How many calories are in a 1 oz shot of whiskey?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a 1 oz shot of 80-proof whiskey contains approximately 64–65 calories. The exact number of calories in a 1 oz shot of whiskey depends primarily on its alcohol content or "proof". Higher-proof whiskeys will have a greater calorie count, as pure alcohol provides about 7 calories per gram.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 1 oz shot of whiskey depends on its proof. Higher proof results in more calories, as alcohol is the source of all calories in pure distilled spirits. Understanding these variations helps you make informed choices about your beverage consumption.

Key Points

Proof is key: The calorie count in a 1 oz shot of whiskey is directly tied to its proof; an 80-proof shot has ~64-65 calories, while a 100-proof shot has ~82.
All alcohol, no carbs: The calories in straight whiskey come solely from the alcohol (ethanol), as it contains no carbs, fat, or protein.
Mixers add calories: Adding sugary mixers like soda, juice, or sweetened syrups can drastically increase the total calorie count of a whiskey drink.
Measure your pours: Standardizing your 1 oz pour using a jigger helps accurately track your calorie intake, as larger pours can add significant calories.
Zero-calorie options exist: Opt for zero-calorie mixers like diet soda or club soda to minimize added calories in your mixed whiskey drinks.
Compare wisely: Whiskey can be a lower-calorie option compared to many beers and wines, but cocktails can often be higher in calories.

The Science Behind Whiskey Calories

All pure, distilled spirits like whiskey get their calories almost exclusively from the alcohol itself, which has about 7 calories per gram. Unlike wine or beer, straight whiskey has no carbohydrates, fat, or protein. The "proof" of a whiskey directly relates to its alcohol by volume (ABV), and thus its calorie content. Proof is a measurement of alcoholic strength, with 80 proof being 40% ABV, 90 proof being 45% ABV, and so on. As the proof increases, so does the concentration of ethanol and the total calorie count for a given volume.

Calorie Breakdown by Proof for a 1 oz Shot

Understanding how proof affects calories is key for anyone monitoring their intake. Here is a simplified breakdown for a 1 oz serving:

80 Proof (40% ABV): Approximately 64–65 calories. This is the standard for many popular whiskeys.
90 Proof (45% ABV): Roughly 73 calories. A noticeable increase for a slightly higher alcohol content.
100 Proof (50% ABV): About 82 calories. Bottled-in-bond or "full-strength" whiskeys fall into this category.
Cask Strength (e.g., 120 Proof / 60% ABV): Around 98 calories. These higher-proof versions contain significantly more ethanol and, consequently, more calories per ounce.

What Influences the Final Calorie Count?

While the proof is the most important factor for straight whiskey, other elements can alter the total calories in your drink. These are typically additions made after the distillation process.

Common Influencing Factors:

Flavored Whiskeys: Brands that produce honey, cinnamon, or other flavored whiskeys often add sugar and sweeteners, which dramatically increase the calorie count. Always check the specific nutritional information for these products.
Mixers: The most significant addition of calories often comes from what you mix with your whiskey. Using sugary mixers like soda, ginger ale, or sweet and sour mix can add over 100 calories to a single drink.
Serving Size: While a 1 oz pour is common, many people, especially at home, pour larger, 1.5 oz or 2 oz servings. This proportionally increases the calories. For instance, a 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof whiskey is about 96 calories.
Cocktail Ingredients: Classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour add extra calories from ingredients like sugar, syrups, and juice.

Whiskey Calorie Comparison Table


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Notes
Whiskey (80 Proof)	1 oz	64	Calories come entirely from alcohol.
Vodka (80 Proof)	1 oz	64	Nearly identical to whiskey at the same proof.
Whiskey Sour	3 oz	125	Includes sweeteners and juice.
Light Beer	12 oz	103	Typically lower in calories per serving than regular beer.
Regular Beer	12 oz	153	Includes calories from carbs.
Dry Red Wine	5 oz	125	Contains calories from residual sugar.

How to Manage Calories from Whiskey

For those who enjoy whiskey but are mindful of their calorie intake, there are simple strategies to keep your consumption in check:

Drink it Neat or On the Rocks: This is the lowest-calorie way to enjoy whiskey, as you are consuming only the spirit itself with no added sugars.
Use Zero-Calorie Mixers: If you prefer a mixed drink, opt for calorie-free mixers like diet soda, club soda, or plain water.
Measure Your Pours: Be aware of your serving size. Measuring your whiskey with a jigger ensures you know exactly how many calories you are consuming, rather than free-pouring larger amounts.
Alternate with Water: Having a glass of water between alcoholic beverages can help you stay hydrated and slow down your overall consumption.

Conclusion

A 1 oz shot of 80-proof whiskey contains approximately 64–65 calories, with the calorie count increasing as the proof of the spirit rises. All calories in straight, unflavored whiskey come from the alcohol content itself, as it contains no carbohydrates or sugar. While pure whiskey is a relatively low-calorie alcohol choice when consumed neat, its calorie total can increase significantly with the addition of sugary mixers, syrups, and larger serving sizes. Being mindful of these factors allows for better management of calorie intake while still enjoying your favorite spirit. As with any alcohol, moderation is key for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For more information, the World Cancer Research Fund provides an alcohol calorie calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calories in straight whiskey come entirely from the alcohol (ethanol) content. Pure, distilled spirits contain no carbohydrates, sugar, or fat.

No, for a given proof, the calorie count for different types of whiskey, such as bourbon, scotch, or rye, is virtually identical. The calories are determined by the alcohol content, not the grain used.

A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof whiskey contains approximately 96–97 calories. The calories increase for higher-proof spirits.

To reduce calories, drink your whiskey neat, on the rocks, or mix it with calorie-free options like club soda or diet soda. Avoid sugary mixers and cocktails.

Yes, flavored whiskeys often have added sugars and sweeteners to achieve their taste profile, which increases their overall calorie count compared to unflavored whiskey of the same proof.

Compared to many other alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and sugary cocktails, straight whiskey is a relatively low-calorie and zero-carb option, especially when consumed in moderation.

A 1 oz shot of 100-proof whiskey contains approximately 82 calories, significantly more than its 80-proof counterpart due to its higher alcohol concentration.