How many calories are in 1 shot of Crown Royal?

October 24, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of the original 80-proof Crown Royal contains approximately 96 calories, with all energy derived solely from the alcohol. This makes pure, unflavored Crown Royal a zero-carb spirit, but the calorie count can increase significantly when mixed with sugary sodas or juices.

Quick Summary

A standard 1.5 fl oz serving of 80-proof Crown Royal contains around 96 calories, derived entirely from ethanol, with zero carbohydrates, fat, or protein. Flavored varieties or mixers will raise the overall caloric value significantly.

Key Points

Standard Calories: A 1.5 fl oz shot of original, 80-proof Crown Royal contains approximately 96 calories.
Zero Carbs and Fat: The calories in unflavored Crown Royal come purely from alcohol, with no carbohydrates, fat, or protein.
Flavored Versions are Higher: Flavored Crown Royal varieties (e.g., Peach, Apple) contain added sugars and consequently have a higher calorie count per shot.
Mixers Add Calories: Adding sugary mixers like soda or juice significantly increases the total calories of your drink.
Higher Proof, More Calories: Spirits with a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) will contain more calories per ounce.
Empty Calories: All calories from alcohol are considered empty, meaning they provide no nutritional value.
Low-Carb Option: When consumed neat or with a zero-calorie mixer, unflavored Crown Royal is a popular low-carb alcoholic option.

The Standard Crown Royal Calorie Count

For those monitoring their caloric intake, understanding the nutritional value of your favorite spirits is crucial. A standard 1.5 fluid ounce (fl oz) shot of the flagship Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, which is 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume), contains precisely 96 calories. All these calories come directly from the alcohol itself, or ethanol, and are considered "empty calories" because they offer no nutritional value such as vitamins or minerals.

Unlike beer or wine, which contain residual sugars and carbohydrates, a straight shot of Crown Royal contains zero grams of carbohydrates, fat, or protein. This makes it a popular choice for individuals on low-carb diets, such as keto, who are looking to limit their sugar intake while enjoying an occasional drink.

Breaking Down the Calories in Whiskey

Alcohol contains roughly 7 calories per gram, which is nearly double the caloric density of carbohydrates and protein (4 calories/gram). The overall calorie count of a spirit like Crown Royal is a simple calculation based on its alcohol content (ABV) and the serving size. Since the original Crown Royal is 40% ABV, 40% of its volume is pure alcohol. The density of alcohol is less than water, and using a standardized formula, we arrive at the figure of 96 calories for a 1.5 oz pour. This number is consistent across most standard 80-proof distilled liquors, whether it's vodka, tequila, or unflavored whiskey.

How Caloric Content is Calculated

To understand the math behind the numbers, consider this simplified breakdown:

First, determine the volume of pure alcohol in the serving. For a 1.5 fl oz shot at 40% ABV, the volume of alcohol is 0.6 fl oz.
Next, convert the volume of alcohol to weight. Using the density of ethanol, 0.789 g/mL, we find the weight in grams.
Finally, multiply the grams of alcohol by 7, the number of calories per gram of ethanol, to get the total caloric value.

Factors That Change the Calorie Count

While the 96-calorie figure applies to the standard unflavored Crown Royal, several factors can significantly alter the final count. Drinkers should be aware of these variables to stay on track with their dietary goals.

Flavored Varieties: Crown Royal offers a wide range of flavored whiskies, such as Regal Apple, Vanilla, and Peach. These variants include added sugars and flavorings, which dramatically increase the calorie count compared to the original blend. For example, the flavored whiskies are typically listed around 100 calories or more per shot.
Mixers: The most common culprit for hidden calories in mixed drinks are the mixers. A simple Crown and Coke, for instance, adds calories from the sugary soda. Opting for zero-calorie mixers like soda water, diet soda, or sugar-free juices is the best way to keep the caloric impact low.
Higher Proof: While the standard expression is 80 proof, some whisky products come in higher proofs. As the alcohol content increases, so do the calories. A 94-proof whiskey, for example, would contain more calories per shot than an 80-proof version.
Cocktails: Craft cocktails often contain multiple liqueurs, syrups, and juices that drive up the calorie total. A well-made Manhattan or Whisky Sour will contain more than a simple shot of whisky because of the added sweet vermouth, bitters, and syrup.

Comparing Crown Royal to Other Drinks

To put the calorie count of Crown Royal into perspective, here is a comparison with other common alcoholic beverages. These figures are based on standard serving sizes and may vary slightly by brand or recipe.


Drink Type	Standard Serving	Approximate Calories	Notes
Crown Royal (80 Proof)	1.5 fl oz shot	96-97	Unflavored, 0 carbs
Vodka (80 Proof)	1.5 fl oz shot	96-97	Unflavored, 0 carbs
Rum (80 Proof)	1.5 fl oz shot	97-100	Unflavored, 0 carbs
Standard Beer (5% ABV)	12 fl oz can	150-160	Contains carbs
Light Beer (4.2% ABV)	12 fl oz can	100-110	Lower carbs
Red Wine (12% ABV)	5 fl oz glass	120-125	Contains carbs
Gin and Tonic	7 fl oz	150-190	Added sugar from tonic

Conclusion

A single shot of Crown Royal is a relatively low-calorie choice compared to many other alcoholic beverages, especially those with sugary mixers. Because the unflavored version contains zero carbs and zero fat, it offers a straightforward, minimalist option for health-conscious drinkers. The key to moderation and maintaining dietary goals lies in being mindful of the additions. Sticking to the neat whisky, on the rocks, or with a low-calorie mixer will keep the calorie count consistent. However, indulging in flavored variants or complex cocktails will quickly add extra, often unnoticed, calories. For further information on alcohol and nutrition, reputable resources such as the NIH or MedlinePlus offer reliable guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the standard unflavored Crown Royal Canadian Whisky contains zero carbohydrates, fats, and protein. All of its calories come from the ethanol.

Flavored versions of Crown Royal, such as Peach or Regal Apple, have added sugars and flavorings, which increases their caloric content. While the exact number varies, these are generally listed at 100 calories or more per 1.5 fl oz serving.

Compared to many mixed drinks, wine, or beer, a neat shot of Crown Royal is a relatively low-calorie choice. However, the caloric content can increase significantly when mixed with sugary sodas or juices.

The proof of the alcohol directly impacts its caloric content. The standard 80-proof (40% ABV) has 96 calories per 1.5 oz shot. Higher proof versions of whiskey, such as 94 proof, will contain more calories for the same serving size.

To keep the calorie count low, opt for zero-calorie mixers. Good choices include soda water, diet cola, or sugar-free ginger ale. These mixers will add flavor without a significant caloric increase.

A standard Crown and Coke will have the 96 calories from the whisky plus the calories from the cola. A typical 8 fl oz glass of regular cola adds about 100 calories, bringing the total to roughly 196 calories.

Yes, like other spirits, the calories in Crown Royal are considered empty calories. This means they provide energy but no essential nutrients, vitamins, or minerals that your body needs.