How many calories are in 1 ounce of Rye whiskey?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, one fluid ounce of 80-proof whiskey typically contains around 65 calories. This means when you are asking how many calories are in 1 ounce of rye whiskey, the answer is generally the same as other unflavored whiskeys, as the calorie content primarily comes from the alcohol itself. Understanding this can be helpful for those monitoring their caloric intake.

Quick Summary

A single ounce of rye whiskey contains approximately 65 calories, with the exact number varying slightly based on proof. This calorie count is comparable to other standard unflavored spirits, as pure distilled liquor contains zero carbs and zero sugar.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: One fluid ounce of standard 80-proof rye whiskey contains approximately 65 calories.
Proof Matters: The calorie count increases with the whiskey's proof (alcohol by volume); a higher proof means more calories.
Zero Carbs and Sugar: Pure, unflavored rye whiskey has no carbohydrates or sugar due to the distillation process.
Mind the Mixers: The caloric impact of rye whiskey significantly increases when mixed with sugary sodas, juices, or syrups.
Compared to Other Drinks: When consumed neat, rye whiskey is typically lower in calories than beer, wine, and many cocktails.
Healthy Enjoyment: To keep calories low, drink rye neat, on the rocks, or with zero-calorie mixers like seltzer.

The Core Calorie Count

For standard 80-proof rye whiskey, the calorie count is straightforward. A single fluid ounce contains roughly 65 calories. It is crucial to note that this figure applies specifically to pure, unflavored rye whiskey. The reason for this stable calorie count is that after distillation, spirits like whiskey are composed primarily of alcohol and water, with all sugars and carbohydrates from the grains removed in the process. The calories in this instance are purely from the ethanol content.

Why the Calorie Count Stays Consistent

Unlike beer or wine, which retain some carbohydrates and sugars from fermentation, distilled spirits undergo a process that separates the alcohol from the other components. This results in a product with a high alcohol concentration and zero carbs and sugars, making the calorie count directly proportional to the alcohol by volume (ABV). This is why rye whiskey, bourbon, scotch, and other straight whiskeys of the same proof have very similar calorie profiles.

Factors That Influence Calorie Content

While the base calorie count for 1 ounce of rye whiskey is consistent, a few key factors can alter the final number. Being aware of these can help you better manage your caloric intake.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV) or Proof

This is the most significant factor. The higher the proof, the higher the calorie count, as alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram.

An 80-proof (40% ABV) rye will have about 65 calories per ounce.
A 100-proof (50% ABV) rye contains approximately 82 calories per ounce.
Cask-strength whiskeys with even higher proof will pack even more calories per serving.

Mixers and Cocktail Additions

For many, rye whiskey is part of a cocktail, and this is where the empty calories can begin to add up quickly. Sodas, juices, and sugar syrups are often loaded with calories and carbohydrates.

A whiskey and diet soda will remain low in calories, similar to drinking it neat.
A whiskey sour made with sugar syrup and lemon juice will have a significantly higher calorie count.
An Old Fashioned with a sugar cube and bitters adds some calories, but less than a full-sugar mixer.

Flavored Whiskeys

Some rye whiskeys and whiskey liqueurs are flavored with additions like honey, cinnamon, or maple. These flavorings contain added sugars, which directly increase both the calorie and carbohydrate content. Always check the nutrition label for these products, as their profile differs from a traditional, unflavored rye.

Rye Whiskey vs. Other Popular Drinks: A Calorie Comparison

To put the calorie count of rye whiskey into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other common alcoholic beverages. This table shows the average calorie content for a standard serving size.


Beverage	Standard Serving	Approximate Calories	Carbohydrates	Notes
Rye Whiskey (80-proof)	1 ounce	~65	0g	Calorie count increases with proof
Rye Whiskey (80-proof)	1.5 ounce shot	~97	0g	Standard shot size
Beer (Regular)	12 ounces	150-200	Varies	Significant carb and calorie count
Wine (Red)	5 ounces	120-130	Varies	Moderate sugar and carbs
Vodka (80-proof)	1 ounce	~64	0g	Nearly identical to rye whiskey
Gin (80-proof)	1 ounce	~73	0g	Slightly higher depending on brand
Margarita	4 ounces	200-300	High	High in sugar and calories

From the table, it's clear that rye whiskey is a lower-calorie and zero-carb option when compared to beverages like beer, wine, or sugary cocktails. This makes it a popular choice for those following low-carb diets such as keto.

Tips for Enjoying Rye Whiskey Mindfully

For those watching their calorie or carb intake, rye whiskey can be a smart choice, provided it's consumed in moderation. Here are some tips:

Drink it Neat or on the Rocks: The simplest way to enjoy rye whiskey with the lowest possible calorie count is to drink it straight, without any mixers. Adding water or ice doesn't add any calories.
Opt for Low-Calorie Mixers: If you prefer a mixed drink, use calorie-free mixers like diet soda, club soda, or seltzer. These will add volume without adding significant calories or sugar.
Control Your Pour: Use a jigger or measuring tool to ensure you are pouring an accurate 1 or 1.5-ounce serving. Free-pouring can lead to unintentionally large servings and higher calorie consumption.
Stay Away from Sugary Cocktails: Be mindful of classic cocktails that contain simple syrup, fruit juices, or other sweet ingredients. While delicious, these can easily double or triple the calorie count of your drink.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

To answer the question, "how many calories are in 1 ounce of rye whiskey," the answer is approximately 65 for a standard 80-proof spirit. This straightforward number is a result of the distillation process, which eliminates carbs and sugars, leaving only the calories from alcohol. For calorie-conscious individuals, this makes straight rye whiskey a favorable option compared to other alcoholic beverages. However, the total calorie impact is highly dependent on what is mixed with the whiskey and the overall amount consumed. By being mindful of proof, mixers, and portion sizes, you can enjoy rye whiskey responsibly while staying on track with your health goals. Moderation is key to both health and enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, pure and unflavored rye whiskey contains zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. The distillation process removes these components, leaving only alcohol and water.

Flavored rye whiskeys or whiskey liqueurs, such as honey-flavored options, contain added sugars. These additions increase both the calorie and carbohydrate count compared to traditional, unflavored rye whiskey.

Yes, because pure rye whiskey has zero carbs, it can be a suitable option for low-carb and keto diets when consumed in moderation. The key is to avoid sugary mixers that would add carbohydrates.

The proof directly affects the calorie content. Higher-proof whiskeys, such as 100-proof, contain more alcohol and, therefore, more calories per ounce than lower-proof versions.

No, the calorie count is very similar between rye and bourbon of the same proof. Both are distilled spirits, and their calories come from the alcohol rather than the grain type.

Adding mixers like soda or juice can drastically increase the calorie content of your drink. A single ounce of rye might have 65 calories, but a cocktail can easily contain 200 or more with sugary additions.

When it comes to calories and carbs, a serving of neat rye whiskey is often lower than a typical serving of beer or wine. However, overall health depends on moderation and lifestyle, as excessive consumption of any alcohol is harmful.