Whiskey is a popular choice for those who enjoy a strong, flavorful drink. But if you’re keeping an eye on your calorie or carb intake, you might wonder how many calories and carbohydrates are in a shot of whiskey. Unlike beer or cocktails, whiskey is often consumed straight or with minimal mixers, making it a preferred option for those looking to limit their calorie and carb consumption.
How many calories in whiskey?
The number of calories in whiskey depends on the alcohol content and serving size. A standard shot (1.5 ounces or 44ml) of whiskey with 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) contains approximately 97 calories.
Here’s a rough estimate of calories in different whiskey servings:
- 1 oz (30ml) of whiskey (40% ABV) – around 65 calories
- 1.5 oz (44ml) of whiskey (40% ABV) – around 97 calories
- 2 oz (59ml) of whiskey (40% ABV) – around 130 calories
Since whiskey contains no carbohydrates, fats, or proteins, all its calories come from alcohol. The higher the alcohol content, the more calories the whiskey will have.
Does whiskey have carbs?
No, pure whiskey contains zero carbohydrates. This makes it an excellent choice for low-carb diets, such as keto or Atkins. Since whiskey is distilled, the sugars from the grains used in production are removed during the process.
However, some whiskey-based drinks and flavored whiskeys do contain carbs due to added sugars. For example:
- Flavored whiskey (honey, cinnamon, or fruit-infused) – can contain 3-15g of carbs per serving
- Whiskey and cola (8 oz total) – around 22-30g of carbs
- Whiskey sour (with sugar syrup) – around 12-15g of carbs
If you’re avoiding carbs, stick to straight whiskey, whiskey on the rocks, or whiskey with soda water.
Is whiskey a low calorie alcohol?
Compared to other alcoholic beverages, whiskey is relatively low in calories. Here’s how it stacks up against other drinks:
- Whiskey (1.5 oz, 40% ABV) – 97 calories
- Vodka (1.5 oz, 40% ABV) – 97 calories
- Gin (1.5 oz, 40% ABV) – 97 calories
- Beer (12 oz, 5% ABV) – 150-200 calories
- Wine (5 oz, 12% ABV) – 120-130 calories
- Margarita (4 oz, with sugar and mixers) – 200-300 calories
Whiskey is a good choice if you’re looking for a lower-calorie alcoholic drink, especially when consumed neat or with zero-calorie mixers like water or soda water. However, if you mix it with sugary sodas, syrups, or creamy liqueurs, the calorie count can increase significantly.
What affects calories in whiskey?
Several factors influence the calorie content of whiskey:
1. Alcohol by volume (ABV)
Higher ABV means higher calories. Most standard whiskeys have 40% ABV, but cask-strength whiskeys can reach 50-60% ABV, adding extra calories.
2. Serving size
A single shot (1.5 oz) has about 97 calories, but if you pour a double, you’re looking at 194 calories or more.
3. Type of whiskey
The calorie count doesn’t vary significantly between bourbon, Scotch, rye, or Irish whiskey, but flavored whiskeys (e.g., honey or cinnamon) tend to have added sugar, increasing calorie content.
4. Mixers
Drinking whiskey neat or with water keeps it low in calories. Adding cola, juice, or sugary syrups can turn a low-calorie drink into a calorie bomb. For example:
- Whiskey & cola (8 oz) – ~200 calories
- Whiskey sour (with sugar syrup and lemon juice) – ~175 calories
FAQs
Does whiskey have carbs or sugar?
No, pure whiskey has zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. However, flavored whiskeys and whiskey-based liqueurs contain added sugars, increasing the calorie and carb count.
Is whiskey better for weight loss than beer?
Yes, whiskey has fewer calories and no carbs, while beer contains both. If consumed in moderation, whiskey is a better choice for those looking to reduce calorie and carb intake. However, excessive alcohol consumption can still hinder weight loss.
How can I drink whiskey with fewer calories?
Drink it neat, on the rocks, or with water to avoid extra calories.
Use zero-calorie mixers like soda water.
Avoid sweetened mixers like cola, juice, or cream-based liqueurs.
What whiskey has the fewest calories?
All unflavored whiskeys with 40% ABV have roughly the same calories per ounce. However, lighter pours (like 1 oz instead of 1.5 oz) naturally have fewer calories.
Whiskey can be a good option for those looking for a relatively low-calorie, low-carb alcohol, but as with any drink, moderation is key.
Conclusion
Whiskey is a relatively low-calorie and zero-carb alcoholic drink, making it a great option for those watching their calorie or carbohydrate intake. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey with 40% ABV contains about 97 calories and no sugars or carbs, making it a better choice than beer, wine, or sugary cocktails. However, the way you drink whiskey matters. While neat, on the rocks, or with soda water keeps it low in calories, mixing it with sugary sodas, syrups, or flavored liqueurs can quickly increase its calorie and carb content.
If you’re looking for a drink that won’t derail your diet, whiskey—when consumed in moderation—can be a smart and enjoyable option. Just be mindful of your serving size, mixer choices, and overall alcohol intake to stay within your health goals. Cheers!
