Looking for a delicious low-calorie cocktail to enjoy without the guilt? Vodka may be your answer! Vodka is known for its versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with almost any mixer. This article will guide you through a variety of low-calorie mixers that will have you sipping on a guilt-free vodka cocktail in no time. Get ready to discover your new favorite vodka drink that won't break your calorie budget.
Best Budget Vodkas Ranked
Smirnoff
A global vodka giant with Russian origins, Smirnoff delivers consistent quality and versatility for any mixer.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Crisp, mild sweetness with a clean finish
Best Cocktail Pairing: Classic Cosmopolitan
Best Food Paring: Grilled chicken skewers
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Absolut
Swedish purity in a bottle, Absolut is distilled from winter wheat, giving a smooth and rich experience.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Smooth with light grain and citrus hints
Best Cocktail Pairing: Absolut Elyx Martini
Best Food Paring: Smoked salmon canapés
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Ketel One
A Dutch treat, Ketel One is the result of over 300 years of distilling expertise; a refined choice.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Fresh with subtle citrus and honey notes
Best Cocktail Pairing: Dutch Mule
Best Food Paring: Aged cheeses or Dutch herring
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
What To Mix With Vodka Low Calorie Table of Contents
Low-Calorie Mixers to Pair with Vodka
Low-Calorie Vodka Cocktail Example: Vodka Citrus Splash
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Low-Calorie Mixers to Pair with Vodka
Vodka is an excellent choice for those looking for low-calorie alcohol options due to its relatively low calorie count per shot. When it comes to mixers, it's essential to choose options that won't drastically increase your drink's calorie count. Here are six low-calorie mixers that work perfectly with vodka:
1. Soda Water or Club Soda
Soda water is a natural choice for a low-cal mixer since it has zero calories and no sugar. It adds refreshment to your vodka without contributing extra calories or sugar. For added flavor, you can squeeze some fresh citrus fruit, such as lemon or lime, into the drink.
2. Diet Soda
If you're craving a vodka and cola but want to avoid the added calories, diet soda could be the solution. Diet sodas replace sugar with artificial sweeteners, keeping the calorie count low.
3. Sugar-Free Tonic Water
Traditional tonic water is made with quinine and sugar, resulting in a mixer that can add a significant number of calories to your cocktail. Sugar-free tonic water, however, removes the sugar and substitutes it with artificial sweeteners, ensuring a low-calorie vodka tonic for your enjoyment.
4. Fresh Citrus Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon, lime, and grapefruit juices are ideal for mixing with vodka due to their low calorie and carbohydrate counts. Be cautious of fruit juice products found in stores, as they often contain added sugar and can have higher calorie content.
5. Tea
Unsweetened tea of various flavors can be an excellent low-calorie mixer for vodka. Whether you prefer green, black, or herbal tea, these low-calorie beverages can add depth of flavor to your vodka cocktail while keeping calorie count low.
6. Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is an exciting low-calorie mixer for vodka that offers a bold flavor. Be sure to use unsweetened cold brew to maintain low calories, and consider adding a splash of unsweetened almond milk or a dash of cinnamon for an added flavor twist.
What To Mix With Vodka Low Calorie Example:
Low-Calorie Vodka Cocktail Example: Vodka Citrus Splash
- In a glass, add ice cubes.
- Pour 1.5 ounces of vodka over the ice.
- Squeeze half a lemon and half a lime into the glass.
- Top off with soda water.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.
This refreshing Vodka Citrus Splash contains few calories due to the use of soda water and fresh citrus juice while providing an enjoyable and light drinking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are low-calorie mixers that go well with vodka?
Low-calorie mixers for vodka include soda water, tonic water, diet soda, and freshly squeezed citrus juices like lemon or lime. Herbal infusions, tea, and various sugar-free flavorings can also be used to create a tasty and low-calorie vodka cocktail.
How can I make a vodka cocktail lower in calories?
To make a vodka cocktail lower in calories, opt for mixers that are calorie-free or low in calories, such as seltzer, substitute any syrups or sweeteners with natural fruit juice or a calorie-free sweetener, and measure your vodka portions to control the alcohol content.
Can I drink vodka on a diet?
Yes, vodka can be consumed in moderation on a diet. It has approximately 64 calories per 1 oz serving (depending on the proof). To keep it low calorie, pair it with zero-calorie mixers like soda water, and be mindful of your overall alcohol consumption.
What are some flavoring options for vodka that are low in calories?
For low-calorie flavorings, consider infusing vodka with herbs like basil or mint, spices like cinnamon, or fruits like berries or cucumbers. You can also use a splash of calorie-free flavor extracts such as vanilla or almond for a hint of sweetness without the calories.
Is tonic water a low-calorie mixer?
Regular tonic water contains similar calories to regular sodas because of its sugar content. However, diet tonic water can be a low-calorie alternative, offering the same bubbly and slightly bitter taste without the calories.
How do I choose a healthy vodka?
Most vodka has the same calorie content, which is determined by alcohol content. Choosing a vodka labeled as organic or non-GMO might align with personal health preferences, but in terms of calories, the key is in the mixer and portion size, not the vodka itself.
Are there any pre-made low-calorie vodka drinks available?
Yes, there are several pre-made low-calorie vodka mixed drinks available on the market. Look for drinks labeled as "light" or "skinny," often created with lower-calorie mixers and less sugar. Always check the nutritional information to be sure it fits your dietary needs.
What fruits go well with vodka without adding too many calories?
Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit go well with vodka and do not add many calories, especially when used in moderation. Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries also offer a sweet flavor with fewer calories and can be muddled or used as a garnish.
Are there any herbs that can be mixed with vodka to keep the drink low calorie?
Yes, using herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, or thyme adds flavor without calories. Muddle the herbs or infuse them into the vodka for a fresh twist on your drink.
Can sparkling water be a healthy mixer for vodka?
Sparkling water is an excellent mixer for vodka because it is calorie-free and can add a refreshing effervescence to your drink. It's a healthier option compared to sugary sodas or juices.
How can I sweeten my vodka drink without adding calories?
Use a sugar substitute like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit to sweeten your vodka drink without adding calories. You can also try a splash of sugar-free syrup in a variety of flavors.
What is a simple, low-calorie vodka drink recipe?
A simple, low-calorie vodka drink recipe is a vodka soda: mix 1.5 oz of vodka with soda water and add a squeeze of lemon or lime for flavor. This classic drink is both low in calories and refreshing.
How does alcohol affect weight loss?
Alcohol can affect weight loss efforts as it is calorie-dense and can decrease the body's ability to burn fat. Alcohol consumption may also lead to poorer food choices. Moderate consumption alongside a balanced diet and exercise is essential for weight management.
How many calories does a shot of vodka have?
A standard shot of vodka (1.5 oz) contains about 96 calories, though this varies slightly depending on the proof (alcohol by volume content).
What is the difference between soda water and tonic water as mixers?
Soda water, also known as seltzer or sparkling water, is simply water with carbonation added and contains zero calories. Tonic water, on the other hand, typically contains added sugar and quinine, making it calorie-dense in comparison to soda water.
Can I use sugar-free fruit juice as a mixer?
Sugar-free fruit juices can be used as mixers for a sweet and fruity vodka drink with fewer calories compared to regular fruit juices that have natural sugars.
Is it better to use fresh fruit or fruit-flavored mixers?
Whenever possible, it's healthier and lower in calories to use fresh fruit. Fruit-flavored mixers can contain added sugars and artificial ingredients, resulting in higher calorie content.
What's the best way to track the calories in my vodka drinks?
Measure the amount of vodka and other ingredients you use in your drinks, and log them into a calorie tracking app or use online nutritional databases to ensure you're staying within your daily calorie goals.
Does drinking vodka neat or on the rocks reduce calorie intake?
Yes, drinking vodka neat (without any additional ingredients) or on the rocks (over ice) reduces calorie intake since you are not adding any calorie-dense mixers.
Are flavored vodkas higher in calories than regular vodka?
Some flavored vodkas may contain additional sugars and are thus higher in calories. However, many flavored vodkas are simply infused with flavors without additional caloric ingredients. Always check the label for nutritional information to be sure.
Can I still enjoy cocktails during social events if I'm watching my calorie intake?
Absolutely! When watching calories, opt for cocktails made with low-calorie mixers like soda water and fresh fruit, and stick to smaller servings or limit the number of drinks to stay within your calorie budget while enjoying social events.
With these low-calorie mixer options at hand, you can now create delectable vodka cocktails without guilt. Embrace the versatility of vodka and customize your cocktail to suit your flavor preferences while maintaining a low calorie count. We hope you enjoy experimenting with these guilt-free cocktail ideas! If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and explore other vodka-related guides on Vodka Doctors for more inspiration.
