Vodka stands as a favorite alcoholic beverage for many people. Not only does vodka contain relatively few calories compared to other types of alcohol, but you can blend it with various mixers to create a host of drink options. Despite stiff competition from other brands, as of 2009 Smirnoff remained the world's best-selling vodka, according to an article in the Daily Mail newspaper.
Nutrition
Smirnoff Red label contains 96 calories and 14 grams of alcohol per 1.5 oz. serving. Smirnoff Silver label, with 16 grams of alcohol per 1.5 oz. serving, contains 109 calories. A 1.5 oz. serving of Smirnoff Blue contains 121 calories and 17 grams of alcohol.
Alternatives
Compared to other alcoholic beverage options, Smirnoff vodka contains relatively few calories. For example, the average 12 oz. beer contains 64 to 198 calories, while a glass of wine varies from 125 to 150 calories. Of course, fruity dessert drinks and jumbo mixed drinks can send calorie counts soaring, with a jumbo margarita easily topping 1,000 calories.
Flavored Smirnoff Vodka
While not everyone wants to drink straight vodka without the mixers, some Smirnoff products are infused with flavors like citrus or cranberry. These drinks contain about the same number of calories as the three basic Smirnoff vodka products. For example, a 1.5 oz. serving of Smirnoff Citrus contains just 84 calories, while a 1.5 oz. serving of Smirnoff Green Apple contains 93 calories. Served over ice, these beverages eliminate the need to add calorie-rich mixers.
Low-Calorie Mixers
Adding soda or other mixers to your Smirnoff vodka can easily bring the total calorie count higher than you'd like. The University of Rochester Health Services Office recommends sticking with diet soda or other calorie-free mixers. Another option is to follow every alcoholic drink with a nonalcoholic alternative, like water or diet soda. This not only helps you cut calories, but keeps you from becoming overly intoxicated. Finally, lemon and lime juice or garnishes can help you flavor your Smirnoff vodka without adding calories.
Proof
Many people get confused trying to figure out the proof, or alcohol content, of their drinks. You can figure out proof by multiplying the alcohol percentage by two. For example, Smirnoff Red label, at 40 percent alcohol, equates to 80 proof. At 45 percent, Smirnoff Silver equates to 90 proof, while 50 percent Smirnoff Blue comes in at 100 proof. The higher the proof, the faster you'll feel drunk, all other factors remaining equal.
Warnings
While many healthy individuals can enjoy liquor responsibly, not everyone should drink. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion recommends no more than one 1.5 oz. alcoholic beverage for women and two 1.5 oz. alcoholic beverages for men each day. Those under legal drinking age should not consume alcohol. Pregnant women, people with an alcohol addiction and people with certain health conditions shouldn't drink. Always avoid binge drinking, and never drink and drive.
References
- Diageo: DrinkIQ: Vodka
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: Does Alcohol Have a Place in a Healthy Diet?
- Washington Post: Spirits -- Understanding Alcohol Proof
- University of Rochester Health Services Office: Caloric Values of Alcoholic Beverages
- Daily Mail: Spirited Rivals Absolut and Smirnoff in Vodka Sales Fight
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