Which shot of alcohol has the least calories?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

One gram of alcohol contains about seven calories, which is almost as many as one gram of fat. When considering a single shot, the caloric content is determined by the alcohol's proof, with unflavored, distilled spirits being the leanest options.

Quick Summary

Pure, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey generally have the lowest calorie counts per shot. The exact number of calories is primarily dictated by the alcohol proof, and adding sugary mixers significantly increases the overall caloric intake. Liqueurs, with their added sugars, are typically much higher in calories than standard spirits.

Key Points

Vodka is the lowest calorie shot: A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories, making it one of the leanest options.
Proof matters: Higher-proof spirits contain more alcohol per volume and, therefore, more calories. An 80-proof shot has fewer calories than a 94-proof shot of the same spirit.
Pure spirits are best: Unflavored, distilled spirits like gin, tequila, and whiskey are also low in calories, with 80-proof versions being comparable to vodka.
Mixers add calories: Avoid high-sugar mixers like juice, regular tonic, and soda, as they significantly increase the drink's total calorie count.
Liqueurs are high-calorie: Liqueurs and creamy cocktails have added sugars and fats, making them the most calorific shots to avoid when counting calories.
Go for zero-calorie mixers: To keep a cocktail low-calorie, pair a clear spirit with zero-calorie options like soda water, diet soda, or a squeeze of fresh citrus.

Understanding Alcohol and Calories

When evaluating which shot of alcohol has the least calories, it's important to understand where the calories in alcoholic beverages come from. Unlike carbohydrates (4 kcal/gram) and protein (4 kcal/gram), alcohol is calorie-dense, packing approximately 7 calories per gram. For pure, distilled spirits, the calories come almost entirely from the alcohol content, with no fat or sugar (unless added). This means the higher the proof (alcohol by volume), the more calories a shot will contain. For example, an 80-proof spirit is 40% alcohol, while a 94-proof spirit is 47% alcohol, resulting in a higher calorie count per serving for the latter.

The Lowest Calorie Shots: The Clear Contenders

For a standard 1.5-ounce (45 ml) serving, pure, unflavored spirits are your best bet for the lowest calorie count. The caloric differences between most standard 80-proof spirits are minimal, often differing by only a few calories. These include:

Vodka: At 80 proof, a 1.5 oz shot is approximately 97 calories. It's a popular choice for low-calorie cocktails when mixed with diet soda or soda water.
Tequila: An 80-proof shot of blanco or silver tequila also comes in at around 97 calories for 1.5 oz. Like vodka, its simple composition makes it a clean, low-cal choice.
Gin: Also typically 80 proof, a 1.5 oz shot contains about 97 calories, with the added flavor coming from juniper berries and other botanicals rather than sugar.
Rum: Light, white rum at 80 proof aligns closely with its clear-spirit counterparts at roughly 97 calories per 1.5 oz shot. However, dark or spiced rums often have added sugars and spices, increasing their caloric content.
Whiskey: A standard 80-proof whiskey will also typically have around 97 calories per 1.5 oz shot.

The Calorie Killers: What to Avoid

While clear spirits are relatively low in calories, other alcohol types and additions can dramatically inflate the calorie count. The highest calorie options are often:

Liqueurs: These are spirits with added sugar, flavorings, and sometimes cream. They are a significant source of extra calories. For instance, coffee liqueur can contain around 160 calories per 1.5 oz shot.
Flavored Spirits: Many flavored vodkas or rums include added sugars. Always check the label or choose unflavored options.
Sugary Mixers: The biggest mistake for calorie-conscious drinkers is pairing a low-calorie spirit with a high-calorie mixer. Juices, regular soda, and syrups can add hundreds of calories to a drink. For example, a vodka and tonic is much higher in calories than a vodka soda due to the added sugar in tonic water.
Creamy Cocktails: Drinks made with cream, like a White Russian or some creamy liqueurs, are exceptionally high in calories due to both the alcohol and fat content.

Comparison of Standard Alcoholic Shots (1.5 oz / 45 ml)


Alcoholic Spirit	Proof	Calories (Approx.)	Key Difference
Vodka	80	~97 kcal	Neutral spirit, no sugar or fat.
Tequila (Blanco)	80	~97 kcal	Made from agave, no sugar.
Gin	80	~97 kcal	Flavor from botanicals, no sugar.
Light Rum	80	~97 kcal	Distilled from sugarcane, minimal sugar.
Whiskey	80	~97 kcal	Aged, no added sugar.
Liqueur (Coffee)	N/A	~160 kcal	Significant added sugar and sometimes cream.
Flavored Vodka	Varies	Varies	May contain added sugars.

Making Smarter Choices

To keep calories in check, the choice of mixer is just as important as the spirit itself. A classic 'skinny' cocktail pairs a clear spirit with a zero-calorie mixer like soda water or diet soda. Adding a squeeze of fresh lime, lemon, or a few muddled berries can provide flavor without the caloric penalty.

The Final Word on Low-Calorie Shots

For those watching their calorie intake, pure, unflavored, 80-proof spirits offer the lowest-calorie option for a shot. The difference between a shot of vodka, gin, tequila, or whiskey is negligible, assuming they are all the same proof and unflavored. What matters most is avoiding sugary liqueurs and high-calorie mixers. By sticking to unflavored, standard-proof spirits and pairing them with calorie-free mixers, you can significantly reduce the caloric impact of your alcoholic beverages.

Additional Resources

For those interested in the broader impact of alcohol on weight management, consulting a resource like the MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia can provide further information on alcohol and weight gain.

Conclusion

While a variety of spirits exist, the simple, unflavored 80-proof options like vodka, tequila, and gin are the clear winners when seeking a low-calorie shot. Their caloric content is nearly identical for a standard serving because the calories come almost exclusively from the alcohol itself. The key to maintaining a low-calorie drink is to keep it neat or mix it with calorie-free options, steering clear of any liqueurs or sweetened ingredients that turn a simple shot into a calorie-laden treat. By prioritizing pure spirits and smart mixing choices, you can better manage your caloric intake without completely forgoing an occasional drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof alcohol, unflavored vodka and tequila have nearly identical calorie counts, both around 97 calories.

Liqueurs are high in calories because they are distilled spirits with significant amounts of added sugar, flavorings, and sometimes cream, which drastically increases their caloric density.

The higher the proof of the alcohol, the higher the calorie count will be per shot. For example, a 94-proof spirit has more calories than an 80-proof spirit of the same type.

Yes, but moderation is key. By choosing low-calorie spirits and avoiding sugary mixers, you can minimize the caloric impact. Always account for alcohol calories in your overall daily intake.

The best low-calorie mixers are zero-calorie options like soda water, diet tonic, or diet sodas. Adding a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice can also add flavor without calories.

No, while unflavored, 80-proof spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila are very similar, flavored spirits often contain added sugars and thus have more calories. Liqueurs are also much higher in calories.

Yes, some non-alcoholic spirits contain a small number of calories, but they are generally much lower than their alcoholic counterparts. Since non-alcoholic drinks require nutritional labeling, you can easily check the label for precise calorie information.