How Many Calories Are in a 16 Ounce Bloody Mary? The Definitive Guide

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard Bloody Mary can contain anywhere from 125 to over 200 calories, but for a generous 16-ounce serving, the number is significantly higher. The total number of calories in a 16 ounce Bloody Mary is highly variable, influenced by the mix, vodka proof, and extravagant garnishes.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 16 oz Bloody Mary can fluctuate widely based on the vodka's proof, the brand and amount of mix used, and any extra garnishes. Expect a range from approximately 200 to over 500 calories, highlighting the importance of understanding each component.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: A 16 oz Bloody Mary can range widely, from 200 to over 500 calories, depending on the recipe and garnishes.
Vodka is the Main Calorie Source: A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka contains around 97 calories, with higher-proof vodkas adding more.
Mix Matters: Store-bought Bloody Mary mixes vary significantly in calories and sugar. Homemade mixes using fresh ingredients are typically lower in calories.
Garnishes Add Up: Extravagant garnishes like bacon, cheese, and heavy meat skewers can add hundreds of extra calories.
Lighten Up Your Drink: To reduce calories, use a measured pour of vodka, make a homemade mix, and stick to simple, low-calorie garnishes like celery and lemon.

Understanding the Components of a Bloody Mary

To accurately estimate the calories in your cocktail, it's essential to break down the drink into its individual components. Each element, from the liquor to the seasonings, contributes to the final tally.

The Vodka's Contribution

Vodka is the most significant source of calories in a traditional Bloody Mary. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96 to 97 calories. However, cocktail recipes and personal preferences often dictate a larger pour, especially in a 16-ounce glass. A more realistic estimation for a larger drink might be 2 to 3 ounces of vodka. The proof of the vodka also plays a role; higher-proof vodka will contain more calories per ounce. For example:

80-proof vodka (40% ABV): ~97 calories per 1.5 oz shot.
100-proof vodka (50% ABV): ~124 calories per 1.5 oz shot.

The Calorie Impact of Bloody Mary Mix

The mix is the next major variable. Pre-made mixes range significantly in calorie content based on their sugar and ingredient lists. For example, some brands like Mr & Mrs T Original contain around 35-45 calories per 4-ounce serving, while others can be higher. A homemade mix using simple tomato juice and spices would be on the lower end of the spectrum, whereas a mix with added high-fructose corn syrup would increase the total substantially. Given a 16-ounce glass and a typical recipe, the amount of mix could easily be 10 to 13 ounces or more. This means the calories from the mix alone could be 80-130 or more, depending on the brand.

How Garnishes Add Up

In recent years, Bloody Mary garnishes have evolved from a simple celery stick and olive to elaborate, meal-sized toppings that drastically increase the calorie count. Consider the following common additions:

Meat: Bacon strips, beef jerky, or a slider add significant fat and calories.
Cheese: Cubes of cheddar or other cheeses are calorie-dense.
Vegetables: While celery and standard olives are relatively low in calories, pickled asparagus or large, stuffed olives can add up.
Condiments and Sauces: Extra hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce are typically negligible, but a heavy dose of horseradish or olive brine will contribute some extra calories and sodium.
Rim: A salt or spice rim is minimal, but a rim with cheese or other ingredients can add a bit more.

Calorie Comparison: 16oz Bloody Mary Breakdown


Ingredient Component	Low-Calorie Version (approx.)	Standard Version (approx.)	Loaded Version (approx.)
Vodka (80-proof)	2 oz (128 cal)	2 oz (128 cal)	3 oz (192 cal)
Bloody Mary Mix	14 oz homemade (approx. 70 cal)	14 oz premade (approx. 105 cal)	12 oz premade (approx. 90 cal)
Garnishes	Celery stick (1 cal), 1 olive (4 cal)	Celery stick, 2 olives, pickle spear (12 cal)	Bacon slice, cheese cube, pickled vegetable skewer (200+ cal)
Total Estimated Calories	~203 calories	~245 calories	~482+ calories

Note: These are estimations. Actual calories will vary based on specific brands, preparation, and garnish choices.

Tips for a Lower-Calorie Bloody Mary

If you're aiming to enjoy this classic cocktail without derailing your diet, several strategies can help reduce the caloric load.

Be Mindful of Your Vodka Pour: Using a measured pour (e.g., a standard 1.5 oz shot) is the easiest way to control calories. You can also opt for a lower-proof vodka, as calories are directly tied to alcohol content.
Make Your Own Mix: Homemade Bloody Mary mix, using fresh tomato juice and spices, allows you to avoid high-fructose corn syrup and excess sugar often found in store-bought options. This provides better flavor control and fewer calories.
Use Low-Sodium Tomato Juice: While not a significant calorie-saver, reducing sodium can help with overall health. Some commercial mixes are extremely high in sodium.
Rethink the Garnishes: Skip the calorie-heavy bacon and cheese and stick to traditional, low-calorie options. A classic celery stalk, lemon wedge, or a simple olive skewer adds flavor without a huge caloric penalty.
Try Non-Alcoholic Alternatives: A "Virgin Mary" removes the most calorie-dense component—the vodka. This is a flavorful, zero-proof option for anyone looking to avoid alcohol calories entirely.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in a 16 ounce Bloody Mary? The answer depends entirely on its specific ingredients, ranging from a relatively modest 200 calories for a simple preparation to over 500 calories for a heavily garnished, high-proof version. By understanding the calorie contribution of each component—especially the vodka, the mix, and the garnishes—you can make informed choices to control your intake. Opting for a measured pour, a homemade mix, and lighter garnishes are effective strategies for enjoying this brunch favorite responsibly.

For more information on the calorie content of spirits, refer to this detailed guide on vodka calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary source of calories in a Bloody Mary is the vodka, which contains approximately 97 calories per standard 1.5 oz shot for 80-proof liquor. Higher proof vodka will have more calories.

Standard garnishes like a celery stick and a simple olive have very few calories. However, modern, elaborate garnishes, such as bacon, sliders, and cheese cubes, can add hundreds of calories to your drink.

The calorie content of Bloody Mary mixes varies by brand. Some have as few as 35 calories per serving, while others with added sugars or corn syrup can be much higher. Making your own mix is the best way to control the sugar and calorie content.

Yes, a Virgin Mary is significantly lower in calories because it omits the vodka, which is the main source of calories in the drink. The remaining ingredients (tomato juice, spices) are relatively low in calories.

To make a low-calorie Bloody Mary, use a measured, standard 1.5 oz shot of vodka, prepare a homemade mix with low-sodium tomato juice and fresh spices, and stick to simple, low-calorie garnishes like celery, pickles, and lemon.

A heavier pour of vodka will directly increase the calorie count. For every extra ounce of 80-proof vodka, you add approximately 64 calories. In a 16 oz drink, this can make a significant difference.

No, Bloody Marys vary widely in nutritional value. Factors like the type of mix (store-bought vs. homemade), the proof and amount of vodka, and the garnishes used all impact the final calorie count and nutritional profile.