Calories in Vodka: Full Nutrition Breakdown

A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories, all of which come from alcohol itself rather than carbohydrates, fat, or protein. Vodka is one of the lowest-calorie spirits available and contains zero sugar and zero carbs, making it a common choice for those watching their calorie intake. The calorie count in vodka drinks rises primarily from mixers like juice, tonic water, and syrups.

Calories by serving size:

All of the calories in plain vodka come from ethanol, which provides 7 calories per gram. A vodka soda keeps the calorie count at 97 because club soda has zero calories, while tonic water and cranberry juice each add roughly 70 to 80 calories per serving. Choosing calorie-free mixers like sparkling water or diet tonic is the most effective way to keep vodka cocktails low in calories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a shot of vodka?

A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories. Higher-proof vodkas have more calories because they contain more alcohol by volume — a 100-proof shot has around 124 calories. All of these calories come directly from the alcohol content, as vodka has no fat, carbs, or protein.

How does vodka compare to other spirits in calories?

At 80 proof, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey all contain nearly identical calories at roughly 97 per 1.5 oz shot. The calorie differences between clear and dark spirits at the same proof are negligible. The real calorie variation comes from the mixers and cocktail recipes used, not from the spirit itself.

Does vodka have carbs?

Plain vodka contains zero carbohydrates and zero sugar regardless of the brand or proof. The distillation process removes all sugars from the original grain or potato base, leaving only water and ethanol. Flavored vodkas, however, may contain 2 to 7 grams of sugar per serving depending on the brand and flavoring method.

What are the lowest calorie cocktails you can make with vodka?

A vodka soda is the lowest-calorie vodka cocktail at about 97 calories, since club soda adds zero calories. A vodka with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice adds only 2 to 3 extra calories. Other low-calorie options include vodka with diet tonic or vodka mixed with sparkling water and a splash of cranberry, which keeps the total under 110 calories.

Does alcohol stop fat burning?

When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing ethanol over other macronutrients, which temporarily pauses fat oxidation. Studies show that fat burning can be suppressed by as much as 73 percent for several hours after drinking. This does not mean alcohol directly causes fat gain, but regular consumption can slow overall fat loss progress by displacing the time your body spends burning stored fat.