Low Cal Vodka Drinks

Vodka drinks can add a lot of calories to your diet and pounds to your body. You don't have to give up your favorite alcohol, just order low-calorie vodka drinks. Both the alcohol and the mixer contribute to the calorie count of any vodka drink, so choose the type of vodka and mixer wisely. Add this to my Recipe Box.

The Proof

The type of vodka you order determines the amount of calories you will consume in the drink. Just 1 ounce of 100-proof vodka, which is 50 percent alcohol, contains 82 calories; 90-proof vodka contains 73 calories per ounce; 86-proof vodka has 70 calories; and 80-proof gives you 64 calories. An ounce is equivalent to 2 tablespoons, and an average shot glass typically holds approximately 3 tablespoons. You may consume more than one serving of alcohol in any one drink, and you haven't added the mixer yet. In order to keep your calorie intake down, order vodka drinks with a lower percentage of alcohol.

Mixers

Drink mixes can add unwanted calories, too, so choose your mixers wisely. While fruit juice mixers give you the added benefit of being nutritious and containing antioxidants, they can also be full of calories. If you favor screwdrivers --- vodka and orange juice --- swap out your regular orange juice for a light, lower calorie version, which can cut approximately 60 calories from an 8 ounce beverage. For those that love cranberry-vodka drinks, know that 8 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail contains about 136 calories, while light cranberry juice contains around only 40 calories. Mix your vodka with diet tonic for no added calories or splash it with 1/2 ounce of lemon or lime juice for just 10 calories.

On the Rocks

Cut down on calories in a vodka drink by skipping the mixer completely. Vodka is available in many different flavors that can please the palette without the use of a mixer; also many different brands sell flavored vodka. Choose among such flavors as apple, apricot, banana or even chocolate. Pour the alcohol, add ice and enjoy.

Garnish

Get a bit of flavor without adding many calories to your vodka drink by adding a garnish. Drink your vodka with a wedge of lemon, lime, orange or cucumber. Cut these garnishes into spiral or flowers for fun. Dunk an olive, cherry or chunk of pineapple in your glass. Add a blackberry, raspberry or blueberry kabob to the drink. Sprinkle with shredded coconut or mint leaves.