Calories in Vodka: Per Shot, Mixed Drinks and Other Liquors
How many calories are in vodka – per shot, per ounce and by proof – plus gin, rum, whiskey and tequila, vodka mixed drinks, and how alcohol affects weight loss.
Vodka is often seen as a “light” drink: it’s clear, has no sugar and no carbs. Many people choose it when they’re watching their weight. But vodka still has calories – and the drinks you mix it with can have even more.
The short answer: a 1.5 oz (44 ml) shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories. It has 0 g of carbs, sugar and fat – all the calories come from alcohol. Gin, rum, tequila and whiskey of the same strength have the same calories. In mixed drinks, juice, tonic and syrups can double or triple the calories.
Calories in vodka by portion
Values are for 80-proof (40% alcohol) vodka, from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA FoodData Central):
| Portion | Volume | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | 30 ml | 64 kcal |
| 1 shot (1.5 oz) | 44 ml | 97 kcal |
| Double (3 oz) | 89 ml | 194 kcal |
| 100 ml | 100 ml | 220 kcal |
| 750 ml bottle | 750 ml | about 1,650 kcal |
Why does a drink with no sugar or fat have calories? Because alcohol itself has 7 calories per gram – almost as much as fat (9) and more than sugar or protein (4).
Calories in vodka and other liquors by proof
| Liquor (1.5 oz shot) | Alcohol | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey – 80 proof | 40% | 97 kcal |
| 86 proof | 43% | 105 kcal |
| 90 proof | 45% | 110 kcal |
| 100 proof | 50% | 124 kcal |
The type of liquor doesn’t matter much – the strength does. A stronger vodka has more alcohol, so it has more calories. Flavored vodkas can have added sugar and a few more calories; check the label.
Calories in vodka drinks and cocktails
| Drink | Calories |
|---|---|
| Vodka soda with lime | about 100 kcal |
| Vodka with diet soda or zero tonic | about 100 kcal |
| Vodka tonic (4 oz regular tonic) | about 140 kcal |
| Screwdriver (4 oz orange juice) | about 150 kcal |
| Vodka cranberry (4 oz cranberry juice drink) | about 165 kcal |
| Moscow mule (ginger beer, lime) | about 150–190 kcal |
| Bloody Mary | about 120–170 kcal |
| Cosmopolitan | about 150–200 kcal |
| Vodka Red Bull (8.4 oz can) | about 210 kcal |
| White Russian (with cream and coffee liqueur) | about 250–300 kcal |
For comparison, a regular beer (12 oz) has about 150 calories and a 5 oz glass of wine about 120–125. The mixer is where most of the extra calories come from: regular tonic water has almost as much sugar as soda, and a can of energy drink adds about 110 calories.
Vodka and weight loss
Vodka has no sugar, but alcohol can still slow down weight loss:
- The calories don’t fill you up. A few drinks can add 300–500 calories without making you less hungry.
- Your body burns alcohol first. While it’s clearing alcohol, it burns less fat.
- Alcohol makes you hungrier and lowers your self-control – that’s why late-night snacks happen.
- It hurts your sleep, and poor sleep makes you hungrier the next day.
If you drink while losing weight:
- Choose plain mixers: soda water, lime, diet tonic or zero-sugar soda.
- Count every drink – they add up faster than food.
- Drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks.
- Eat a real meal first, with protein and vegetables, so you snack less later.
- Keep it occasional – not every evening.
Remember that you lose weight only when you eat (and drink) fewer calories than you burn. Read more about the calorie deficit and find your number with our calorie calculator.
Alcohol and health
The World Health Organization says that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Alcohol is linked to several cancers, liver disease and high blood pressure, and the risk grows with every drink. US guidelines advise no more than 1 drink a day for women and 2 for men, and less is better. If you’re pregnant, taking medication or driving, don’t drink at all.
Count the calories in your drinks without guesswork. With NutriSmart, you snap a photo of what you eat and drink, and the app counts your calories and shows how much you have left for the day – so you see what a night out really adds.Get the app free
You can also read how many calories are in beer and in a slice of pizza.
The bottom line
A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories and no carbs, sugar or fat. Gin, rum, tequila and whiskey of the same strength have the same calories; stronger liquor has more. Mixers like juice, regular tonic and energy drinks can double or triple the calories. If you drink while losing weight, choose zero-calorie mixers, count every drink and keep it occasional.
FAQ
How many calories are in a shot of vodka?
A 1.5 oz (44 ml) shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories. A 1 oz shot has about 64 calories.
Does vodka have carbs or sugar?
No. Plain vodka has 0 g of carbs, 0 g of sugar and 0 g of fat. All its calories come from alcohol, which has 7 calories per gram. Flavored vodkas may have added sugar.
Which liquor has the fewest calories?
They're all about the same at the same strength. A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka, gin, rum, tequila or whiskey has about 97 calories. Stronger liquor (higher proof) has more.
What's the lowest-calorie vodka drink?
Vodka with soda water and lime – about 100 calories. Vodka with diet tonic or a zero-sugar soda is similar. Juice, regular tonic and energy drinks add 50–110 calories or more.
Is vodka OK when losing weight?
It's not the worst choice if you drink plain or with zero-calorie mixers, but alcohol makes weight loss harder. Its calories don't fill you up, and drinking often leads to eating more. Count the drinks and keep them occasional.
How many calories are in a bottle of vodka?
A 750 ml bottle of 80-proof vodka has about 1,650 calories – about 17 shots of 1.5 oz.
