How Many Calories Are in 1 Shot of Limoncello?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

While often enjoyed as a refreshing after-dinner digestif, a standard 1.5 oz shot of limoncello can contain anywhere from 140 to 155 calories, depending on the brand and recipe. This is significantly higher than a typical shot of plain spirits due to the significant sugar content, making the final calorie count in 1 shot of limoncello an important consideration for health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

A standard 1.5 oz serving of limoncello generally contains between 140 and 155 calories, but this can vary based on brand, recipe, and portion size. The high calorie count is primarily due to both the alcohol content and substantial added sugar used to create its sweet, citrus flavor.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A standard 1.5 oz shot of limoncello contains approximately 140–155 calories, significantly more than plain spirits due to its high sugar content.
Dual Calorie Sources: The calories in limoncello come from both the alcohol (7 kcal/gram) and the added sugar (4 kcal/gram), making it calorie-dense.
Variations: Calorie counts can differ by brand, recipe (commercial vs. homemade), and serving size, which is not always a consistent volume.
Comparison to Spirits: Limoncello is much higher in calories than a shot of vodka (around 98 calories) because vodka has no added sugar.
Calorie Reduction Tips: To reduce calories, consider mixing limoncello with soda water, making a low-sugar homemade version, or simply reducing your portion size.
High Sugar Content: The sweetness of limoncello indicates a high sugar concentration, which is the main reason for its higher calorie count compared to unflavored hard liquors.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Limoncello Shot

The exact calorie count for a shot of limoncello is not uniform across all brands or recipes. The two primary factors that dictate the final number are the alcohol by volume (ABV) and the sugar content. Alcohol provides approximately 7 calories per gram, and sugar (carbohydrates) provides 4 calories per gram. Since limoncello is a liqueur, it contains both in significant quantities, resulting in a higher calorie density than unflavored spirits like vodka.

A typical 1.5 oz (44 ml) shot of limoncello, based on industry averages and nutritional data, will fall in the range of 140–155 calories. This estimate considers an average sugar content and an ABV of around 28–32%. For example, some nutritional resources indicate that a 1 fl oz (30 ml) serving of limoncello can be around 100 calories, which scales up for a larger, more standard shot size.

Factors Influencing Limoncello's Calorie Content

Sugar Concentration: Limoncello's signature sweet taste comes from a simple syrup of sugar and water. Recipes and commercial brands vary their sugar-to-water ratio significantly. A sweeter, more syrupy limoncello will have more calories than a drier version.
Alcohol Content: The alcohol content (ABV) in limoncello can range, though it typically hovers between 28% and 32%. Higher alcohol content means more calories from the spirit base, a factor that is often overlooked in favor of just the sugar.
Serving Size: What one person considers a "shot" can differ. A smaller 1 oz shot will naturally contain fewer calories than a standard 1.5 oz shot, which is the basis for many cocktail recipes.
Homemade vs. Commercial: When you make limoncello at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. Some homemade recipes use less sugar than commercial versions, allowing for a lower-calorie end product. Conversely, others may call for a very sweet mixture, resulting in an even higher calorie count.

Limoncello vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages: A Calorie Comparison


Beverage (1.5 oz serving)	Estimated Calories	Carbs/Sugar (g)	Key Calorie Source
Limoncello	140–155	12–14	Alcohol & Sugar
Vodka	98	0	Alcohol only
Gin	110	0	Alcohol only
Irish Cream Liqueur	150+	15+	Alcohol, Cream & Sugar
Sweet Dessert Wine (5 oz)	165+	15+	Alcohol & Sugar

As the table illustrates, limoncello has a caloric profile more akin to a sweet dessert wine or other cream liqueurs than to a hard liquor like vodka or gin, which contain no sugar or carbs. The addition of sugar is the differentiating factor.

Strategies for a Lighter Limoncello Experience

If you love the flavor of limoncello but want to reduce the calorie impact, there are several approaches you can take:

Dilute with Soda Water: Enjoy your limoncello in a spritz. Mixing a smaller pour with club soda and a slice of lemon can cut the calories significantly while still providing the refreshing citrus flavor. This is an excellent way to turn a single shot into a full, low-calorie drink.
Create a Low-Sugar Recipe: If you make your own limoncello, you can experiment with the sugar levels. Reducing the amount of simple syrup or using a sugar substitute can drastically lower the calorie count. The flavor will be less sweet, but the bright, citrus notes will remain.
Control Your Portion Size: Instead of a full 1.5 oz shot, opt for a smaller 1 oz pour. Being mindful of your portion size is the simplest way to manage calorie intake without changing the product itself.
Use as a Mixer: Instead of drinking it straight, use limoncello as a flavoring agent in a cocktail with low or zero-calorie mixers. A small amount can impart a strong lemon flavor without adding too many calories.

Conclusion

The delicious, sweet taste of limoncello comes at a caloric cost. A standard 1.5 oz shot of this popular Italian liqueur typically contains between 140 and 155 calories, with the exact amount varying by brand and sugar content. This high-calorie density, primarily from a combination of alcohol and added sugar, sets it apart from unflavored spirits. For those looking to enjoy limoncello while being mindful of their intake, controlling portion size, diluting it in a spritz, or making a lower-sugar homemade version are all effective strategies. Remember that all calories from alcohol, including liqueurs, should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For more general information about alcohol and calories, consult trusted health resources such as Drinkaware.

The Final Word on Limoncello Calories

Ultimately, the calorie count for a shot of limoncello is not a fixed number but a range influenced by several factors. Its status as a sweet liqueur places it in a higher calorie category than many other spirits. By understanding the causes of its calorie content, you can make informed choices about how to best enjoy this classic Italian treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Limoncello is higher in calories than vodka because it is a liqueur, which means it contains a significant amount of added sugar in addition to the alcohol. Plain vodka contains only calories from alcohol, which is lower overall.

Not necessarily. The calorie count of homemade limoncello depends on the recipe used. If you reduce the amount of sugar in your simple syrup, you can create a lower-calorie version. However, many traditional recipes use a high amount of sugar, so homemade versions can sometimes be just as, or even more, caloric than commercial brands.

No, the calories in limoncello come from two sources: the alcohol and the sugar. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, and sugar contains 4 calories per gram. Both contribute to the final calorie count.

You can reduce the calories in your limoncello drink by mixing a smaller amount with a calorie-free mixer like soda water to make a 'spritz.' Alternatively, you can control your portion size by drinking a smaller shot.

For calorie counting purposes, a standard shot is often considered to be 1.5 fluid ounces (44 ml). However, it's worth noting that some estimates are based on a smaller 1 oz portion.

The ABV of limoncello directly impacts its calorie count. Higher alcohol content means more calories from the alcohol itself. Limoncello typically has an ABV of 28–32%, which contributes significantly to its total calorie load.

Limoncello's calorie count is comparable to other sweet liqueurs. For example, some Irish cream liqueurs can have a similar or higher number of calories per serving due to their added cream and sugar content.