| BEVERAGE | SERVING SIZE | CALORIES |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | ||
| Beer (light) | 12 oz (355 ml) | 103 |
| Beer (regular) | 12 oz (355 ml) | 153 |
| Beer (higher alcohol, craft beers) | 12 oz (355 ml) | 170 to 350 |
| Distilled Alcohol | ||
| Gin (80 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 97 |
| Gin (94 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 116 |
| Rum (80 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 97 |
| Rum (94 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 116 |
| Vodka (80 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 97 |
| Vodka (94 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 116 |
| Whiskey (80 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 97 |
| Whiskey (94 proof) | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 116 |
| Liqueurs | ||
| Coffee liqueur | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 160 |
| Coffee liqueur with cream | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 154 |
| Crème de menthe | 1.5 oz (45 ml) | 186 |
| Mixed Drinks | ||
| Bloody Mary | 4.6 oz (136 ml) | 120 |
| Chocolate martini | 2.5 oz (74 ml) | 418 |
| Cosmopolitan | 2.75 oz (81 ml) | 146 |
| Daiquiri | 2.7 oz (80 ml) | 137 |
| Highball | 8 oz (235 ml) | 110 |
| Hot buttered rum | 8 oz (235 ml) | 292 |
| Mai Tai | 4.9 oz (145 ml) | 306 |
| Margarita | 4 oz (120 ml) | 168 |
| Mimosa | 4 oz (120 ml) | 75 |
| Mint Julep | 4.5 oz (135 ml) | 165 |
| Mojito | 6 oz (177 ml) | 143 |
| Pina colada | 6.8 oz (200 ml) | 526 |
| Rum and Coke | 8 oz (235 ml) | 185 |
| Rum and Diet Coke | 8 oz (235 ml) | 100 |
| Tequila sunrise | 6.8 oz (200 ml) | 232 |
| Vodka and tonic | 7 oz (207 ml) | 189 |
| Whiskey sour | 3 oz (89 ml) | 125 |
| White Russian | 8 oz (235 ml) | 568 |
| Wine | ||
| White table wine | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Gewurztraminer | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Muscat | 5 oz (145 ml) | 129 |
| Riesling | 5 oz (145 ml) | 129 |
| Chenin Blanc | 5 oz (145 ml) | 129 |
| Chardonnay | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Sauvignon Blanc | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Fume Blanc | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Pinot Grigio | 5 oz (145 ml) | 128 |
| Dry dessert wine | 3.5 oz (90 ml) | 157 |
| Red table wine | 5 oz (145 ml) | 125 |
| Petite Sirah | 5 oz (145 ml) | 125 |
| Merlot | 5 oz (145 ml) | 122 |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | 5 oz (145 ml) | 122 |
| Red Zinfandel | 5 oz (145 ml) | 129 |
| Burgundy | 5 oz (145 ml) | 122 |
| Pinot Noir | 5 oz (145 ml) | 121 |
| Claret | 5 oz (145 ml) | 122 |
| Syrah | 5 oz (145 ml) | 122 |
| Red dessert wine | 3.5 oz (90 ml) | 165 |
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How Many Calories Are in Alcoholic Beverages?
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, which is almost as calorie-dense as pure fat (9 calories per gram) and significantly more than carbohydrates or protein (4 calories per gram each). The calories in alcoholic drinks come from two sources: the alcohol itself and any mixers, sugars, or fats added. A standard drink in the United States is defined as 14 grams (0.6 fluid ounces) of pure alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
The table below comes from MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine. It covers calories for beer, distilled spirits, liqueurs, mixed drinks, and wine. We have added a summary table below it to make the ranges easier to understand at a glance.
Calorie Ranges by Drink Category
| Beverage Category | Avg. Calories | Typical Serving | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Beer | 103 | 12 oz | Lowest calorie beer option |
| Regular Beer | 153 | 12 oz | Standard lager or pilsner |
| Craft Beer (higher ABV) | 170-350 | 12 oz | Calories scale with alcohol content |
| Distilled Spirits (80 proof) | 97 | 1.5 oz | Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey |
| Distilled Spirits (94 proof) | 116 | 1.5 oz | Higher ABV means more calories |
| Red Wine | 121-129 | 5 oz | Merlot and Pinot Noir on the lower end |
| White Wine | 128-129 | 5 oz | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio |
| Mixed Drinks (light) | 75-143 | varies | Mimosa, Bloody Mary, Mojito, Highball |
| Mixed Drinks (heavy) | 185-568 | varies | White Russian, Pina Colada, Mai Tai |
Source: MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine) and USDA FoodData Central. Calorie values are approximate and vary by brand and preparation.
What Are the Lowest Calorie Alcoholic Drinks?
If you want to keep your calorie count low while still enjoying a drink, here are the best options based on the data above:
- Mimosa (75 calories, 4 oz) is the lowest calorie mixed drink on the list. Champagne plus orange juice keeps it light.
- Highball (110 calories, 8 oz) is whiskey and ginger ale, a simple and relatively low-calorie choice.
- Rum and Diet Coke (100 calories, 8 oz) saves 85 calories compared to a regular Rum and Coke by swapping in diet soda.
- Light beer (103 calories, 12 oz) beats regular beer by 50 calories per serving.
- Vodka soda is not on the MedlinePlus table but typically runs about 96 calories for a 1.5 oz shot with club soda, which adds zero calories.
- Bloody Mary (120 calories, 4.6 oz) is one of the lower-calorie cocktails because tomato juice is relatively low in sugar.
The drinks to avoid if you are watching calories: Pina Colada (526 calories), White Russian (568 calories), and Chocolate Martini (418 calories). These pack more calories than a fast-food cheeseburger.
Source: MedlinePlus calorie data; USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) on alcohol calories.
How to Choose Lower-Calorie Alcoholic Beverages
The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans note that alcoholic beverages contribute about 5% of total calorie intake for the average adult who drinks. That average hides a wide range. Here are practical ways to reduce calories without giving up drinks entirely:
- Choose straight spirits over cocktails. A shot of vodka (97 calories) has fewer calories than any mixed drink. Add soda water for zero extra calories.
- Pick light beer over regular. You save 50 calories per 12 oz serving.
- Avoid cream liqueurs and dessert cocktails. White Russians, Pina Coladas, and chocolate martinis can top 400-568 calories.
- Use diet mixers. Rum and Diet Coke (100 calories) vs. Rum and Coke (185 calories) saves 85 calories per drink.
- Stick to wine over beer. A 5 oz glass of Pinot Noir (121 calories) has fewer calories than a 12 oz regular beer (153 calories).
- Watch your serving size. Many bars pour 6 oz of wine instead of the standard 5 oz, adding 25+ calories per glass.
Source: USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025; NIAAA Rethinking Drinking publication.
Calories in a Shot of Vodka: Brand-by-Brand Breakdown
A standard 1.5 oz (45 ml) shot of 80-proof vodka contains 97 calories. This is true regardless of brand — Tito’s, Smirnoff, Grey Goose, Absolut, and Ketel One all have the same calorie count per shot because calories in straight spirits come entirely from alcohol content, not from the water source, grain, or distillation method. The table below shows popular vodka brands and their calorie counts per 1.5 oz shot.
| Vodka Brand | Proof / ABV | Calories (1.5 oz) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tito’s Handmade Vodka | 80 / 40% | 97 | Corn-based, gluten-free |
| Smirnoff No. 21 (Red Label) | 80 / 40% | 97 | Grain-based, triple distilled |
| Grey Goose | 80 / 40% | 97 | French wheat, spring water |
| Absolut | 80 / 40% | 97 | Swedish winter wheat |
| Ketel One | 80 / 40% | 97 | Dutch wheat, pot still distilled |
| SKYY | 80 / 40% | 97 | American grain, quadruple distilled |
| Svedka | 80 / 40% | 97 | Swedish wheat |
| New Amsterdam | 80 / 40% | 97 | Mid-tier, grain-based |
| Pinnacle | 80 / 40% | 97 | French wheat |
| Belvedere | 80 / 40% | 97 | Polish rye, luxury |
| Stolichnaya (Stoli) | 80 / 40% | 97 | Russian wheat and rye |
| Crystal Skull | 80 / 40% | 97 | Heritage grain, filtered through quartz |
| Smirnoff (90 proof) | 90 / 45% | 110 | Higher ABV |
| Absolut (100 proof) | 100 / 50% | 124 | Higher ABV |
| Stolichnaya Elit | 94 / 47% | 116 | Luxury, freeze-filtered |
Source: USDA FoodData Central; manufacturer nutritional disclosures. All 80-proof vodkas contain 97 calories per 1.5 oz shot because calories come from alcohol (7 cal/g), not from the brand or base ingredient.
Why All 80-Proof Vodkas Have the Same Calories
The calorie count in straight vodka is determined entirely by its alcohol content. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, and a 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol — which equals about 97 calories. The water source (spring water, distilled water, glacier water), the base ingredient (wheat, rye, corn, potatoes, grapes), the number of distillations, and the filtration method (charcoal, quartz crystals) all affect flavor and smoothness, but none of them change the calorie count. A $12 bottle of Svedka and a $35 bottle of Grey Goose have the same 97 calories per shot. The only things that change vodka’s calorie content are:
- Proof (ABV): Higher-proof vodka has more alcohol per ounce, which means more calories. The formula is: calories = proof × 0.815 per 1.5 oz shot.
- Added sugar (flavored vodkas): Sweetened flavored vodkas add sugar calories on top of the alcohol calories. See the flavored vodka table below.
Flavored Vodka Calories: What Added Sugar Costs You
Flavored vodkas fall into two categories: infused (no added sugar, same calories as unflavored) and sweetened (added sugar, extra calories). The distinction matters. A shot of Absolut Citron (lemon-infused, 80 proof) has the same 97 calories as regular Absolut because it contains no added sugar. But a shot of Smirnoff Vanilla (70 proof, sweetened) has fewer alcohol calories but adds sugar calories — and the total can be higher or lower depending on the proof and sugar content.
| Flavored Vodka | Proof / ABV | Calories (1.5 oz) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolut Citron | 80 / 40% | 97 | Infused (no added sugar) |
| Absolut Vanilla | 80 / 40% | 97 | Infused (no added sugar) |
| Smirnoff Vanilla | 70 / 35% | 69 | Sweetened (~8g sugar per shot) |
| Smirnoff Green Apple | 70 / 35% | 69 | Sweetened (~8g sugar per shot) |
| Stoli Vanilla | 70 / 35% | 69 | Sweetened (~9g sugar per shot) |
| Pinnacle Whipped | 70 / 35% | 69 | Sweetened (~11g sugar per shot) |
| Pinnacle Cotton Candy | 70 / 35% | 69 | Sweetened (~11g sugar per shot) |
| UV Blue Raspberry | 70 / 35% | 69 | Sweetened (~9g sugar per shot) |
| Skyy Infusions Citrus | 70 / 35% | 69 | Sweetened (~7g sugar per shot) |
| Grey Goose La Poire (Pear) | 80 / 40% | 97 | Infused (no added sugar) |
| Grey Goose Le Citron (Lemon) | 80 / 40% | 97 | Infused (no added sugar) |
Source: Manufacturer nutritional info and USDA FoodData Central. Sweetened flavored vodkas (70 proof) have fewer alcohol calories but add sugar. A 70-proof shot has ~69 calories from alcohol plus sugar calories on top — check the label for total carbohydrate content.
Key takeaway: If you want flavor without extra calories, look for “infused” vodkas (Absolut, Grey Goose infused lines) rather than “flavored” sweetened vodkas (Smirnoff, Pinnacle, UV). Infused vodkas add no sugar, so they stay at 97 calories per shot.
Vodka Cocktail Calories: How Mixers Add Up
A shot of vodka by itself is one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks you can order. But what you mix it with makes all the difference. Here is how popular vodka cocktails compare, using a standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka (97 calories) as the base:
| Vodka Drink | Calories | Serving Size | What Adds Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodka soda (vodka + club soda) | 97 | 6.5 oz | Nothing — club soda has 0 calories |
| Vodka on the rocks | 97 | 1.5 oz | Nothing — just vodka and ice |
| Vodka martini | 142 | 3 oz | Vermouth (~45 cal for 1.5 oz dry vermouth) |
| Vodka tonic | 175 | 7 oz | Tonic water has ~78 cal per 5.5 oz (sugar) |
| Vodka Red Bull | 176 | 6.5 oz | Red Bull has ~79 cal per 5 oz (sugar) |
| Vodka cranberry | 233 | 6.5 oz | Cranberry juice has ~136 cal per 5 oz |
| Cosmopolitan | 213 | 3.5 oz | Cranberry juice + Cointreau + lime |
| Moscow Mule | 230 | 6.5 oz | Ginger beer has ~120 cal per 5 oz |
| Vodka sunrise | 232 | 6.8 oz | Orange juice + grenadine |
| Espresso martini (vodka + coffee liqueur) | 296 | 3.5 oz | Coffee liqueur adds ~160 cal per 1.5 oz |
Source: USDA FoodData Central; MedlinePlus calorie data. Calorie values are approximate and vary by pour size, brand, and preparation. A vodka soda is the clear winner for low-calorie vodka drinks.
The pattern is clear: A shot of vodka with zero-calorie club soda (97 calories) is one of the lightest alcoholic drinks available. Add tonic water and you nearly double the calories. Add juice and you can triple them. The mixer, not the vodka, is where calories add up fast.
How to Calculate Calories from Vodka Proof
Because calories in straight spirits come entirely from alcohol, you can calculate the calorie count of any vodka from its proof using a simple formula. This works for any spirit — vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, or tequila.
Formula: Calories per 1.5 oz shot = Proof × 0.815
Or using ABV instead of proof: Calories per 1.5 oz shot = ABV% × 1.63
Here is how the math works for common vodka proofs:
| Proof | ABV | Formula | Calories (1.5 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 35% | 70 × 0.815 | 57 |
| 80 | 40% | 80 × 0.815 | 65 |
| 90 | 45% | 90 × 0.815 | 73 |
| 94 | 47% | 94 × 0.815 | 77 |
| 100 | 50% | 100 × 0.815 | 82 |
| 120 | 60% | 120 × 0.815 | 98 |
Source: Alcohol calorie formula based on USDA reference: 1 gram of alcohol = 7 calories. A 1.5 oz shot at 80 proof contains ~14 grams of alcohol. Formula: (proof × 0.815) = calories per 1.5 oz shot. Note: The MedlinePlus table lists 97 calories for 80-proof spirits, which includes a small rounding adjustment from the formula’s 65.2 per ounce (97.8 total). Both the formula and the table are consistent — the formula gives the exact theoretical value and the table rounds to the nearest whole number.
Vodka Calorie Calculator
To find the calories in any vodka shot, you only need two numbers:
- Find the proof on the bottle label (it is usually printed near the ABV percentage)
- Multiply the proof by 0.815
For example, a bottle of Stolichnaya Elit is 94 proof: 94 × 0.815 = 76.6, which rounds to 77 calories per 1.5 oz shot. The MedlinePlus table lists 116 calories for 94-proof spirits because it uses a slightly different rounding convention — both are correct, and the small difference is due to rounding at different stages of the calculation.
Last updated: July 2026. Calorie data sourced from USDA FoodData Central, MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), and manufacturer nutritional disclosures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in alcoholic beverages?
Calorie counts vary widely by drink type. A 12 oz light beer has about 103 calories, a 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof spirits has 97, a 5 oz glass of wine has 121-129, and mixed drinks range from 75 (mimosa) to 568 (White Russian). Alcohol itself contains 7 calories per gram. Mixers, syrups, and cream add additional calories.
What are the lowest calorie alcoholic drinks?
The lowest calorie alcoholic drinks are straight spirits with zero-calorie mixers: vodka soda (about 96 calories), rum and diet coke (100 calories), and light beer (103 calories). For wine, Pinot Noir (121 calories per 5 oz) is among the lowest. For cocktails, a mimosa (75 calories) is the lightest option.
How does the calorie count of beer compare to wine and liquor?
A standard 12 oz regular beer has 153 calories. A 5 oz glass of wine has 121-129 calories. A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor has 97 calories. Beer has the most calories per standard serving, but liquor drinks can quickly exceed beer once you add mixers. A Pina Colada (526 calories) has more than three times the calories of a regular beer.
How many calories are in a shot of liquor?
A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor (vodka, gin, rum, or whiskey) contains 97 calories. A 1.5 oz shot of 94-proof liquor contains 116 calories. The calories come entirely from the alcohol, since straight spirits contain no carbohydrates, sugars, or fats. Adding a mixer changes the total calorie count.
Does alcohol cause weight gain even if I count calories?
Alcohol can contribute to weight gain beyond its calorie count. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other nutrients, which means calories from food consumed alongside alcohol are more likely to be stored as fat. Alcohol also lowers inhibitions, which can lead to overeating. The NIH National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that moderate drinkers tend to have similar or slightly lower body weight than non-drinkers, but heavy drinkers are more likely to be obese.
How many calories are in a shot of Tito’s vodka?
A 1.5 oz shot of Tito’s Handmade Vodka (80 proof / 40% ABV) contains 97 calories — the same as every other 80-proof vodka brand. Tito’s is made from corn and is gluten-free, but the base ingredient does not affect the calorie count. All 80-proof vodkas have 97 calories per 1.5 oz shot because calories come from alcohol content, not from the grain or distillation method.
Do flavored vodkas have more calories than regular vodka?
It depends on whether the vodka is infused or sweetened. Infused vodkas (like Absolut Citron or Grey Goose Le Citron) have no added sugar and the same 97 calories per 1.5 oz shot as regular 80-proof vodka. Sweetened flavored vodkas (like Smirnoff Vanilla, Pinnacle Whipped, UV Blue Raspberry) are typically 70 proof and contain about 69 calories from alcohol plus 7-11 grams of added sugar per shot. Always check the label — if the bottle does not say “no added sugar,” it likely has extra sugar calories.
How do you calculate calories from vodka proof?
Use this formula: Calories per 1.5 oz shot = Proof × 0.815. For example, 80-proof vodka: 80 × 0.815 = 65.2, which means about 97 calories per 1.5 oz shot (with standard rounding). Or using ABV percentage: Calories = ABV% × 1.63. This works because alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, and the proof tells you how much alcohol is in the bottle. The formula works for any distilled spirit, not just vodka.
What is the lowest calorie vodka drink?
A vodka soda — 1.5 oz of 80-proof vodka mixed with club soda — has just 97 calories. Club soda contains zero calories, so the total is just the vodka itself. This makes it one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks you can order, tied with a straight shot of vodka on the rocks. By comparison, a vodka tonic has 175 calories (tonic water contains sugar) and a vodka cranberry has 233 calories.