Quick Answer
Vodka and cranberry juice can be a low calorie drink option depending on how it’s mixed. Vodka itself is relatively low in calories at around 100 calories per 1.5 ounce serving. Meanwhile, cranberry juice can range from 100-150 calories per 8 ounce serving. By mixing vodka and diet cranberry juice, you can create a low calorie vodka cranberry cocktail. Using a 2:1 ratio of vodka to light cranberry juice will result in a drink with around 150 calories per serving.
Vodka Nutrition Facts
Vodka is a distilled spirit made from fermented grains or potatoes. It’s known for having lower calories and carbs than other alcoholic drinks.
Here are some key nutrition facts on vodka:
– A 1.5 ounce shot of vodka contains approximately 96 calories and 0g carbs.
– Vodka contains no fat, fiber, protein or nutrients. Its calories come purely from the alcohol content.
– Most of the calories in vodka come from alcohol. A standard shot of vodka at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) contains 2.4g pure alcohol and 96 calories.
– Flavored vodkas can have slightly more calories from added sugar. But if vodka has less than 5 calories per serving from sugar, it can be labeled as “sugar-free”.
So vodka itself is a relatively low calorie alcoholic beverage. Its minimal carbs and lack of sugar make it one of the “lighter” drink options out there.
Cranberry Juice Calories
On its own, cranberry juice can also be relatively low in calories, depending on the type. Here’s a look at the nutrition facts:
– An 8 ounce serving of unsweetened cranberry juice has around 116 calories and 31g carbs. It also provides vitamin C.
– The same serving size of sweetened regular cranberry juice has around 137 calories and 36g sugar. Sweetened with apple juice, it boosts the calorie and sugar content.
– Light cranberry juice has around half the calories and carbs. An 8 ounce serving of Ocean Spray Light has 60 calories and 15g carbs.
– Diet cranberry juice is the lowest calorie option, with just 15-20 calories and 3-5g carbs per 8 ounce serving. However, it contains artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.
So diet cranberry juice is the best option if you want to minimize the calories. Light cranberry juice also creates a lighter vodka cranberry cocktail than regular juice.
Calories in Vodka Cranberry Drink
When mixing vodka with cranberry juice, the total calorie count depends on the proportions. But there are some general guidelines:
– A 4:1 ratio of vodka to light cranberry juice has around 100 calories for 6 ounces. That contains 4 ounces of vodka (384 calories) and 2 ounces of light juice (30 calories).
– A more standard 2:1 vodka to light cranberry juice drink has around 150 calories for 6 ounces. That’s 4 ounces of vodka (384 calories) and 4 ounces of light juice (60 calories).
– Using diet cranberry juice instead drops the calories further to around 110-130 calories. The vodka still contains 96 calories per 1.5 ounces.
– Adding lime or lemon juice adds negligible calories. But vodka with sugar-sweetened regular cranberry juice can have over 200+ calories.
So the vodka cranberry can be a low calorie cocktail if you use diet cranberry or limit the juice to light cranberry. Getting a 2:1 or 4:1 vodka to light juice ratio maximizes the drink’s calorie-burning potential.
Ways to Create the Low Calorie Cocktail
Here are some easy tips for making a low calorie vodka cranberry drink:
– Use calorie-free diet cranberry juice or low-calorie light cranberry juice. Read labels and aim for juices with 60 calories or less per serving.
– Use a high 2:1 or 4:1 ratio of vodka to cranberry juice. This minimizes the juice’s calorie contribution. Aim for at least 2 parts vodka to 1 part juice.
– Measure your ingredients carefully using a jigger or shot glass for the vodka and a measuring cup for the juice. Don’t rely on eyeballing.
– Skip the sugary simple syrup. Cranberry juice already contains natural sugar, so added syrup hikes calories.
– Squeeze in fresh lime or lemon juice instead of sugary sweet-and-sour mix. Citrus adds bright flavor for barely any calories.
– Use zero-calorie club soda or seltzer instead of juice for ultra low-cal vodka cran options. Mix with lemon and lime.
– Avoid pre-made vodka cranberry cocktails, which can have excess calories from added juices, simple syrups or soda.
– Order vodka with light cranberry or diet cranberry at a bar, being specific with your juice request.
– Adjust the recipe as you like based on taste, but keep the vodka ratio high and cranberry ratio low.
So in summary, it’s easy to create a 90-150 calorie vodka cranberry by using the lowest calorie juices and keeping the vodka ratio as high as you can tolerate!
Low Calorie Vodka Cranberry Recipe
Here is an easy recipe to make a vodka cranberry with around 110 calories:
Ingredients:
– 4 ounces (1/2 cup) vodka
– 2 ounces (1/4 cup) diet cranberry juice or light cranberry juice
– 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
– Lime wedge garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the vodka and both juices over ice.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish your low-calorie vodka cranberry with a lime wedge on the rim if desired.
5. Serve right away and enjoy!
With 4 parts vodka to 1 part light juice and lime, this clocks in at around 110 calories for the whole drink. Feel free to tweak the juice ratios to your liking.
Benefits of the Low Calorie Vodka Cranberry
Choosing a lower calorie vodka cranberry offers a few potential benefits:
– Fewer liquid calories compared to full-sugar cocktails, beer or wine
– Provides hydration from the water and juice content
– Allows you to imbibe without derailing your diet or weight loss goals
– May reduce the risk of weight gain over time versus higher calorie drinks
– Lets you indulge in a flavorful cocktail with less guilt about calories
– Can be part of an overall healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation
Of course, there are still risks associated with excessive alcohol intake. But the low-cal vodka cran provides a refreshing drink option if you want to mind your calories without abstaining completely.
Potential Downsides to Consider
While lower in calories, some potential downsides of the vodka cranberry to keep in mind include:
– May promote overconsumption since it’s lower in calories
– Not completely zero-calorie, so calorie counting is still required
– Alcohol itself provides empty “dead” calories without nutrition
– Can raise blood sugar despite low carb claims if real sugars added
– May contribute to dehydration or irritate bladder due to alcohol content
– Cranberry juice can interact with certain medications like blood thinners
– Artificial sweeteners in diet cranberry juice controversial for health
So moderation is still key, even with reduced calorie drink options. Don’t consider the vodka cran a free pass for unlimited drinking.
Tastiest Low Calorie Cranberry Juice Options
To make the best tasting lower calorie vodka cranberry, look for light cranberry juices with these characteristics:
– Ocean Spray Light Cranberry Juice: 60 calories and 15g carbs per cup. Sweetened with sugar and sucralose. Tart, crisp, cranberry flavor.
– R.W. Knudsen Light Cranberry Juice: 50 calories and 12g carbs per cup. Sweetened with apple juice and natural flavors. Mildly tart, mellow cranberry taste.
– Northland Light Cranberry Juice Cocktail: 60 calories and 15g carbs per cup. Sweetened with sugar. Bright, tangy cranberry flavor.
– Tree Top Light Cranberry Juice Cocktail: 70 calories and 17g carbs per cup. Sweetened with sugar. Natural cranberry taste.
– Hansen’s Natural Light Cranberry Juice: 60 calories and 15g carbs per cup. Sweetened with stevia and erythritol. Lightly tart flavor.
Avoid heavily artificially sweetened diet cranberry juices, as they can have an unpleasant aftertaste. Light juices give you lower calories with more natural flavors.
Delicious Flavor Variations
Once you’ve nailed the standard vodka cranberry, try these tasty low-calorie ways to change up the flavor:
– Use raspberry vodka instead of regular – adds sweetness with barely any calories
– Muddle fresh mint and lime into your drink for fresh herbaceousness
– Rim your glass with cranberry flavored zero-calorie sweetener for a tart kick
– Add a splash of zero-calorie ginger ale for some spice
– Float a few frozen cranberries for a pretty pop of color
– Shake with a few coarsely chopped cucumber slices for melon undertones
– Use soda water instead of juice for a fizzy, fruity vodka soda
– Sub in a few muddled raspberries or blackberries for cranberry cousins
– Garnish with thinly sliced jalapeño for a slight chili pepper kick
So have fun experimenting to keep your vodka cranberry exciting. The possibilities are nearly endless!
FAQs
Here are some common questions about creating low calorie vodka cranberry cocktails:
Is vodka cranberry actually low calorie?
It can be if you use light or diet cranberry juice and avoid adding sugary mixers or syrups. A 4:1 vodka to light cranberry ratio makes a drink with around 100 calories.
What is the healthiest cranberry juice to mix with vodka?
Light or diet cranberry juices are best for keeping calories down. Look for light juices with around 60 calories per serving. Avoid heavily artificially sweetened diet versions with aftertastes.
How many calories in vodka cranberry made with regular cranberry juice?
Using a 2:1 ratio of vodka to regular cranberry juice adds up to around 200 calories for a standard 6 ounce drink. More juice boosts calories further.
Should you use lime juice or sweet and sour mix?
Fresh lime juice adds flavor for minimal calories. Sweet and sour mix can have around 100 calories from corn syrup per ounce, so lime is far better for light cocktails.
Can I use totally sugar-free calorie-free mixers?
Yes, using zero-calorie seltzer or club soda instead of juice lets you create a no-sugar, low-calorie vodka cran. Add lime, lemon, mint or other fruits.
What about using artificially sweetened cranberry juice cocktail?
Be cautious of diet cranberry juices with heavy aftertastes from artificial sweeteners. Light juices tend to provide more natural flavor for moderate calories.
The Takeaway on Low Calorie Vodka Cranberry Drinks
Vodka and cranberry juice can make a flavorful, relatively low calorie cocktail when prepared properly. The keys are using light or diet cranberry juice, avoiding added sugars, and getting a high vodka to juice ratio. While not completely calorie-free, a smart vodka cranberry provides an option for imbibing without going overboard on calories. Just be sure to consume in moderation and responsibly. Skål!
