How many calories are in a big shot? A complete nutritional breakdown

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Determining how many calories are in a big shot is not a simple question, as the term refers to several distinct beverages. A standard 12 oz Big Shot pineapple soda contains 180 calories, while a different kind of 'big shot' energy drink might contain only 25 calories per serving.

Quick Summary

The number of calories in a 'big shot' varies drastically depending on the specific product. This guide explores the different types of drinks referred to as a 'big shot,' including soda, health shots, and alcoholic versions, detailing the calorie content for each.

Key Points

Term Ambiguity: The phrase "big shot" can refer to several distinct beverages, including soda, health drinks, and alcoholic cocktails.
Soda Calories: New Orleans Big Shot sodas, like the pineapple flavor, contain approximately 180 calories per 12 oz serving, primarily from sugar.
Health Shot Calories: Small, branded wellness shots like Just Made's Big Shot have a very low-calorie count, with some options containing only 25 calories per 2.4 fl oz.
Alcoholic Shots: A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor contains about 97 calories, but adding sugary liqueurs or mixers significantly increases this number.
Calorie Source Matters: Calories in a sugary soda come from carbohydrates, while in spirits, they come from the alcohol content itself.
Mixer's Impact: The choice of mixer is crucial for alcoholic drinks; using diet or sugar-free alternatives can drastically lower the overall calorie count.

The phrase "big shot" is used in several contexts, leading to significant confusion when trying to determine its calorie content. The answer depends entirely on whether you are referring to the regional New Orleans soda, a popular brand of health or energy shot, or a type of alcoholic beverage. A comprehensive understanding requires examining each interpretation separately.

The Many Definitions of "Big Shot"

The New Orleans "Big Shot" Soda

For many in the southeastern United States, especially New Orleans, a "Big Shot" is a beloved, inexpensive soft drink brand. These sodas come in a wide variety of sugary, fruit-flavored options. Their calorie count is primarily driven by the sugar content, much like any other standard soda. For example, a 12 oz serving of the Pineapple flavor packs 180 calories, while an 8 oz serving of Peach soda is 120 calories. These beverages offer flavor and sugar-based energy but provide little to no nutritional value.

Branded Energy and Health Shots

At the opposite end of the spectrum are modern health and energy shots that have adopted the "big shot" moniker. These are typically small, concentrated beverages meant to deliver a quick dose of vitamins, caffeine, or other supplements. The calorie content is significantly lower. For instance, the Just Made Productivity Big Shot contains only 25 calories for its 2.4 fl oz serving, which is packed with functional ingredients rather than sugar. The Stacker2 Big Shot Energy Shot is another example, with its 4 oz bottle focusing on B-vitamins and caffeine for a boost.

The Alcoholic "Big Shot" or Cocktail

In a bar setting, a "big shot" could refer to a cocktail served in a shot glass or simply a larger-than-standard measure of a liquor shot. The calories in this version can range from moderate to very high. A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor, such as whiskey, rum, or vodka, contains around 97 calories. However, when mixers and liqueurs are added, the calorie count can skyrocket. Cream-based liqueurs or syrups can double or even triple the calorie count of a single serving.

Calorie Comparison: Different "Big Shots"

Here is a comparison table to illustrate the vast difference in calorie content depending on the type of "big shot."


Beverage Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calorie Range	Primary Calorie Source
New Orleans Soda	12 fl oz	150-180+	High Fructose Corn Syrup / Sugar
Just Made Health Shot	2.4 fl oz	25	Fruit Juices / Natural Sugars
Stacker2 Energy Shot	4 fl oz	20+	Sugar, B-Vitamins (Low)
Alcoholic (Spirit)	1.5 fl oz	97-120	Alcohol
Alcoholic (Liqueur Mix)	Varies	150-500+	Alcohol, Sugar, Cream

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Several factors contribute to the final calorie count of a beverage called a "big shot." Understanding these can help you make more informed decisions.

Sugar Content: For sodas and mixed drinks, sugar is the primary driver of calories. Drinks with syrups, mixers, or concentrated fruit juices will have a much higher calorie count. The New Orleans Big Shot sodas, for instance, have significant sugar content, which contributes to their calorie total.
Alcohol Content (ABV): For alcoholic shots, the higher the alcohol by volume (ABV), the higher the calorie count per serving. One gram of pure alcohol contains 7 kcal, nearly as much as a gram of fat. This means a 94-proof spirit will have more calories than an 80-proof spirit for the same serving size.
Mixers and Add-ins: In alcoholic shots, what you mix with the spirit is crucial. Using a regular sugary mixer versus a sugar-free or diet alternative can drastically change the calorie count. Likewise, cream-based liqueurs and thick syrups are calorie-dense additions.
Serving Size: The serving size for a "shot" can differ, which impacts the total calories consumed. A standard shot is typically 1.5 ounces, but a "big shot" at a bar could be more. A bottle of soda is also a larger serving than a health shot.

Making a Healthier "Big Shot" Choice

For those watching their calorie intake, it is possible to enjoy a "big shot" with some careful choices.

Opt for wellness shots: If you're looking for a boost without the high calories, the health-oriented "big shot" products like those from Just Made are an excellent option.
Choose lower-ABV spirits: For alcoholic options, selecting lower-proof spirits or limiting the number of drinks is an effective strategy.
Use diet mixers: When mixing a shot, switch from sugary sodas and juices to sugar-free alternatives or club soda with a splash of lime for flavor without the added calories.
Sip neat spirits: Drinking spirits like whiskey or tequila without mixers is a simple way to control calories and avoid hidden sugars.

Conclusion

The calories in a "big shot" are not uniform and can vary widely based on the product. From the sugary, high-calorie New Orleans sodas to the low-calorie health shots and the variable caloric content of alcoholic versions, it is essential to clarify which beverage you are discussing. Always check nutritional labels for branded products and be mindful of your mixers for alcoholic concoctions. A little knowledge about your drink can help you make a healthier choice without giving up your favorite beverages. For an extensive alcohol calorie calculator, you can visit the National Institutes of Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 12 oz serving of New Orleans' Big Shot pineapple soda contains approximately 180 calories, with most of the calories coming from sugar.

No, not at all. While the soda is high in sugar and calories, some health and wellness products also branded as 'big shots' are very low in calories. For example, a Just Made Big Shot can have as few as 25 calories.

A standard 1.5 oz (45 ml) shot of 80-proof liquor, such as vodka or whiskey, contains around 97 calories.

The calorie count of an alcoholic shot increases with its alcohol by volume (ABV) and any added sugars from mixers or liqueurs. Liqueur-based and cream-based shots will be significantly higher in calories.

A simple shot of a pure spirit like vodka, tequila, or whiskey contains fewer calories than a mixed drink. For a mixed version, using a diet mixer is the lowest calorie option.

Yes, some energy drink companies use the term 'Big Shot' for their products. These products focus on caffeine and vitamins rather than high sugar content.

To reduce calories, you can use sugar-free or diet mixers, add a splash of club soda instead of regular soda, or use fresh lime or lemon juice for flavor.