The vodka soda, a simple combination of vodka and plain carbonated water, is a popular choice for those mindful of their calorie intake. Its simplicity keeps its nutritional profile relatively low compared to many other cocktails. To understand the total calorie count, it is necessary to examine the components of the drink and how they contribute to the overall energy content.
The Core Calorie Count of a Standard Vodka Soda
A standard vodka soda, made with a measured serving of spirit and an unsweetened mixer, is one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic beverages available. The standard serving in the United States is typically 1.5 fluid ounces, or a single shot, of 80-proof vodka. This volume of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96 to 97 calories.
The second component, the soda water, is the reason this drink remains low in calories. Plain club soda or seltzer water contains zero calories, zero grams of sugar, and zero carbohydrates. Therefore, the total calorie count of a standard vodka soda is exclusively determined by the vodka itself, placing the drink firmly in the 96 to 97 calorie range. The calorie-free nature of the mixer makes the vodka soda a clear choice for someone tracking energy consumption.
Understanding the Calorie Source: Alcohol Content
The calories in vodka originate entirely from the alcohol, or ethanol, it contains. Alcohol is one of the four macronutrients that provide energy to the body. Ethanol is relatively calorie-dense, supplying about seven calories for every gram consumed.
This density is significantly higher than that of carbohydrates and protein, which both provide approximately four calories per gram. Alcohol is only slightly less energy-dense than fat, which delivers about nine calories per gram. Distilled spirits like vodka are made up only of water and ethanol, meaning they contain no fat, carbohydrates, or sugar. The body prioritizes the metabolism of ethanol because it is recognized as a toxin, meaning the calories from alcohol are processed before those from other nutrients consumed.
Variables That Increase the Calorie Total
While the baseline count for a vodka soda is low, various choices can quickly cause the calorie total to deviate from the 97-calorie base.
Serving Size
The most immediate factor is the amount of vodka poured. A double shot (3 ounces) of 80-proof vodka instantly doubles the count to nearly 194 calories. Bartender pours are often generous, meaning the actual amount of vodka in a drink can be significantly higher than the standard 1.5-ounce measure.
Vodka Proof
The proof of the vodka also directly impacts the final number. Proof is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume, and a higher proof means a greater concentration of ethanol and more calories per ounce. For example, a 1.5-ounce serving of 100-proof vodka contains approximately 124 calories, a 28% increase over the 80-proof standard.
Mixer Choice
The greatest increase often comes from the choice of mixer. Swapping plain soda water for a high-calorie alternative introduces sugar and carbohydrates into the drink. Replacing the soda with eight ounces of regular tonic water, which contains added sugar, raises the total calorie count to around 170 to 180 calories. Similarly, using eight ounces of orange juice as a mixer adds approximately 111 calories, pushing the drink well over the 200-calorie mark.
Calorie Comparison to Common Alcoholic Beverages
The vodka soda’s simple composition makes it a low-calorie option when placed next to many other popular drinks. A standard 12-ounce light beer typically ranges from 90 to 110 calories, a comparable figure. A standard 5-ounce glass of wine generally contains between 110 and 130 calories, slightly higher than the spirit-and-soda combination.
The caloric difference becomes much more pronounced when comparing the vodka soda to sugary cocktails. A standard gin and tonic, made with regular tonic water and a 1.5-ounce spirit pour, often totals between 166 and 186 calories. An average 8-ounce margarita, which includes triple sec and sweetened mix, contains an estimated 200 to 300 calories, with some restaurant versions exceeding 400 calories. The vodka soda, when made with plain soda water, is consistently positioned at the lower end of the caloric spectrum.