Calories in Smirnoff Ice Beverages

Smirnoff Ice is an alcoholic malt beverage that has a sweeter and more refreshing taste than most liquors or beers, making it a popular party drink. Get the scoop on Smirnoff Ice's calories and nutrition, as well as a few ideas for healthier alternatives.

Smirnoff Ice is a spiked drink with a sweet and citrusy taste. It's popular among adults who want something lighter and more sugary than beer, but with lower alcohol content than hard liquor. Even though this drink tastes light, the calories in Smirnoff Ice may surprise you.

According to the USDA, Smirnoff Ice has 245 calories in one 12-ounce bottle. It's also important to keep tabs on its nutritional value, particularly its sugar content. Just one bottle has 35 grams of sugar.

The American Heart Association states that women should have no more than 25 grams of sugar daily, so one bottle of Smirnoff Ice puts them over the limit. As it's recommended that men don't exceed 36 grams of sugar per day, this drink also places them at the limit.

Moreover, while there isn't any fat in this drink, Smirnoff Ice does pack 36 grams of carbs per bottle. At first glance, this isn't so bad. As you need carbs for energy, the Mayo Clinic recommends keeping your carbohydrate intake between 225 and 325 grams per day (based on a 2,000-calorie diet). But this drink gives you carbs with zero nutritional benefits.

​Read more:​ Classy or Trashy? What Your Cocktail of Choice Says About You

Note that this is a malt beverage, which means it doesn't actually have any vodka in it. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Bureau, this kind of beverage is made with malted grains like barley and hops and brewed similarly to beer. Natural and artificial flavorings are also added.

Beyond the classic lemon-lime drink, Smirnoff Ice boasts a variety of flavors ranging from black cherry and strawberry to raspberry and margarita.

Smirnoff Ice beverages contain alcohol, so their consumption is restricted to those over the age of 21 in the U.S. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, it's important to drink in moderation, which equates to one drink for women and two drinks for men.

As many people know, binge drinking, which is considered four or more drinks at one time for women and five or more drinks for men, can have serious health consequences. In fact, a June 2016 study in ​Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research​ indicates that alcohol consumption may alter hormone levels and increase the risk of breast cancer.

In addition to being mindful of the alcohol content, consumers should also beware of the sugars and carbs in Smirnoff Ice. Besides empty calories that can lead to weight gain and obesity, an October 2019 study in ​Diabetes Care​ warns that sugary drinks may significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes.

​Read more​: The Ultimate Guide to the Calories in Wine

If you love the taste of Smirnoff Ice but want a healthier alternative, don't worry — there are options. For one, there are 55 percent fewer calories in the Smirnoff Ice Light drink, which has 80 calories per bottle. It also has fewer carbs and lower alcohol content, which was reduced from 5 percent to 4 percent.

Thinking of throwing a party? You can also make your own refreshing beverage that has a similar light and citrus taste but without all the calories and sugar. Mix one shot of vodka, which has 97 calories, with zero-calorie soda water and a squeeze of lemon, lime or both.

If you would like a sweeter cocktail, add a splash of orange juice or cranberry juice. Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that can add some extra flavor to your drink. For more drink ideas, check out these keto cocktail recipes that will help you burn fat.