Is Vodka Soda Low Calorie?

Vodka soda is one of the most popular drinks among health-conscious drinkers. Being that it contains only two ingredients, vodka and soda, and no added sugar, it's no wonder why it's seen as a great option for those looking for a low-calorie drink. But, is vodka soda really low in calories?

Calories in Vodka Soda

The calories in vodka soda depend on the amount of vodka and soda used. According to the USDA, one ounce of vodka contains 64 calories, while one 12-ounce can of soda contains 140 calories. Therefore, a single vodka soda made with one ounce of vodka and 12 ounces of soda contains 204 calories. However, the calories can vary widely depending on the size of the drink and the type of vodka used.

Types of Vodka

The type of vodka used in a vodka soda will also affect the calorie count. The most common type of vodka used is 80-proof vodka, which contains 40% alcohol by volume. That means that an ounce of 80-proof vodka contains 64 calories. However, there are higher-proof vodkas available, such as 100-proof vodka, which contains 50% alcohol by volume. An ounce of 100-proof vodka contains 80 calories.

In addition, flavored vodkas will also affect the calorie count. Many flavored vodkas are made with added sugar and other ingredients, which can increase the calorie count significantly. For example, a single ounce of vanilla vodka contains 104 calories, while an ounce of coconut vodka contains 86 calories.

Calories in Cocktails

It's important to note that while a vodka soda may be considered low calorie, adding other ingredients to the drink can significantly increase the calorie count. For example, adding a mixer such as juice or tonic can add a lot of sugar and calories to the drink. Additionally, adding sugar or other sweeteners can also increase the calorie count significantly. Therefore, it's important to be mindful of what ingredients are being added to the drink.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a vodka soda can be considered a low-calorie drink, as long as the vodka used is 80-proof and no added sweeteners are used. However, it's important to be mindful of the ingredients used in the drink, as adding other ingredients can significantly increase the calorie count. Therefore, if you're trying to watch your calorie intake, it's best to stick to vodka soda and avoid adding any extra ingredients.