How Many Calories in Vodka: Complete Nutrition Guide & Facts

If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy an occasional drink, understanding the caloric content of different alcoholic beverages is essential. Vodka is often touted as one of the lower-calorie options available, making it a popular choice for health-conscious drinkers.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about vodka calories, nutrition facts, and how it compares to other alcoholic drinks. Whether you’re counting calories, managing carbohydrates, or simply curious about what’s in your glass, this article provides the detailed information you need to make informed choices.

Vodka Nutrition Facts: What’s Actually in Your Glass?

Vodka is one of the simplest alcoholic beverages from a nutritional standpoint. It consists primarily of ethanol (alcohol) and water, with virtually no other nutrients present. Unlike wine or beer, vodka contains no vitamins, minerals, proteins, or fats.

For a standard 1.5-ounce (44 ml) serving of 80 proof vodka, here’s the complete nutritional breakdown:

• Calories: 97
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sodium: 0 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

All calories in vodka come exclusively from the alcohol itself. Pure alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, which is more calorie-dense than carbohydrates or protein (4 calories per gram each) but less than fat (9 calories per gram).

How Many Calories Are in a Shot of Vodka?

The calorie content in vodka varies based on the alcohol concentration, measured as “proof.” The proof number represents twice the alcohol percentage by volume. For example, 80 proof vodka contains 40% alcohol.

Here’s how calories change with different vodka proofs for a standard 1.5-ounce shot:

• 70 proof (35% alcohol): 85 calories
• 80 proof (40% alcohol): 97 calories
• 90 proof (45% alcohol): 110 calories
• 100 proof (50% alcohol): 124 calories

The higher the proof, the more alcohol content, and consequently, the more calories per serving. Most commercially available vodkas are 80 proof, making 97 calories the standard for a single shot.

Calories in Different Shot Sizes

Serving sizes can vary depending on where and how vodka is poured. Here’s a breakdown of calories for different serving sizes of 80 proof vodka:

• 1 ounce (30 ml): 64 calories
• 1.5 ounces (44 ml) – standard shot: 97 calories
• 2 ounces (60 ml) – double shot: 128 calories
• 3 ounces (88 ml): 192 calories

Does Vodka Contain Carbohydrates?

One of vodka’s most appealing characteristics for people following low-carb or ketogenic diets is its complete absence of carbohydrates. Despite being made from carbohydrate-rich ingredients like wheat, rye, potatoes, or corn, vodka contains zero carbs.

The reason for this seemingly contradictory fact lies in the distillation process. During fermentation and distillation, the carbohydrates from the source ingredients are converted into alcohol and then separated, leaving only ethanol and water in the final product.

This makes vodka an attractive option for individuals managing their carbohydrate intake for various health or dietary reasons. However, it’s crucial to remember that while vodka itself contains no carbs, many mixers used in vodka cocktails are loaded with sugars and carbohydrates.

Vodka vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages: A Calorie Comparison

How does vodka stack up against other popular alcoholic drinks? Let’s compare the calories and carbohydrates across different beverage types:

Distilled Spirits

Other clear spirits have similar nutritional profiles to vodka. For a standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80 proof alcohol:

• Vodka: 97 calories, 0g carbs
• Gin: 97 calories, 0g carbs
• Rum: 97 calories, 0g carbs
• Tequila: 97 calories, 0g carbs
• Whiskey: 97 calories, 0g carbs

Note that flavored or spiced versions of these spirits may contain added sugars, increasing both calorie and carbohydrate content.

Wine and Beer

Wine and beer generally contain more calories and significantly more carbohydrates than vodka:

• Red wine (5 oz): 125 calories, 4g carbs
• White wine (5 oz): 121 calories, 4g carbs
• Champagne (4 oz): 84 calories, 1.6g carbs
• Regular beer (12 oz): 153 calories, 13g carbs
• Light beer (12 oz): 103 calories, 6g carbs
• IPA beer (12 oz): 170-200 calories, 14-18g carbs

From a purely caloric perspective, vodka contains fewer calories per serving than most wines and beers, particularly when consumed straight or with zero-calorie mixers.

Flavored Vodka: Does It Have More Calories?

Flavored vodkas have become increasingly popular, offering varieties from citrus and berry to more unique options like vanilla, cucumber, or even bacon. The good news is that many naturally or artificially flavored vodkas contain the same number of calories as unflavored vodka—approximately 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot.

The key distinction is between flavor-infused vodka and vodka mixed with flavored syrups or liqueurs. True flavored vodkas have essences or extracts added during or after distillation without additional sugars. These typically maintain the zero-carb, low-calorie profile of regular vodka.

Watch Out for Sweetened Vodka Products

Some products marketed as “flavored vodka” actually contain added sugars, sweeteners, or are pre-mixed cocktails. These can dramatically increase calorie and carbohydrate content. For example:

• A whipped cream-flavored vodka may contain 96-100 calories per shot with minimal added carbs
• A pre-mixed vodka lemonade can contain 200+ calories and 25+ grams of sugar per serving
• Sweetened berry vodka cocktails may have 150-180 calories per serving with 10-15g carbs

Always check labels carefully and look for nutrition information. If it’s true infused vodka, it should have similar nutritional values to regular vodka. If sugar or sweeteners are added, expect higher calorie and carb counts.

Low-Calorie Vodka Drink Options

While vodka itself is relatively low in calories, the mixers you choose can quickly turn a light drink into a calorie bomb. Many popular cocktails rely on sugary sodas, fruit juices, or sweet liqueurs that add significant calories and carbohydrates.

High-Calorie Mixers to Avoid

Common vodka mixers that substantially increase calorie content include:

• Regular cola (8 oz): 100 calories, 27g sugar
• Orange juice (8 oz): 110 calories, 21g sugar
• Cranberry juice (8 oz): 116 calories, 30g sugar
• Tonic water (8 oz): 83 calories, 21g sugar
• Energy drinks (8 oz): 110 calories, 27g sugar
• Sweet and sour mix (4 oz): 120 calories, 29g sugar

Smart Low-Calorie Mixer Choices

To keep your vodka drinks low in calories, consider these alternatives:

• Soda water or club soda: 0 calories – Add fresh lime, lemon, or cucumber for flavor
• Diet tonic water: 0 calories – Provides the tonic flavor without the sugar
• Fresh lime or lemon juice (1 oz): 8 calories – Adds bright citrus notes
• Unsweetened iced tea: 2 calories per 8 oz – Refreshing with minimal calories
• Muddled fresh herbs: Mint, basil, or rosemary add flavor without calories
• Zero-calorie flavored sparkling water: 0 calories – Various flavors available
• Diet sodas: 0-5 calories – If you prefer sweetness without sugar

Popular Low-Calorie Vodka Cocktails

Here are some classic vodka drinks and their lower-calorie alternatives:

Vodka Soda: 1.5 oz vodka + soda water + lime wedge = ~100 calories

Skinny Vodka Tonic: 1.5 oz vodka + diet tonic water + lemon = ~97 calories

Vodka Martini: 2.5 oz vodka + 0.5 oz dry vermouth + olive = ~175 calories

Moscow Mule (lightened): 1.5 oz vodka + diet ginger beer + lime = ~100 calories

Bloody Mary (moderate calories): 1.5 oz vodka + 4 oz tomato juice + seasonings = ~150 calories

Vodka and Weight Management: What You Need to Know

While vodka is lower in calories compared to many other alcoholic beverages, its impact on weight management is more complex than simple calorie counting. Understanding how your body processes alcohol can help you make better decisions about drinking while trying to maintain or lose weight.

How Alcohol Affects Fat Metabolism

When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it over other nutrients. Your liver, which normally helps metabolize fats, shifts its focus to breaking down alcohol instead. This process effectively pauses fat burning—a phenomenon sometimes called “fat sparing.”

During this time, any fats you’ve consumed are more likely to be stored rather than burned for energy. This can contribute to fat accumulation, particularly in the abdominal area, even if you’re consuming a relatively low-calorie form of alcohol like vodka.

The “Empty Calories” Problem

Vodka and other alcoholic beverages provide what nutritionists call “empty calories”—calories that offer energy but no beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein. These calories add to your daily total without providing any nutritional value or helping you feel satisfied.

Studies indicate that alcohol calories typically add to, rather than replace, food calories in your diet. Most people don’t compensate for alcohol calories by eating less food, meaning alcohol consumption usually increases total daily calorie intake.

Alcohol’s Effect on Appetite and Food Choices

Alcohol consumption can influence eating behavior in several ways:

• Reduced inhibition: Alcohol can lower your resistance to temptation, making it harder to stick to healthy eating plans
• Increased appetite: Drinking may stimulate appetite and reduce feelings of fullness
• Poor food choices: Alcohol consumption is often associated with choosing higher-calorie, less nutritious foods
• Late-night eating: Drinking often leads to eating at times when you wouldn’t normally consume food

Tips for Drinking Vodka While Managing Weight

If you choose to drink vodka while working on weight management:

• Set a limit before you start drinking and stick to it
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated and slow consumption
• Choose zero-calorie mixers like soda water or diet sodas
• Eat a healthy meal before drinking to slow alcohol absorption
• Track alcohol calories as part of your daily caloric intake
• Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, which can increase appetite
• Plan ahead for situations where you’ll be drinking

Understanding Alcohol Proof and Its Impact

The “proof” of vodka is an important factor in determining its calorie content. Understanding this measurement helps you make informed choices about which vodka to purchase and how much to pour.

What Does “Proof” Mean?

In the United States, alcohol proof is exactly twice the alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. So 80 proof vodka contains 40% alcohol by volume, while 100 proof vodka contains 50% alcohol.

The term “proof” has historical origins dating back to methods used to test the alcohol content of spirits. Today, it’s a standardized measurement that appears on all distilled spirit labels.

Why Proof Matters for Calories

Since all calories in vodka come from the alcohol itself, higher proof vodkas contain more alcohol per volume and therefore more calories. The difference can be significant:

• Choosing 100 proof over 80 proof vodka adds 27 calories per shot
• Over four drinks, that’s an additional 108 calories
• The alcohol concentration also affects how quickly you feel intoxicated

Most vodka brands produce 80 proof as their standard offering, with some premium or specialty vodkas available at higher proofs.

Brand Comparison: Are All Vodkas Equal?

When it comes to calorie content, vodka brands with the same proof are essentially identical. A shot of 80 proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories regardless of whether it’s a premium brand or a budget option.

The differences between vodka brands lie in:

• Source ingredients: Wheat, rye, potato, corn, or grapes
• Distillation process: Number of distillations and filtration methods
• Taste and smoothness: Subtle flavor differences and burn intensity
• Price point: Marketing and perceived quality affect cost

However, from a nutritional standpoint, 80 proof vodka from any major brand will have the same calorie, carbohydrate, and nutritional profile: approximately 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot with zero carbs.

Vodka and Specific Dietary Patterns

Keto and Low-Carb Diets

Vodka’s zero-carbohydrate content makes it one of the most compatible alcoholic beverages for ketogenic and low-carb diets. Unlike beer or sweet wines, vodka won’t directly impact your carbohydrate count.

However, keep in mind that alcohol can temporarily halt ketosis as your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol. While vodka won’t kick you out of ketosis through carb intake, it will pause fat burning until the alcohol is processed.

Gluten-Free Diets

Most vodka is considered gluten-free, even when made from wheat or rye. The distillation process removes gluten proteins, resulting in a final product that contains negligible amounts of gluten.

However, individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity may prefer vodkas made from naturally gluten-free sources like:

• Potato-based vodka
• Corn-based vodka
• Grape-based vodka
• Sorghum-based vodka

Some individuals with celiac disease report reactions to grain-based vodkas, so it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider about your specific situation.

Vegan Diets

Pure vodka is generally vegan-friendly as it contains only ethanol and water. However, some vodkas may be filtered using animal products like charcoal from bone char, gelatin, or isinglass.

Many vodka brands now offer certified vegan products or provide information about their production processes. Check with manufacturers if this is a concern.

Health Considerations Beyond Calories

While calorie content is important, it’s not the only health consideration when it comes to vodka consumption.

Recommended Drinking Guidelines

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides guidelines for moderate drinking:

• For men: Up to 2 drinks per day
• For women: Up to 1 drink per day

One standard drink equals 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits like vodka. These guidelines represent limits, not recommendations—you don’t need to drink daily to gain any health benefits.

Risks of Excessive Drinking

Consuming vodka or other alcohol beyond moderate levels can lead to numerous health issues:

• Liver disease including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis
• Increased risk of certain cancers
• Heart problems including high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy
• Weakened immune system
• Mental health issues including depression and anxiety
• Alcohol dependence and addiction
• Impaired brain function and memory

When to Avoid Alcohol Completely

Certain individuals should avoid alcohol entirely:

• Pregnant women or those trying to conceive
• Individuals with certain medical conditions
• People taking medications that interact with alcohol
• Those with a history of alcohol use disorder
• Individuals under the legal drinking age
• Anyone who needs to drive or operate machinery

If you have concerns about alcohol consumption, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a 25ml shot of vodka?

A 25ml shot of 80 proof vodka contains approximately 55 calories. This smaller pour size is common in some countries and contains less alcohol than the standard U.S. serving of 1.5 ounces (44ml).

Is vodka the lowest calorie alcohol?

Vodka is among the lowest calorie alcoholic beverages, but it’s not unique in this regard. Other distilled spirits like gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey (all at 80 proof) contain the same number of calories—approximately 97 per 1.5-ounce shot. Light beer and dry wine may have fewer total calories per serving but also contain lower alcohol content.

Does vodka make you gain weight?

Vodka can contribute to weight gain through several mechanisms: it adds calories to your diet, temporarily stops fat burning while being metabolized, and may increase appetite and lead to poor food choices. However, moderate consumption of vodka with low-calorie mixers as part of a balanced diet may not significantly impact weight.

How many shots of vodka equal a glass of wine?

In terms of pure alcohol content, one 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof vodka contains approximately the same amount of alcohol as a 5-ounce glass of 12% wine. However, wine contains more total calories (about 120-125) due to residual sugars and other compounds.

Can I drink vodka every day?

While moderate drinking guidelines suggest limits of 1-2 drinks per day depending on sex, daily alcohol consumption—even within these limits—may still carry health risks. Many health experts suggest having alcohol-free days each week. If you’re concerned about your drinking habits, speak with a healthcare provider.

Does vodka have any health benefits?

Unlike wine, which contains some antioxidants, vodka provides no nutritional benefits. While some studies have suggested moderate alcohol consumption may have certain health associations, these benefits can be achieved through other means without the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Will vodka spike my blood sugar?

Pure vodka contains no carbohydrates or sugars, so it won’t directly raise blood sugar levels. However, alcohol can interfere with blood sugar regulation and may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially in people with diabetes or those taking certain medications. If you have diabetes, consult your healthcare provider about alcohol consumption.

How long does vodka stay in your system?

On average, the body metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about one standard drink per hour. However, this varies based on numerous factors including body weight, sex, food consumption, and individual metabolism. Alcohol can be detected in blood for up to 12 hours and in urine for 12-48 hours after consumption.

The Bottom Line

Vodka stands out as one of the lower-calorie alcoholic beverage options, containing approximately 97 calories per standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof vodka. With zero carbohydrates, zero sugar, and no fat, it offers a relatively “clean” nutritional profile compared to beer, wine, or mixed cocktails.

For individuals watching their calorie or carbohydrate intake, vodka can fit into a balanced lifestyle when consumed in moderation. The key is choosing low-calorie mixers like soda water, diet tonic, or fresh citrus instead of sugary juices and sodas that can triple or quadruple the calorie count of your drink.

However, it’s essential to remember that vodka still contains significant calories from alcohol—nearly as many per gram as fat. These are “empty” calories that provide no nutritional value. Additionally, alcohol consumption impacts your body’s fat metabolism, appetite regulation, and decision-making around food choices.

If you choose to drink vodka:

• Stick to recommended moderate drinking guidelines
• Use zero or low-calorie mixers
• Account for alcohol calories in your daily intake
• Stay hydrated with water between drinks
• Be mindful of how drinking affects your eating habits
• Never drink and drive

Remember that no amount of alcohol is completely risk-free, and the healthiest choice is always to drink in moderation or not at all. If you have concerns about your relationship with alcohol or how it fits into your health goals, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and support.

Sources:

• USDA FoodData Central – Vodka Nutrition Facts
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Alcohol and Public Health
• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Alcohol Metabolism Studies
• National Institutes of Health – Nutrition Research