
Soda Water is Calorie-Free: Using club soda or sparkling water as a mixer adds zero calories, making a vodka soda a very low-calorie mixed drink.
The Vodka's Calories are Consistent: The number of calories contributed by the vodka itself is relatively the same in both drinks, assuming equal measurements.
Switch to Diet Tonic: A simple swap to diet tonic water can drastically reduce the calorie and sugar content of a vodka tonic, making it a healthier alternative.
Mixers Matter Most: When it comes to the calorie difference between these two cocktails, the choice of mixer, not the spirit, is the key determining factor.
Flavor Without Calories: You can add flavor to a vodka soda with fresh fruit slices, such as lime or cucumber, without impacting the calorie count.

The Surprising Truth: Why One Drink is Heavier on Calories

While vodka itself contains a consistent number of calories based on its proof—a standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka has approximately 96 calories—the mixer is the determining factor in the final calorie count of a mixed drink. Many people wrongly assume that clear mixers are all equal, but a closer look reveals a significant difference between soda water and tonic water.

Breaking Down the Vodka Soda

The vodka soda is often hailed as a go-to for calorie-conscious drinkers, and for good reason. Its simplicity is its strength. A typical recipe consists of:

1.5 oz (45 ml) 80-proof vodka
4-6 oz (120-180 ml) soda water
A squeeze of fresh lime

The calories in this drink come exclusively from the vodka. Soda water, or club soda, is simply carbonated water and is calorie-free, with no sugar added. The lime adds a negligible number of calories. This means a vodka soda will clock in at just under 100 calories, or slightly more depending on the pour.

Unpacking the Vodka Tonic

On the other side of the bar is the vodka tonic. While it shares the same base spirit, the choice of mixer completely changes its nutritional profile. The calories come from:

1.5 oz (45 ml) 80-proof vodka
4-6 oz (120-180 ml) tonic water

Tonic water is not calorie-free. It contains sugar to balance the bitterness of quinine, the ingredient that gives it its distinctive flavor. This added sugar dramatically increases the calorie count. A single 5 oz serving of tonic water can add an additional 50-70 calories, bringing a standard vodka tonic up to a total of around 150-170 calories. Some brands may even contain more.

Vodka Tonic vs. Vodka Soda: A Calorie Comparison

To put the difference into perspective, here is a comparison table showing the estimated calories and sugar for a typical 8-ounce (240ml) serving of each drink, using 1.5 oz of 80-proof vodka.


Feature	Vodka Soda	Vodka Tonic
Calories	~96 calories	~150-170 calories
Sugar	0 grams	~13-20 grams
Carbohydrates	Minimal (from lime)	Significant (from sugar)

As the table clearly shows, the sugar and calorie content of the tonic water is the primary reason the vodka tonic is the more calorific option. For those tracking their intake, this is a crucial distinction.

Smart Substitutions for a Lighter Drink

If you prefer the taste of a vodka tonic but want to reduce the calories, several simple swaps can help you enjoy your drink without the guilt. The key is to address the sugar in the tonic water.

Use Diet Tonic Water: The most straightforward solution is to simply use a diet or "slimline" tonic. These versions use artificial sweeteners, eliminating the sugar and calories while preserving the flavor profile. Some brands offer a crisp, clean taste that is nearly indistinguishable from their regular counterparts.
Try Infused Water: For a unique twist, infuse soda water with fresh fruit, herbs, or cucumber slices. This adds flavor without any calories or sugar. Lemon, cucumber, or even muddled mint can provide a refreshing alternative.
Add a Splash of Juice: While juice contains sugar, a small splash is far better than a full pour of tonic. A hint of cranberry or grapefruit juice can add a different kind of flavor with fewer calories.

Other Considerations Beyond the Mixer

The mixer is the biggest factor, but it's not the only one. Other elements can add unexpected calories to your drink. Keep these in mind to maintain better control over your intake:

Garnishes: A simple wedge of lime or lemon is fine, but certain garnishes, especially those involving sugar, can add hidden calories. Stay away from drinks with sugared rims or candied fruit.
Portion Size: The amount of alcohol is a major factor. A 1.5 oz pour is standard, but some bars serve larger 'double' shots, doubling the base alcohol calories.
Type of Vodka: While most vodkas have a similar calorie count per serving, flavored vodkas can sometimes contain added sugars. If you prefer a flavored version, double-check the nutritional information.

Conclusion: Making the Smarter Choice

In the direct comparison of which has more calories, vodka tonic or vodka soda, the vodka tonic is the clear winner—or loser, depending on your perspective. The added sugar in standard tonic water is the singular reason for its higher calorie load. The vodka soda, relying on a zero-calorie mixer, is the more waistline-friendly choice. However, with the availability of diet tonic waters and other creative, low-calorie mixers, you don't have to sacrifice flavor for a healthier drink. By simply being aware of what goes into your glass, you can make more informed decisions to enjoy your cocktails responsibly.

For more information on the nutritional content of alcoholic beverages, you can consult resources like MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard tonic water contains sugar, which is added to balance the bitter taste of quinine. Soda water, on the other hand, is simply carbonated water and therefore contains no sugar or calories.

A typical vodka tonic, made with 1.5 oz of 80-proof vodka and 5 oz of regular tonic water, can contain approximately 152 to 175 calories.

Yes, diet tonic water is an excellent substitute. It contains artificial sweeteners instead of sugar, which eliminates the calories and makes for a much healthier, lower-calorie drink.

Since soda water is already calorie-free, the only calories come from the vodka. To reduce the calorie count further, you can ask for a smaller pour of vodka or use a low-proof vodka, although the standard is a very low-calorie option already.

It is important to check the label, as some flavored vodkas contain added sugar and therefore have more calories than plain, unflavored vodka. Choosing a trusted brand or a plain vodka is the safest bet for calorie counting.

Besides soda water, other good options include diet soda, sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus, and iced herbal tea. These mixers add flavor without the extra sugar and calories.

A simple fruit garnish, like a lime or lemon wedge, adds a negligible number of calories. However, sugary garnishes, such as candied fruit or sugared rims, will increase the calorie count.