How many calories are in 1 shot of Bacardi rum?

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of Bacardi Superior rum contains approximately 98 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie spirit, but its impact on your diet depends heavily on the type of Bacardi rum and what you mix with it.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single shot of Bacardi rum varies by type, with standard clear rums having around 98 calories and flavored or darker rums containing slightly more. All calories in distilled rum come from the alcohol, with no fat or carbohydrates. Mixers significantly impact the final calorie total.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A 1.5-ounce (44 ml) shot of 80-proof Bacardi Superior rum contains approximately 98 calories, sourced solely from the alcohol.
Zero Carbohydrates: The primary distilled versions of Bacardi rum, like Superior, are carb-free and contain no fat.
Varying Calorie Counts: Flavored Bacardi rums, such as Limón, contain higher calories and carbohydrates due to added sugars, so always check the specific bottle.
Mixers are Key: The most significant calorie impact comes from mixers. Using diet soda, club soda, or fresh citrus keeps cocktails low in calories.
Moderation is Essential: Despite the relatively low calorie count per shot, the body's metabolism of alcohol can affect overall weight management, making moderation important.

Bacardi Superior Rum: The Calorie Breakdown

For those watching their caloric intake, a standard shot of Bacardi Superior is a fairly straightforward matter. According to nutritional data, a 1.5-ounce (44 ml) pour of 80-proof (40% ABV) Bacardi Superior contains roughly 98 calories and zero carbohydrates. Because it is a distilled spirit with no added sugar, the calories come almost exclusively from the alcohol itself. The formula for estimating calories from alcohol is 7 calories per gram, so with 14 grams of alcohol, the numbers align perfectly.

The Difference in Other Bacardi Varieties

Not all Bacardi rums are created equal when it comes to calorie content. The calorie count can change based on the specific type of rum and any added ingredients, such as flavorings or sugar. This is especially important to consider when you venture beyond the classic white rum.

Bacardi Flavored Rums

Flavored Bacardi rums, such as Limón or Coconut, have a different nutritional profile due to added sugars and a lower alcohol volume. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of Bacardi Limón has around 100 calories but contains about 3.5 grams of carbohydrates and sugars, which directly contribute to the total calorie count. A flavored option like Bacardi Razz or O would have a similar increase in calories and carbs.

Bacardi Aged Rums

Aged Bacardi rums, like Bacardi Reserva Ocho, may have slightly different calorie counts depending on the aging process and any minor changes in proof. However, the difference is usually negligible compared to the impact of mixers. The key distinction from a nutritional standpoint is that, like Superior, the calories primarily come from the alcohol, not from added sugar. Some very aged rums might have trace carbohydrates, but pure distilled aged rum remains largely carb-free.

Rum vs. Other Popular Spirits: A Calorie Comparison

When choosing an alcoholic beverage, it's helpful to compare Bacardi rum to other common spirits. The following table provides a quick overview of approximate calorie counts for a 1.5-ounce (shot) serving, based on standard 80-proof versions.


Spirit	Approx. Calories (1.5 oz)	Notes
Bacardi Superior Rum	98	Very low carb, no sugar added.
Vodka (80 proof)	97	Comparable to clear rum; also zero carb.
Whiskey (80 proof)	97	Similar calorie count; zero carb.
Gin (80 proof)	97	Zero carb and comparable to other clear spirits.
Flavored Liqueurs	100–160+	Higher calorie count due to added sugars.

How to Minimize the Calories in a Bacardi Cocktail

The calories from a shot of Bacardi are fixed, but the overall calorie count of a mixed drink can skyrocket depending on your choice of mixer. Sugary mixers are the main culprit for adding significant calories and carbohydrates.

Low-Calorie Mixer Ideas:

Diet Soda: Substituting regular cola for diet soda can drastically reduce the calories in a classic Rum and Coke. A Rum and Diet Coke typically has around 100 calories, while the regular version can be almost double that.
Club Soda or Seltzer: A rum and soda with a squeeze of fresh lime is a refreshingly simple and low-calorie option, as club soda has zero calories.
Light Juices: Opt for low-sugar or light juice options if you prefer a fruity cocktail. Diluting with water or seltzer can also help.
Fresh Citrus: Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice adds flavor without the high sugar content found in many pre-made mixers. A classic Daiquiri, for instance, can be made with fresh lime juice, simple syrup (which can be omitted or replaced with a sugar-free alternative), and rum, keeping calories in check.

The Role of Alcohol Metabolism

It's important to understand that the calories from alcohol are processed differently by the body than other macronutrients. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol as it is treated as a toxin, meaning the calories are used immediately for energy rather than being stored. This can potentially slow down the body's ability to burn fat, impacting weight management efforts. Therefore, even with a low-calorie spirit like Bacardi, moderation is key for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Final Sip: A Conclusion

A single 1.5-ounce shot of standard Bacardi Superior rum contains approximately 98 calories, which are derived entirely from the alcohol content. Unlike its flavored counterparts, it contains no fat or carbohydrates. While the rum itself is a relatively low-calorie spirit compared to some other alcohols, the total calorie count of a beverage is heavily dependent on the mixer used. By opting for diet or sugar-free mixers like diet soda, club soda, or fresh citrus, you can enjoy a Bacardi cocktail without significantly impacting your caloric intake.

For more information on alcohol and nutrition, you can consult reputable sources like Drinkaware for detailed facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard distilled Bacardi rums, like Bacardi Superior, do not contain any added sugar. Any perceived sweetness comes from the natural flavors derived from the sugarcane. However, flavored varieties do have added sugars and carbohydrates.

The calorie count for standard Bacardi rum is very similar to vodka. Both contain approximately 97-98 calories per 1.5-ounce shot, as the calories in both clear spirits come almost entirely from the alcohol.

A Bacardi and Coke made with standard cola can contain around 185 calories for an 8-ounce serving. By switching to Diet Coke, you can reduce the total calorie count to approximately 100 calories per drink.

Yes, flavored rums are typically higher in calories than their standard, clear counterparts because of the added sugars. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of Bacardi Limón has around 100 calories and contains carbohydrates, unlike Bacardi Superior.

The calorie difference between aged and white rum of the same proof is usually minimal. The aging process primarily affects flavor, not the caloric content from the alcohol itself, which is the main source of calories in distilled spirits.

Yes, standard distilled rums like Bacardi Superior are considered keto-friendly because they contain zero carbohydrates and sugar. It is crucial to use a zero-calorie mixer, such as diet soda or club soda, to maintain a keto diet.

The lowest calorie way to drink Bacardi is to have it neat, on the rocks, or mixed with a zero-calorie mixer like club soda or diet cola. A shot of standard Bacardi rum itself is only about 98 calories.