How Many Calories in Vodka
A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories. See how many calories are in vodka by serving size and proof, plus a full vodka calorie reference table.
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Quick answer
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories. Vodka contains no carbs, fat or sugar — all of its calories come from the alcohol itself, so higher-proof vodka has more calories.
How Many Calories Are in Vodka?
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories. What makes vodka different from foods is where those calories come from: plain vodka has no carbohydrates, no sugar and no fat. Every calorie comes from the alcohol itself, which carries about 7 calories per gram — nearly as energy-dense as fat.
Because the calories are tied to alcohol content, the proof (a measure of alcohol percentage) is the only number that matters for unflavored vodka. The higher the proof, the more calories per ounce.
Vodka Calories by Serving and Proof
| Vodka | Serving | ABV | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80-proof shot | 1.5 oz | 40% | ~97 |
| 80-proof double | 3 oz | 40% | ~194 |
| 90-proof shot | 1.5 oz | 45% | ~110 |
| 100-proof shot | 1.5 oz | 50% | ~124 |
| 80-proof, per ounce | 1 oz | 40% | ~64 |
| 80-proof, mini bottle | 50 ml (1.7 oz) | 40% | ~110 |
A standard “shot” in the US is 1.5 ounces, which is the basis for the commonly cited ~97-calorie figure. Bars sometimes pour a bit more or less, and a double simply doubles the calories.
Why Vodka Has No Carbs or Sugar
Vodka is distilled from grains, potatoes or other starchy bases, but distillation separates the alcohol from the sugars and carbohydrates in the original mash. The finished spirit is essentially just ethanol and water, which is why nutrition panels for plain vodka show zero grams of carbs, sugar, fat and protein. Flavored vodkas can differ — some add small amounts of sugar or sweeteners, pushing the count slightly higher, though many “flavored” vodkas use zero-calorie essences.
How Vodka Compares to Other Spirits
A common myth is that vodka is uniquely “diet-friendly.” In reality, at the same proof, most clear and brown spirits have nearly identical calories, because calories follow alcohol content.
| Spirit (1.5 oz, 80-proof) | Calories |
|---|---|
| Vodka | ~97 |
| Gin | ~97 |
| Rum (unspiced) | ~97 |
| Tequila | ~97 |
| Whiskey | ~105 |
The small variations come from trace residual sugars. Vodka, gin and tequila are essentially tied; whiskey edges slightly higher.
Keeping Vodka Drinks Low-Calorie
The biggest calorie variable in a vodka drink is the mixer, not the vodka. A vodka soda with lime stays right around 97 calories. Switch to a vodka cranberry, screwdriver (orange juice) or a tonic-based drink, and you can add 100 to 200 calories from sugar alone. To keep a drink light, pair vodka with soda water, diet tonic, or a splash of fresh citrus, and skip the sugary juices and syrups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a shot of vodka?
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) vodka has about 97 calories. All of those calories come from alcohol, since plain vodka contains no carbohydrates, sugar or fat.
Does vodka have carbs or sugar?
No. Plain, unflavored vodka has zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. Its calories come entirely from the alcohol content, which provides about 7 calories per gram. Flavored vodkas may add a few calories from sweeteners.
Is vodka lower in calories than other liquors?
Vodka is one of the lower-calorie spirits at the same proof. At 80 proof, vodka, gin, rum, tequila and whiskey all have roughly 96 to 105 calories per 1.5-ounce shot, since calories track with alcohol content rather than the type of spirit.
How many calories are in higher-proof vodka?
Higher-proof vodka has more calories. A 1.5-ounce shot of 100-proof (50% ABV) vodka has about 124 calories, compared to 97 calories for the standard 80-proof version.
What adds the most calories to a vodka drink?
Mixers, not the vodka. A vodka soda stays near 97 calories, but a vodka cranberry, screwdriver or vodka with regular tonic or juice can add 100 to 200 extra calories from sugar. Choosing soda water or diet mixers keeps the calorie count low.
Sources
- FoodData Central — food composition database — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)