Are Bourbons Fattening? The Complete Calorie and Weight Gain Guide

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof bourbon contains approximately 97 calories, with no carbohydrates or fat. However, this simple fact doesn't fully answer whether bourbons are fattening, as the total impact on weight depends on consumption habits and what it is mixed with.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of bourbon is generally low, but excessive drinking or adding sugary mixers significantly increases the risk of weight gain by adding empty calories and slowing metabolism.

Key Points

Low-Calorie Base: A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof bourbon has approximately 97 calories and zero carbs, making it a relatively low-calorie spirit.
Mixers Add Calories: The primary source of extra calories when drinking bourbon comes from high-sugar mixers like soda and juice, not the spirit itself.
Metabolism Impact: The body processes alcohol before other nutrients, which can temporarily slow down fat-burning, a key factor in weight gain.
Moderate Consumption is Key: Practicing moderation is crucial, as excessive drinking adds empty calories and can lead to poor food choices.
Keto-Friendly Option: When consumed neat or with zero-carb mixers, pure bourbon is compatible with a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Compare Your Choices: Bourbon is often a lower-calorie alternative to many beers, wines, and premixed cocktails.

Bourbon Nutrition: What's in a Shot?

On its own, pure, straight bourbon is not inherently fattening. A 1.5-ounce (45 ml) pour of 80-proof bourbon has around 97 calories, all derived from alcohol. The grains used to make bourbon, which must be at least 51% corn, contain sugars. However, the distillation process converts these sugars into alcohol, leaving no residual carbs or sugar in the final product. For this reason, bourbon is considered a zero-carb, sugar-free spirit, making it a viable option for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Calories from Alcohol vs. Other Nutrients

It's important to understand where the calories in bourbon come from. Alcohol contains roughly 7 calories per gram, which is more than protein or carbohydrates (4 calories/gram) but less than fat (9 calories/gram). When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it over other nutrients, including fat. This means the body temporarily stops burning fat to process the alcohol, which can potentially lead to weight gain if consumed in excess.

The Hidden Causes of Weight Gain from Alcohol

While neat bourbon isn't the primary culprit for weight gain, the way it's consumed often is. The following factors turn a relatively low-calorie spirit into a fattening beverage.

The Impact of Sugary Mixers

One of the most significant sources of extra calories when drinking bourbon is the use of sugary mixers. Adding soda, juice, or syrups can dramatically increase the overall calorie and carbohydrate count of a drink, turning a simple, low-cal beverage into a calorie bomb. For example, a whiskey sour or an Old Fashioned contains added sugar that can push the calorie count over 120 calories per drink. A whiskey and cola can easily contain over 200 calories.

The Metabolism Slowdown Effect

As mentioned earlier, the body prioritizes the metabolism of alcohol, which can temporarily suppress your body's ability to burn fat effectively. Regular, heavy consumption can lead to a sustained metabolic disruption, making weight gain more likely, especially in the abdominal region. This is not unique to bourbon but is a general effect of excessive alcohol intake.

Appetite and Poor Food Choices

Drinking alcohol can lower inhibitions and stimulate appetite, which often leads to poor food choices. Many people find themselves craving greasy, salty, or sugary foods after a few drinks, and the combination of alcohol-derived calories and high-calorie snacks can quickly lead to weight gain.

Bourbon vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

For those watching their weight, bourbon can be a better choice than many other alcoholic beverages, provided it's consumed correctly. Here is a comparison of typical serving sizes:


Beverage	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Carbs (approx.)
Bourbon (80-proof, neat)	1.5 oz	97	0g
Light Beer	12 oz	103	6g
Regular Beer	12 oz	150+	13g+
Wine (Red/White)	5 oz	120-130	4-5g
Whiskey & Cola	8 oz	200+	13-14g
Margarita	8.5 oz	Up to 740	Varies

How to Enjoy Bourbon Responsibly and Minimize Weight Impact

If you want to enjoy bourbon without worrying about it being fattening, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Enjoy It Neat or On the Rocks

Drinking bourbon neat (without ice) or on the rocks (with ice) is the lowest-calorie option. This way, you enjoy the spirit's complex flavor without adding unnecessary calories from mixers. It's a clean, zero-carb way to indulge.

2. Choose Low-Calorie Mixers

If you prefer a mixed drink, opt for low or zero-calorie mixers. Good options include:

Diet soda or diet cola
Soda water or club soda
Water with a lemon or lime wedge
Unsweetened iced tea

3. Practice Moderation

As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key. Health guidelines generally recommend no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. Sticking to these limits helps manage calorie intake and prevents the metabolic disruptions caused by excessive drinking. The calories from alcohol are often overlooked, so planning them into your daily intake is crucial for successful weight management.

4. Stay Hydrated and Eat Wisely

Drinking water alongside your bourbon can help you pace yourself and stay hydrated. Additionally, eating a healthy meal before you start drinking can help prevent binge eating later and slow the absorption of alcohol.

Conclusion: Are Bourbons Fattening?

Pure bourbon, in moderation, is not inherently fattening due to its low calorie count and lack of carbs or sugar. The potential for weight gain comes from how you consume it: the high-calorie, sugary mixers often used in cocktails and the appetite-boosting effects of excessive drinking. By opting for neat bourbon or low-calorie mixers and practicing moderation, it can be a part of a balanced diet without sabotaging your weight goals. The key is to be mindful of your overall calorie intake and the impact alcohol has on your metabolism. For more information on how general alcohol consumption affects your body, consult resources on alcohol and weight gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof bourbon contains approximately 97 calories, with the calorie count increasing with higher proof.

No, pure, straight bourbon contains zero grams of sugar and zero carbohydrates. The distillation process converts the sugars from the grains into alcohol.

Yes, as pure bourbon has no carbs or sugar, it is considered keto-friendly. However, it should be consumed neat or with a zero-carb mixer to maintain its diet-friendly status.

Bourbon can be fattening due to several factors, including the high-calorie, high-sugar mixers used, the appetite-stimulating effects of alcohol, and the way alcohol temporarily slows down your body's fat-burning metabolism.

Compared to many other alcoholic beverages, neat bourbon is relatively low in calories. For instance, a 1.5 oz shot of bourbon has fewer calories than a 12 oz regular beer or a 5 oz glass of wine.

The best low-calorie mixers for bourbon are diet soda, club soda, and plain water with a squeeze of lemon or lime. These options add flavor without increasing the drink's calorie count significantly.

While moderate drinking is less likely to cause weight gain than heavy drinking, it's still possible. Alcohol provides 'empty calories' that can add up over time, and the body's priority shift to metabolizing alcohol can impact fat burning.