Which is the Lowest Calorie Alcohol? The Ultimate Guide

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96-97 calories, making it a famously low-calorie spirit. For those watching their intake, understanding which is the lowest calorie alcohol is essential for making informed decisions without sacrificing social enjoyment or fitness goals.

Quick Summary

The lowest calorie alcohol options are clear spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila when consumed with zero-calorie mixers. Other excellent choices include light beer, hard seltzers, and dry wines. Making simple substitutions is key to reducing overall calorie intake.

Key Points

Clear Spirits Lead: Unflavored vodka, gin, and tequila are the lowest-calorie spirits, with approximately 96-97 calories per shot.
Mixer Matters Most: Using zero-calorie mixers like soda water or diet tonic is the best way to keep a mixed drink low in calories.
Choose Light Options: Light beers (~103 calories) and hard seltzers (~100 calories) are excellent alternatives to standard beer.
Prefer Dry Wines: Opt for dry red or white wines, which have lower sugar content than sweeter varieties, and consider making a spritzer to reduce calories.
Avoid Sugary Add-ins: Pre-made cocktail mixes, syrups, and sweet liqueurs dramatically increase a drink's calorie count and should be avoided.
Moderation is Key: Regardless of the drink choice, consuming alcohol in moderation is the most important factor for health and weight management.

For anyone conscious of their calorie consumption, navigating the world of alcoholic beverages can be tricky. While many people focus on the food they eat, the calories from drinks can quickly add up and sabotage weight management efforts. The key to enjoying alcohol while staying on track lies in understanding where the calories come from and which drinks offer the best options.

The Source of Calories in Alcohol

The primary source of calories in any alcoholic beverage is the ethanol itself, which contains roughly 7 calories per gram. This is only slightly less caloric than fat (9 calories per gram) and significantly more than carbohydrates or protein (4 calories per gram). The proof, or alcohol by volume (ABV), directly impacts the calorie count of a spirit, with higher proofs containing more calories per ounce.

Beyond the base alcohol, the major contributors to a drink's calorie load are sugars and carbohydrates from added mixers, liqueurs, and fruit juices. For example, a sugary margarita can contain over 300 calories, while a simple vodka soda with a lime wedge has around 100 calories. The difference is almost entirely due to the mixers.

The Contenders: Lowest Calorie Spirits

When it comes to distilled spirits, the lowest calorie options are typically clear, unflavored varieties. These contain no sugar or carbohydrates, with all calories coming solely from the ethanol. Here are some of the top contenders per 1.5 fl oz shot:

Vodka: Around 96-97 calories.
Gin: Around 97 calories.
Tequila (Blanco): Around 96-97 calories.
Whiskey: Around 97 calories.

Low-Calorie Mixed Drinks

Mixing these spirits with zero-calorie beverages is the best strategy for keeping drink calories at a minimum. Consider these popular options:

Vodka Soda: Combining vodka with soda water and a squeeze of fresh lime results in a crisp, refreshing, and very low-calorie drink.
Gin and Diet Tonic: Swapping a standard tonic for a diet version can cut the calories of a classic gin and tonic significantly.
Tequila with Fresh Lime: A simple, flavorful combination that avoids sugary margarita mixes.

Lowest Calorie Alternatives

For those who prefer a different type of drink, there are several low-calorie options beyond spirits.

Light Beer and Hard Seltzer

Both light beer and hard seltzer offer excellent low-calorie choices, often hovering around 100 calories per 12-ounce serving, depending on the brand. Their popularity is a testament to the demand for lighter options that still deliver on taste. Popular hard seltzer brands include White Claw and Truly, while Michelob Ultra is a well-known light beer.

Dry Wine and Champagne

Dry wines, both red and white, generally have lower sugar and calorie counts than their sweeter counterparts. A standard 5-ounce glass of dry wine contains around 120-125 calories. Sparkling wines like Champagne and Prosecco can also be relatively low-calorie options, especially drier varieties.

Comparison of Common Alcoholic Drinks

To put it in perspective, here is a comparison of the approximate calorie counts for various popular drinks.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories
Vodka Soda	8 oz (1.5 oz vodka)	~82-100
Light Beer	12 oz	~103
Hard Seltzer	12 oz	~100
Dry Red Wine	5 oz	~121
Dry White Wine	5 oz	~128
Regular Beer	12 oz	~153
Margarita	4 oz	~168
Mojito	6 oz	~143
Pina Colada	7 oz	~380
White Russian	8 oz	~568

Tips for Reducing Your Calorie Intake

Choose clear spirits: As mentioned, vodka, gin, and tequila are generally your safest bets.
Opt for zero-calorie mixers: Club soda, soda water, diet tonic water, and sugar-free sodas are your best friends.
Flavor with natural ingredients: Use fresh citrus wedges (lime, lemon), muddled mint, or slices of cucumber to add flavor without sugar.
Water it down: Dilute your wine with sparkling water to make a spritzer, extending the drink and reducing calorie density.
Avoid sugary cocktails and liqueurs: Stay away from creamy liqueurs, cocktail mixes, and fruit juices with added sugar.
Pace yourself: Slowing down your drinking pace can help you consume fewer calories overall.

Conclusion

For those seeking the lowest calorie alcohol, the answer is clear: unflavored, distilled spirits like vodka and gin, when mixed with zero-calorie mixers, top the list. Hard seltzers, light beers, and dry wines are also excellent choices for those who prefer other options. By understanding the calorie content and being mindful of mixers, you can enjoy alcoholic beverages responsibly without derailing your dietary goals. The best approach is always moderation and making smart, informed choices. For more detailed information, consult resources like the US National Library of Medicine's calorie tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unflavored, clear spirits such as vodka, gin, and tequila are the spirits with the lowest calorie count, typically containing around 96-97 calories per 1.5 fl oz shot.

Yes, generally. A 12-ounce light beer or hard seltzer typically has around 100 calories, while a 5-ounce glass of wine usually contains 120-125 calories.

Club soda, plain soda water, and diet tonic are the best zero-calorie mixers. A squeeze of fresh lime, lemon, or muddled mint can add flavor without adding calories.

Higher-proof spirits have a higher concentration of ethanol, which increases their calorie count per ounce. A higher-proof vodka will have more calories per ounce than a standard 80-proof version.

No. Cocktails made with spirits and zero-calorie mixers, such as a vodka soda or diet gin and tonic, can be very low-calorie. Sugary liqueurs and sweet juices are what drive up the calories in most cocktails.

The calorie difference between red and white wine is minimal and depends on the specific variety and dryness. Both typically contain around 120-125 calories per 5-ounce glass, with dry options being lower in sugar.

Yes, but moderation and smart choices are crucial. Prioritizing low-calorie drinks and accounting for the liquid calories in your total daily intake can allow for responsible alcohol consumption while pursuing weight loss goals.