Whether you’re counting calories or just want to feel a little lighter after happy hour, vodka is one of the best base spirits for creating refreshing, low-calorie cocktails. Its clean, neutral profile pairs effortlessly with fresh ingredients and calorie-conscious mixers. At 3rd Street Beverage, we’ve rounded up a few simple and satisfying vodka cocktails that are easy on the waistline but full of flavor.
Why Vodka?
Vodka is a top choice for light cocktails because it’s naturally low in calories—typically about 64 calories per ounce. Unlike sugary liqueurs or creamy mixers, vodka offers a clean slate to build a drink that’s crisp and guilt-free.
1. Vodka Soda with Lime (96 calories)
Ingredients:
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1.5 oz vodka
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Club soda
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Fresh lime wedge
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice, add vodka, top with soda water, and finish with a squeeze of lime. It’s a classic for a reason—zero sugar, total refreshment.
Pro Tip: Add fresh mint, cucumber, or a splash of cranberry for flavor variety without adding many calories.
2. Cucumber Vodka Spritz (110 calories)
Ingredients:
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1.5 oz cucumber-infused vodka
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1 oz fresh lemon juice
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Sparkling water
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Sliced cucumber
Instructions:
Shake vodka and lemon juice with ice, strain into a glass with fresh ice, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with cucumber slices for a spa-day vibe.
3. Skinny Moscow Mule (120 calories)
Ingredients:
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1.5 oz vodka
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Juice of half a lime
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Diet ginger beer or light ginger soda
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Fresh mint
Instructions:
Pour vodka and lime juice into a copper mug over ice. Top with diet ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with mint. It’s got all the zip of a mule without the sugar crash.
4. Berry Lemon Vodka Fizz (125 calories)
Ingredients:
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1.5 oz vodka
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1 oz fresh lemon juice
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A few muddled raspberries or blackberries
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Sparkling water
Instructions:
Muddle berries in the bottom of a shaker, then add vodka and lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Top with sparkling water and a lemon slice.
5. Spicy Vodka Citrus Cooler (130 calories)
Ingredients:
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1.5 oz vodka
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1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
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Squeeze of lime
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Dash of cayenne or jalapeño slice
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Club soda
Instructions:
Shake vodka, grapefruit juice, lime, and spice with ice. Strain over ice and top with club soda. Bold, zesty, and low-cal.
Mix Smarter, Not Harder
When mixing low-calorie cocktails, keep these tips in mind:
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Use fresh juice over bottled—fewer additives, more flavor.
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Choose diet or zero-sugar mixers like club soda, LaCroix, or light tonic.
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Infuse your vodka with fruits, herbs, or spices for flavor without sugar.
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Avoid pre-made mixers that often pack hidden sugars.
Where to Find the Best Vodkas for Light Cocktails
At 3rd Street Beverage, we carry a wide selection of premium and flavored vodkas—perfect for crafting cocktails that are low in calories but high in taste. Whether you’re stocking up for a backyard gathering or just want to keep your bar cart health-friendly, we’ve got you covered.
Come by and ask our team for recommendations. We’re here to help you mix smarter, not heavier.
