How Many Calories Are in Your Shot of Whiskey?

Thinking of pouring a glass of whiskey, but worrying about its calorie content? You’re not alone. Whether you’re curious about calories in a shot of whiskey, a glass of bourbon, or how it compares to other drinks like vodka or rum, we’ve got you covered.

Table Of Contents

How Many Calories Are in Whiskey?
Carbs in Whiskey: The Truth (and What Ruins It)
Whiskey vs. Other Alcohol: Which Is “Healthiest”?
- Have You Heard About Congeners?
Whiskey and Health: Myths and Facts For Drinking Safer
Where Whiskey Can Fit Your Lifestyle
- FAQs Answered About Whiskey & Nutrition

How Many Calories Are in Whiskey?

Whiskey might seem like a safer choice if you’re counting calories, watching your carb intake, or just trying to make more informed choices about what you drink.

After all, it’s not sweet, it’s served in small pours, and it doesn’t feel “heavy” like beer or sugary cocktails. But how many calories are actually in that glass of whiskey? And what about carbs? Sugar? Or any other hidden ingredients?

Whiskey Calories Explained

The calorie count in whiskey depends mainly on its alcohol by volume (ABV) and the serving size. Whether it’s a bourbon whiskey, Scotch whiskey, or rye, the nutritional content of bourbon and other whiskeys is fairly consistent, made up of mostly ethanol and water, with no sugar or carbs in its pure form.

70–100 calories per 1 fl oz (30 ml)
105–150 calories per 1.5 fl oz (45 ml)

How to Calculate Calories from ABV

Use this formula to calculate calories for any whiskey:

Calories = ABV × 1.6 × ounces

Example: A 1.5 oz pour of 90-proof (45% ABV) whiskey
→ (45 × 1.6) × 1.5 × 1.6 = ~104 calories

Here are some round examples:

80 proof whiskey (40%) = 64 calories per ounce
90 proof whiskey (45%) = 72 calories per ounce
100 proof whiskey (50%) = 80 calories per ounce

To put it simply, the nutritional value of whiskey is low in terms of macros, but varies in calories based on strength: the higher the ABV, the more calories in your whiskey shot. Most standard whiskeys fall between 40% – 50% ABV.

Carbs in Whiskey: The Truth (and What Ruins It)

Is it true that straight whiskey has zero carbs? Yes, and here’s why.

Straight whiskey contains no carbohydrates, no sugar, and no fiber. During the distillation process, any residual sugars from the grains (like corn, rye, or barley) are completely removed. What’s left is ethanol and water, which your body processes differently than traditional macronutrients.

This makes whiskey a surprising fit for:

Low-carb and ketogenic diets
Diabetic-friendly drinking (in moderation)
Intermittent fasting (depending on your goals, more on that later)

It also means that whiskey, at least in its purest form, has zero glycemic impact. But before you start pouring with abandon, there’s the small print…

Mixers That Turn It Into a Sugar Bomb

Whiskey itself might be carb-free, but the moment you mix it with something else, it can double or triple the total calories of your drink. For instance, what started as a 100-calorie, zero-carb pour turns into a 300+ calorie sugar bomb.

Mixer	Avg. Carbs (per 8 oz)	Notes
Cola (regular)	~26g	Equivalent of 6 tsp sugar
Sour Mix	17–30g	Depends on brand
Orange Juice	~25g	Fructose-heavy
Tonic Water	~20g	Not the same as soda water
Ginger Beer	~35–45g	Very high in sugar
Flavored Seltzers (some brands)	Varies	Always check the label

How to Keep Whiskey Low-Calorie

Choose straight pours or neat on the rocks. No mixers keep carbs at zero.
If you want bubbles: club soda or soda water + citrus twist = zero carbs.
Flavor without sugar: bitters (check label), cucumber slices, or citrus peel.

Avoid:
• Pre‑sweetened mixers (cola, ginger beer, sour mix)
• Flavored whiskeys with syrups or honey

Hint: If it tastes sweet, it probably has sugar, even if the label doesn’t show nutrition facts. Check the brand’s website or contact them directly if you’re strict about carb tracking.

Whiskey vs. Other Alcohol: Which Is “Healthiest”?

Let’s get it right: there’s no such thing as a “healthy” alcohol. There are better and worse options depending on what you care about: calories, carbs, sugar, or how your body digests it.

Let’s see how whiskey compares against beer, wine, and other spirits:

Alcohol (Standard Serving)	Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Notes
Whiskey (1.5 oz)	~96–105	0g	0g	Popular in low-cal drinks.
Vodka (1.5 oz)	~96	0g	0g	Popular in low-cal drinks.
Gin (1.5 oz)	~96	0g	0g	Crisp and clean.
Rum (1.5 oz)	~96	0g	0g	Pure form is carb-free.
Tequila (1.5 oz)	~96	0g	0g	Often easier on digestion.
Scotch Whiskey (1.5 oz)	~100	0g	0g	Same as other whiskeys.
Red Wine (5 oz)	~125	~4g	~1g	More sugar.
White Wine (5 oz)	~120	~3g	~1g	Slightly lower in carbs.
Beer – Light (12 oz)	~100	~5g	0g	Lower calorie option.
Beer – Regular (12 oz)	~150	~13g	0g	Highest in carbs.
Mojito Cocktail (5–6 oz)	~215	~25g	~20g	High sugar from the syrup.
Bloody Mary (5 oz)	~120	~5g	~3g	Tomato juice adds carbs.
Martini (2.5 oz)	~125	0g	0g	Low-carb classic.
Shot of Jameson (1.5 oz)	~104	0g	0g	Irish whiskey.
Shot of Malibu Rum (1.5 oz)	~110	~10g	~9g	Flavored, sugary.
Shot of Hennessy Cognac (1.5 oz)	~105	0g	0g	Similar to whiskey.

A glass of wine may feel lighter, but it often has more sugar and carbs. A 5 oz glass of wine has ~125 calories, while a 1.5 oz whiskey shot has ~100. So when comparing calories in wine vs beer or whiskey, whiskey is leaner—especially for low-carb or keto lifestyles.

Have You Heard About Congeners?

Congeners are natural compounds created during fermentation, and they’re often responsible for hangovers. Whiskey, brandy, and red wine tend to have higher levels of congeners, while vodka and gin are lower. If you’re hangover-prone, you should take this into account more than calories themselves.

Whiskey and Health: Myths and Facts For Drinking Safer

Alcohol is one of the few things that’s both praised and demonized in health circles — and whiskey is no exception. So let’s cut through the noise (in small doses)

Yes, whiskey can have some potential health benefits — but only when consumed moderately and without sugary mixers. Here’s what the research actually supports:

Antioxidants like ellagic acid: Found in whiskey from the barrel-aging process, ellagic acid may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. But the amount is modest — it’s not a replacement for berries or veggies.
May help regulate blood sugar: Some studies show light to moderate alcohol intake may improve insulin sensitivity. Again, in moderation.
Cardiovascular support: Like red wine, moderate consumption of spirits may slightly reduce the risk of heart disease by increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

According to U.S. CDC guidelines, moderate consumption is up to 1 standard drink per day for women and up to 2 for men (1 standard = 1.5 oz at 40% ABV).

Drinking more doesn’t multiply the upside, it just brings on the health problems. Heavy or frequent whiskey consumption can increase the risk of:

Weight gain (liquid calories add up quickly, and alcohol slows fat metabolism)
Liver damage (especially with high-proof spirits or binge drinking)
Poor sleep (alcohol disrupts REM cycles)
Increased anxiety and depression
Cancer risk (alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen — same category as tobacco)

Where Whiskey Can Fit Your Lifestyle

If you want to cut weight, maintain a calorie deficit, or just drink more mindfully, whiskey is a solid choice — but only in its pure form. Skip the mixers, flavored versions, and overpours, and you’ve got a drink that fits even strict nutrition goals.

Here’s what to remember:

Plain whiskey = zero carbs, zero sugar, ~96–110 calories
Mixers and flavors = hidden sugar bombs
Moderation isn’t optional — it’s essential
Your liver, sleep, and long-term health still matter

No fear. No guilt. Just smart drinking.

FAQs Answered About Whiskey & Nutrition

Here are some of the most asked questions in Reddit threads to fitness coaches and nutritionists.

How many calories are in a shot of whiskey

A standard shot of whiskey (1.5 oz or 44 ml) contains about 96 calories on average. The calorie count varies depending on the whiskey’s alcohol by volume (ABV), with higher-proof whiskeys having more calories. Whiskey has zero carbs and sugar when served neat or on the rocks.

For comparison:
– Calories in a shot of bourbon: ~105–110
– Calories in a shot of scotch: ~100–110
– Calories in a shot of Jameson: ~104
– Calories in a whisky shot (generic): ~96–110
– Calories in a shot of tequila or vodka: ~96
– Calories in a shot of gin: ~97
– Calories in a shot of Malibu rum: ~137 (due to added sugar)
– Calories in a shot of Tito’s vodka: ~96

How many carbs are in vodka

Vodka contains zero carbs when consumed neat or mixed with a zero-calorie mixer, like soda water. However, flavored vodkas may contain added sugars and carbs, so check the label for specific nutritional information.

What’s the best whiskey for low-calorie drinking?

Stick with 80 proof, unflavored whiskey. It’s typically around 96 calories per shot. Higher-proof whiskeys (like 100–120 proof) can increase to 125–150 calories per shot.
Here are some brands to consider:
– Buffalo Trace (smooth, 90 proof)
– Bulleit Bourbon (easy to find, no additives)
– Jameson (if you prefer Irish whiskey)
– Evan Williams Bottled in Bond (for a higher-proof but budget-conscious option)

Is whiskey gluten-free?

Yes — even if it’s made from wheat, rye, or barley. The distillation process removes gluten proteins, making whiskey safe for most people with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease.
If you’re extremely sensitive, stick with brands that confirm their gluten-free status (like Tito’s does for vodka).

Can whiskey help you sleep?

It might knock you out, but it won’t help you sleep well. Alcohol reduces REM sleep and can cause fragmented rest, especially in the second half of the night. You might feel like you slept, but your brain doesn’t completely recover.

Is whiskey safer than beer or wine?

It depends on how you drink it. A neat pour of whiskey is lower in carbs and sugar than most beers or wines, and you consume less volume. But whiskey is higher in alcohol by volume (ABV), so it’s easy to go overboard quickly.

How many calories are in a gin and tonic?

A gin and tonic contains around 150–200 calories, depending on the serving size and type of tonic used. A standard serving of gin (1.5 oz) has about 96 calories, while the tonic water can add anywhere from 50 to 100 calories, depending on whether it’s regular or diet.

How do whiskey calories compare to other drinks?

A 1.5–2 oz pour of whiskey has about 96–128 calories, depending on proof. For context:
Mojito: ~240
Bloody Mary: ~120–180
Vodka tonic: ~175
Gin and tonic: ~180
Glass of whiskey (2 oz): ~128
Pint of beer: ~150–200
750ml bottle of vodka: ~1,600 total

Can I drink alcohol and still burn 3,000 calories a day?

Yes, but it requires intense activity or physical labor. Use a calories burned calculator to get an estimate based on your exercise routine.

Does whiskey break a fast?

Technically, yes. Fasting typically refers to a metabolic state where your body isn’t digesting calories, and alcohol provides calories (7 per gram), even if it doesn’t spike insulin.
But: Whiskey won’t kick you out of ketosis or spike blood sugar, so if you’re doing intermittent fasting for weight loss or low-carb goals, it might not completely derail progress. That said, drinking on an empty stomach is not ideal — it hits harder and can affect your decision-making.

Best Alcohol by Goal

Goal	Go-To Choice	Why
Low-Carb / Keto	Whiskey, tequila, vodka (neat or with soda)	Zero carbs, easy to track
Calorie Control	Light beer or neat whiskey	Watch volume and mixers
No Sugar	Whiskey or gin, unflavored	Pure spirits = no sugar
Gut Sensitivity	Tequila or vodka (potato-based)	Fewer congeners, easier digestion for some
“Healthiest” Option Overall	Red wine (in moderation)	Antioxidants, though, still have sugar

Flavored Whiskey & Whiskey Liqueurs

Peanut butter whiskey, honey whiskey, apple, cinnamon, maple—even cookie dough whiskey. These flavored whiskies are fun and affordable, but they’re not nutritionally equal to standard whiskey. In fact, they are closer to a liqueur than a spirit.

While traditional whiskey is carb and sugar-free, flavored whiskeys and whiskey-based liqueurs are not. Many have added sugars, syrups, or sweetened flavor extracts that bump up both the calorie and carbohydrate content significantly.

Brand / Flavor	Calories (1.5 oz)	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	ABV (%)	Notes
Essentially a liqueur, high sugar	~108	~11	~11	33%	Essentially a liqueur; high sugar
Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey	~120–130	~7	~6–8	35%	Rich flavor, popular in cocktails
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey	~108	~8	~8	35%	Sweetened with real honey
Crown Royal Apple	~103	~6	~6	35%	Fruity and smooth, but sugary
Evan Williams Honey Reserve	~110	~8	~8	35%	Similar to JD Honey in profile
Bird Dog Blackberry Whiskey	~116	~9	~9	35%	Fruit-forward, strong sweetness
Jim Beam Vanilla	~100–105	~6	~6	35%	Subtle vanilla flavor; mid-sweet
Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey	~125–140	~10–12	~10–12	30%	Dessert-style whiskey liqueur
Ole Smoky Salted Caramel Whiskey	~110–120	~9	~9	30–35%	Popular for dessert shots
Cask & Crew Walnut Toffee	~115–125	~9–11	~9–11	35%	Unique flavor, very sweet
Proper No. Twelve Irish Apple	~105	~6–7	~6–7	35%	Fruity twist on Irish whiskey
Wild Turkey American Honey	~108–112	~7–8	~7–8	35.5%	Bourbon-based, mellow sweetness

Note: Values are approximate. Most flavored whiskeys don’t publish full nutrition labels, so data is sourced from brand reps, retailer listings, and user-reported measurements.

Bonus: 3 Low-Carb Whiskey Cocktail Ideas

1. The Keto Highball

1.5 oz bourbon
6 oz soda water
Lemon wedge
→ Total carbs: 0g

2. The Whiskey Skinny Mule

1.5 oz rye whiskey
4 oz diet ginger beer or Zevia mixer
Fresh lime juice
→ Total carbs: 2–4g (depending on mixer)

3. Bourbon Cold Brew

1 oz bourbon
3 oz unsweetened cold brew coffee
Dash of cinnamon
→ Total carbs: 0g