Does Schnapps Have Calories? The Surprising Truth

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

A single shot of butterscotch schnapps can have over 70 calories, a fact that often surprises casual drinkers. This statistic underscores a crucial nutritional truth: virtually all varieties of schnapps have calories, primarily from both the alcohol itself and added sugars.

Quick Summary

Schnapps, available in both sweet American-style liqueurs and dry European brandies, contains calories. Its caloric content depends heavily on alcohol by volume and sugar content. American varieties are typically much sweeter and higher in calories due to added sugar, while traditional European 'schnaps' is a drier fruit brandy with fewer calories from sugar.

Key Points

Schnapps Has Calories: Yes, all types of schnapps contain calories, primarily from alcohol and, in most cases, added sugar.
American vs. European: The caloric content varies significantly between sweet, sugary American-style schnapps (a liqueur) and dry, unsweetened European schnaps (a fruit brandy).
Source of Calories: Calories come from two sources: alcohol (7 kcal/gram) and sugar (4 kcal/gram).
Calorie Breakdown: For sweeter schnapps, both alcohol and sugar contribute, while for traditional unsweetened schnaps, the calories are almost exclusively from the alcohol.
Mindful Consumption: Be aware of portion sizes and sugary mixers to manage calorie intake, as alcohol contributes to empty calories in your diet.
Higher Proof, Higher Calories: Generally, a higher ABV (alcohol by volume) results in a higher calorie count per ounce.

Understanding the Caloric Content of Schnapps

When asking, "Does schnapps have calories?" the short answer is an unequivocal yes. Like almost all alcoholic beverages, schnapps contains a significant amount of calories. However, the exact number can vary dramatically based on the style and specific flavor. This is because the term "schnapps" encompasses two very different products: the sweet, flavored liqueurs popular in North America and the traditional, dry fruit brandies found in Europe.

The Two Sides of Schnapps: Liqueur vs. Fruit Brandy

The key to understanding schnapps calories lies in recognizing these two distinct categories. American-style schnapps is essentially a liqueur, made by mixing a neutral grain spirit with artificial flavorings and a large amount of sugar. It is this high sugar content, combined with the calories from alcohol itself, that makes American schnapps a calorically dense beverage. In contrast, authentic European 'schnaps' (often without the second 'p') is a clear, unsweetened fruit brandy distilled from fermented fruits. The only calories in this style come from the alcohol itself, which contains approximately 7 calories per gram, nearly as many as pure fat.

Where Do the Calories in Schnapps Come From?

Calories in schnapps are derived from two main sources: alcohol and carbohydrates (sugar).

Alcohol: Pure alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram. A higher alcohol by volume (ABV) means more alcohol per serving and, consequently, more calories. This is why even a dry, European-style fruit brandy has a notable calorie count.
Sugar: For American-style liqueurs, sugar is a major calorie contributor. During the manufacturing process, flavors and syrups are added to a neutral spirit, increasing the sweetness and the total carbohydrate content. For example, flavored schnapps can have several grams of sugar per ounce, adding a significant number of calories beyond what comes from the alcohol.

How Different Schnapps Varieties Compare

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table showing the approximate calories in a 1-ounce (30ml) serving of different schnapps types:


Type of Schnapps	Style	Approx. Calories per 1 oz	Source of Calories	Notes
Peach Schnapps	American Liqueur	50-70 kcal	Alcohol & Added Sugar	A common cocktail ingredient; relatively low proof.
Butterscotch Schnapps	American Liqueur	~72 kcal	Alcohol & High Sugar	Very sweet and high in sugar content.
Peppermint Schnapps	American Liqueur	~50-70 kcal	Alcohol & Sugar	Available in varying proofs, impacting total calories.
Traditional Kirschwasser	European Brandy	65-75 kcal	Primarily Alcohol	A dry, clear cherry brandy with no added sugar.
Goldschlager	American Liqueur	~143 kcal	Alcohol & Added Sugar	Higher proof and additional ingredients increase calorie count.

The Impact of Schnapps Calories on Your Diet

For those watching their caloric intake, schnapps can be a surprisingly large source of empty calories. These calories have no nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain, especially when consumed in large quantities or as part of mixed drinks. A classic Fuzzy Navel, for instance, adds calories from orange juice to the existing calories in the peach schnapps, increasing the overall caloric load.

Here are some tips for navigating schnapps consumption while managing your calories:

Opt for less sweet mixers: If you enjoy American-style schnapps, pair it with calorie-free mixers like diet sodas or sparkling water instead of juice or other sugary beverages.
Mind your portion size: Be aware of your serving size. A single shot can contain a significant number of calories, and they can add up quickly over a night.
Consider European schnaps: If you prefer the flavor of traditional fruit schnaps, understand that while it still contains calories from alcohol, it has no added sugar. These are often sipped neat, which can help with portion control.
Balance with a healthy diet: Remember that alcoholic drinks don't provide essential nutrients. If you're consuming schnapps, be mindful of your overall diet to ensure you're still getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

List of Common Schnapps Types and Flavors

Peach Schnapps: A staple for fruity cocktails like the Fuzzy Navel and Sex on the Beach.
Peppermint Schnapps: Often used in festive cocktails or enjoyed as a shot.
Apple Schnapps: Also known as 'Apple Pucker', a key ingredient in an Appletini.
Butterscotch Schnapps: A sweet, dessert-like liqueur used in drinks like the Slippery Nipple.
Cinnamon Schnapps: A popular flavored liqueur, often consumed as a shot.
Kirschwasser: A traditional, clear cherry fruit brandy from Europe.

Conclusion: The Calorie Count is Real

Ultimately, the answer to "does schnapps have calories?" is a definitive yes, with the precise amount varying based on its type and sweetness level. American-style schnapps, loaded with sugar and flavorings, tends to be higher in calories than its drier, European fruit-brandy counterpart. Whether you're tracking calories for weight management or simply curious, understanding the nutritional profile of your favorite drink is key to making informed choices. For more information on calories and alcohol, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers comprehensive resources. Enjoying schnapps in moderation and being mindful of portion sizes and sugar content will help you better balance your diet without giving up your favorite occasional indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all schnapps is high in sugar. American-style schnapps is a sweet, flavored liqueur with high sugar content, but traditional European 'schnaps' is a dry, unsweetened fruit brandy with no added sugar.

The calories in schnapps vary widely depending on the style. Sweet American schnapps can be higher in calories per ounce than a standard vodka or rum due to the added sugar, while dry European schnaps, like other spirits, gets its calories solely from the alcohol.

The calorie count can be comparable, though it depends on the specific brand and ABV. Both are typically sweet American-style liqueurs with calories from both alcohol and sugar. Checking the nutritional information for the specific bottle is the best way to know for sure.

Your best bet for lower-calorie options is to choose unsweetened, traditional European fruit 'schnaps' rather than the sugary American-style liqueurs. However, all alcohol contains calories.

To reduce calories, use a calorie-free mixer instead of fruit juice or soda. Combining your schnapps with sparkling water, club soda, or a diet soda can significantly cut down on the sugar and overall calories.

Yes, drinking schnapps can contribute to weight gain. Alcoholic drinks contain 'empty calories' that provide no nutritional value, and the added sugars in American-style schnapps further increase the calorie count.

European 'schnaps' is unsweetened and has no added sugars, making it a better choice for those avoiding sugar. However, the calories from alcohol are still present, and neither should be considered a health food.