by John Yaylagul September 25, 2025
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. Here's the nutritional breakdown, how vodka compares to other drinks, and practical tips for enjoying it without derailing your wellness goals.
A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka (40% ABV) has about 96 calories. Vodka contains no carbs, no fat, no sugar, and no protein, just alcohol calories. Higher-proof vodka has more calories (about 124 for 100-proof), and mixers can add a lot more. For the lightest drink, pair vodka with soda water and a squeeze of lime.
The higher the proof (alcohol percentage), the higher the calorie content.
| Proof | ABV | Calories per Shot |
|---|---|---|
| 70-proof | 35% | ~85 calories |
| 80-proof | 40% | ~96 calories |
| 90-proof | 45% | ~110 calories |
| 100-proof | 50% | ~124 calories |
The standard serving size for vodka in the United States is 1.5 ounces (a "shot"). 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 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.
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:
This makes vodka one of the lowest-calorie spirits available, especially compared to beer, wine, and sugary cocktails.
If you're counting calories, vodka stacks up favorably against many other popular drinks. Here's how it compares per serving:
| Drink | Serving | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka | 1.5 oz, 80 proof | 96 |
| Whiskey | 1.5 oz, 80 proof | 105 |
| Gin | 1.5 oz, 80 proof | 97 |
| Rum | 1.5 oz, 80 proof | 97 |
| Beer | 12 oz, regular lager | 150–200 |
| Wine | 5 oz, red or white | 120–130 |
| Craft cocktail | Average | 200–500+, depending on mixers |
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.
While vodka alone is low in calories, mixers can drastically increase the calorie count of your drink.
| Drink | What's In It | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka Soda | 1.5 oz vodka + soda water | ~96 (no added sugar) |
| Vodka Cranberry | 1.5 oz vodka + 4 oz cranberry juice | ~170 |
| Vodka Tonic | 1.5 oz vodka + 4 oz tonic water | ~190 |
| Bloody Mary | Depends on mix | ~120–200 |
| Cosmopolitan | Vodka cocktail | ~220 |
| White Russian | Vodka, cream, and coffee liqueur | 300+ |
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.
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.
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.
From classic wheat-based styles to corn- and potato-based favorites, explore premium vodkas to enjoy neat, on the rocks, or in a low-calorie cocktail.
A double shot (3 oz) of 80-proof vodka contains about 192 calories.
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.
Vodka itself is low in calories, but excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain by adding empty calories, increasing appetite, and slowing metabolism.
All unflavored vodkas have roughly the same calorie count per proof level. Choosing lower-proof vodka (like 70-proof) reduces calories slightly.
No. Plain vodka contains no sugar, though flavored vodkas may include added sweeteners.
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.
From classic bottles to engraved vodka and gift sets, Elevated Spirit Shop makes it easy to find a vodka worth sharing.
This article is for informational purposes only. Please enjoy spirits responsibly. Must be 21+ to purchase.
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