Let’s get real – if you’re counting calories but still want to enjoy a drink, vodka sodas are probably your best friend.

Vodka sodas are like the fitness influencers of the cocktail world – clean, simple, and not carrying any extra baggage (aka calories). A standard vodka soda will set you back about 90-100 calories total, almost entirely from the vodka itself.

Why so low? Because soda water has literally zero calories. It’s just water with bubbles, people!

The Vodka Soda Calorie Breakdown

Let’s do some cocktail math (which is way more fun than regular math).

A standard shot (1.5 ounces) of 80-proof vodka contains about 96-98 calories. Add your soda water for a grand total of… wait for it… still 96-98 calories!

Here’s what makes vodka unique:

• Vodka has zero carbs, zero sugar, zero fat, and zero protein
• All its calories come from alcohol (about 7 calories per gram)
• Higher proof = higher calories (90-proof has ~110 calories, 100-proof has ~124)

That lime wedge you squeeze in? Basically calorie-free. You’re welcome.

Why Vodka Sodas Are The MVP of Low-Cal Drinks

There are some serious perks to making vodka soda your go-to order:

• Zero carbs and zero sugar (unless you add weird stuff to it)
• Gluten-free in most cases (great for the celiac crowd)
• Low calorie champion compared to other cocktails (a margarita can pack 200+ calories)
• Keto and low-carb diet friendly because there’s basically nothing in it

Think about it – that mojito with all its sugar and mint might taste amazing, but it’s also packing twice the calories. A study from the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that alcohol consumption often leads to increased calorie intake – so choosing lower-calorie options matters!

When Vodka Sodas Get Complicated

Not all vodka sodas are created equal.

Those pre-made canned vodka sodas with fancy fruit flavors? They’re sneaking in extra calories:

• Commercial vodka sodas with real fruit juice: ~110 calories per can
• Flavored vodkas often contain added sugars
• A 330ml vodka soda can range from 66 to 141 calories depending on proportions

According to research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the way alcohol is metabolized differs from other nutrients, which is why keeping track of what’s in your drink matters.

How to Keep Your Vodka Soda Actually Low-Calorie

Don’t let bartenders sabotage your low-cal drink! Here’s how to keep it clean:

1. Stick with plain soda water – tonic is NOT the same thing (it has sugar!)
2. Measure your pour – “heavy-handed” is code for “more calories”
3. Fresh citrus is your friend – adds flavor without the calories
4. Avoid sweetened mixers like the plague

The Bottom Line on Vodka Soda Calories

Here’s the nutrition breakdown of your standard vodka soda:

• Calories: 96-98 (from vodka)
• Carbs: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Even though vodka sodas are the diet-friendly option, remember that alcohol can still mess with your metabolism. Research published in Current Obesity Reports shows alcohol can affect hunger hormones and lead to poor food choices. So that vodka soda might be low-cal, but those 2am nachos definitely aren’t!

Let’s be honest – nobody drinks for the health benefits. But if you’re trying to balance having a social life with not completely derailing your diet, a vodka soda is one of the smartest choices you can make.

Just remember: the calories in alcohol still count, even when they come in a fancy glass with a lime wedge. The CDC notes that moderation is key – meaning up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.

So enjoy that vodka soda – just maybe don’t enjoy seven of them.