How Many Calories in a Shot of Vodka?

Introduction

Vodka is one of the most popular spirits in the world, thanks to its smoothness, versatility, and role in countless cocktails. But if you’re watching your health or tracking your diet, you may be wondering: how many calories are in a shot of vodka? The answer depends on alcohol content, serving size, and whether you mix it with anything else. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about vodka and calories, including nutritional information, comparisons to other alcoholic beverages, and practical tips for enjoying vodka without derailing your wellness goals.

How Many Calories Are in a Shot of Vodka?

The standard serving size for vodka is 1.5 ounces (a “shot”) in the United States. On average, a 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka (40% alcohol by volume) contains about 96 calories. Vodka contains no carbs, no fat, and no protein—just pure alcohol calories.

Calories by Vodka Proof

The higher the proof (alcohol percentage), the higher the calorie content. Here’s a breakdown for a standard 1.5 oz shot:

• 70-proof vodka (35% ABV): ~85 calories
• 80-proof vodka (40% ABV): ~96 calories
• 90-proof vodka (45% ABV): ~110 calories
• 100-proof vodka (50% ABV): ~124 calories

As you can see, calories increase as alcohol strength rises. Most mainstream vodka brands (like Grey Goose, Smirnoff, or Tito’s) are 80-proof, which means they fall around the 96-calorie mark per shot.

What Is in Vodka Nutritionally?

Vodka is often called a “clean” spirit because it contains nothing but ethanol and water. Here’s the nutritional profile for a 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka:

• Calories: 96
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

This makes vodka one of the lowest-calorie spirits available, especially compared to beer, wine, and sugary cocktails.

Vodka Calories vs. Other Alcoholic Drinks

If you’re counting calories, vodka stacks up favorably against many other popular drinks. Here’s how it compares per serving:

• Vodka (1.5 oz, 80 proof): 96 calories
• Whiskey (1.5 oz, 80 proof): 105 calories
• Gin (1.5 oz, 80 proof): 97 calories
• Rum (1.5 oz, 80 proof): 97 calories
• Beer (12 oz, regular lager): 150–200 calories
• Wine (5 oz, red or white): 120–130 calories
• Craft cocktail (average): 200–500+ calories, depending on mixers

Clearly, vodka is one of the more calorie-friendly options for those trying to enjoy alcohol without excessive calories—especially if consumed straight or with low-calorie mixers.

Calories in Vodka Mixers

While vodka alone is low in calories, mixers can drastically increase the calorie count of your drink. For example:

• Vodka Soda (1.5 oz vodka + soda water): ~96 calories (no added sugar)
• Vodka Cranberry (1.5 oz vodka + 4 oz cranberry juice): ~170 calories
• Vodka Tonic (1.5 oz vodka + 4 oz tonic water): ~190 calories
• Bloody Mary: ~120–200 calories, depending on mix
• Cosmopolitan: ~220 calories
• White Russian: 300+ calories, thanks to cream and coffee liqueur

If you’re counting calories, the best option is to pair vodka with soda water and a squeeze of lime. This creates a refreshing cocktail with fewer than 100 calories.

Does Flavored Vodka Have More Calories?

Flavored vodkas (like vanilla, citrus, or whipped cream varieties) usually have the same calorie count as unflavored vodka if no sugar is added. However, some flavored vodkas contain added sweeteners, which can increase the calorie content to 110–130 calories per shot. Always check the label for details.

Is Vodka Keto-Friendly?

Yes. Vodka has no carbs or sugar, making it a keto-friendly choice for those following a low-carb diet. Pair it with soda water or sugar-free mixers to keep your cocktail keto-compliant.

Tips for Enjoying Vodka While Watching Calories

• Stick to neat or on the rocks: Avoid sugary mixers for the lowest-calorie option.
• Use soda water: A calorie-free mixer that adds fizz without sugar.
• Infuse vodka naturally: Add fresh fruit or herbs for flavor without calories.
• Watch your portions: One shot equals 1.5 oz—keep track to avoid hidden calories.
• Limit cocktails with cream or liqueurs: These add significant extra calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in a double shot of vodka?

A double shot (3 oz) of 80-proof vodka contains about 192 calories.

How many calories are in vodka soda?

A vodka soda made with 1.5 oz vodka and soda water has about 96 calories—the same as a plain shot, since soda water has no calories.

Does vodka make you gain weight?

Vodka itself is low in calories, but excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain by adding empty calories, increasing appetite, and slowing metabolism.

Which vodka is lowest in calories?

All unflavored vodkas have roughly the same calorie count per proof level. Choosing lower-proof vodka (like 70-proof) reduces calories slightly.

Does vodka have sugar?

No. Plain vodka contains no sugar, though flavored vodkas may include added sweeteners.

Conclusion: How Many Calories in a Shot of Vodka?

The bottom line is that a standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka has about 96 calories. Vodka is lower in calories than many other alcoholic drinks, contains no carbs or sugar, and can fit into most diets when consumed responsibly. Just remember that mixers can quickly raise the calorie count, so choose wisely if you’re monitoring your intake.

At Elevated Spirit Shop, we offer a wide selection of premium vodkas—from classic wheat-based styles to corn- and potato-based favorites. Shop our vodka collection today and find the perfect bottle to enjoy responsibly, whether neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite low-calorie cocktail.

Key Takeaways

• A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka has about 96 calories.
• Vodka contains no carbs, fat, or sugar.
• Higher-proof vodka contains more calories.
• Mixers can dramatically increase calorie content.
• Vodka is keto- and gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for many diets.