The Calories in a Glass of Wine Vs. Vodka

Wine and vodka are similar in nutritional content. However, it is the size of the drink and the accompanying mixers that can affect your calorie consumption. Know more about these factors so you can make responsible drinking choices.

Size

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a standard drink is defined as .6 ounces of alcohol. This means that 5 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of hard liquor contain the same amount of alcohol, but their nutritional content varies.

Calories

Five ounces of red wine contain about 125 calories and white wine packs slightly less at about 120 calories. Vodka has approximately 100 calories in 1.5 ounces.

Considerations

Mixing your alcohol with other beverages will alter the number of calories you consume. Six ounces of coke will add about 70 calories to a vodka shot, and lemon-lime soda will add about 75. If you make a wine spritzer with seltzer or club soda in place of half your wine, you can decrease your caloric intake by about 20 to 40 calories.

Considerations

You gain weight by taking in more calories than you burn. While two glasses of wine might seem like a mere 250 calories, over a week that adds up to an extra 1,750 calories.

Guidelines

The USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends men consume no more than two drinks per day, and women consume no more than one.

References

• Centers for Disease Control: FAQ on Alcohol
• Ask the Dietitian: Alcohol
• Anne Collins: Wine Spritzer

Resources

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
• USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans