How many calories are in a Bulleit old fashioned cocktail?

November 6, 2025 •

5 min read

According to nutrition tracking apps, a standard 1.5-ounce serving of a Bulleit old fashioned can contain as few as 99 calories, but the final count is heavily influenced by the recipe and ingredients used. This variation means the total calorie count for a Bulleit old fashioned can range significantly, and understanding the role of each component is key to accurately tracking your intake.

Quick Summary

A Bulleit old fashioned's calorie count varies, typically ranging from 150 to over 200 calories per serving. The caloric content is primarily determined by the amount of bourbon, sweetener, and any modifications to the classic recipe. Adjusting ingredients like simple syrup or using zero-calorie mixers can dramatically reduce the total count.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Range: A Bulleit old fashioned typically falls between 150 and 210 calories, depending on the specific recipe and portion size.
Bourbon is the Base: The majority of calories come from the 1.5 oz pour of Bulleit bourbon, which contains approximately 109-110 calories.
Sugar is the Variable: The most significant calorie variable is the sweetener; a sugar cube adds about 16 calories, while simple syrup can add 15 to 25 or more, depending on the amount.
Bitters and Garnish: Angostura bitters add negligible calories (around 4-5 per serving), but a maraschino cherry can add another 10-15.
Lower-Calorie Options: To reduce calories, use a zero-calorie sweetener instead of sugar, measure your bourbon precisely, and garnish with just an orange peel.
Context is Key: Calories can vary widely between a homemade version and one prepared at a restaurant, where larger pours or different syrups may be used.

The Basic Bulleit Old Fashioned: A Calorie Breakdown

The calories in a Bulleit old fashioned come from two primary sources: the bourbon itself and the added sugar. A standard 1.5-ounce pour of Bulleit bourbon contains approximately 109 to 110 calories, with zero carbohydrates, sugar, or fat. However, the calorie count quickly increases with the addition of the cocktail's other ingredients. A traditional recipe calls for simple syrup, which can add a significant amount of sugar and calories, or a sugar cube, which adds fewer calories but still contributes. The final garnish, while seemingly insignificant, can also add to the total.

How Ingredients Affect the Calorie Count

Bulleit Bourbon: The base spirit is the largest caloric contributor. Using a 1.5 oz pour adds about 109-110 calories, while a larger, 2 oz pour would increase this to around 145 calories. Since bourbon itself has no sugar, carbs, or fat, all of its calories come directly from the alcohol content.
Simple Syrup vs. Sugar Cube: This is where a significant calorie difference can occur. A single sugar cube contains around 16 calories, while a teaspoon of simple syrup can contain anywhere from 15 to 25 calories, depending on its sugar concentration. Using a ready-made, higher-sugar simple syrup can push the total calories much higher than muddling a single sugar cube.
Bitters: Angostura bitters, the most common type used in an old fashioned, are calorie-negligible. A few dashes add only about 4 to 5 calories per serving, so they have a minimal impact on the overall total.
Garnish: The standard garnish is an orange peel and, for some, a maraschino cherry. An orange peel has almost no calories, but a single maraschino cherry can add another 10 to 15 calories due to its sugar content.

Comparing a Bulleit Old Fashioned to Other Cocktails

Understanding where the calories come from can help you make informed choices. Compared to other popular cocktails, an old fashioned often sits in the middle range. It's generally less caloric than a sugary margarita but more caloric than a simple spirit with a zero-calorie mixer.


Cocktail	Typical Calorie Range	Primary Calorie Sources
Bulleit Old Fashioned	150–210	Bourbon, Simple Syrup/Sugar, Cherry
Margarita (Standard)	200–300+	Tequila, Triple Sec, Sweet & Sour Mix
Whiskey Sour	180–250	Whiskey, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White (negligible)
Mojito	150–250	Rum, Simple Syrup, Sugar, Soda Water
Vodka Soda	100–120	Vodka

Tips for a Lower-Calorie Bulleit Old Fashioned

For those watching their calorie intake, there are several ways to enjoy a Bulleit old fashioned with fewer calories without sacrificing flavor.

Control the Sugar: The simplest change is to reduce the amount of simple syrup or use a smaller sugar cube. For the most significant reduction, consider a zero-calorie sweetener or a sugar-free syrup specifically designed for cocktails.
Mind the Pour: Stick to a precise 1.5 oz pour of Bulleit. Bartenders in restaurants and bars may pour heavier, increasing the final calorie count significantly. A home-mixed drink allows for more control.
Choose Your Garnish: While a maraschino cherry is a classic, it's an unnecessary source of added sugar. Opt for just an orange peel, which provides all the necessary citrus aroma with almost no calories.
Use Water Sparingly: The classic recipe calls for a splash of water, which has zero calories. Using a bit more water can slightly dilute the drink, but the calorie impact is minimal.

The Final Calculation

To create a precise calorie count for your Bulleit old fashioned, you must consider the specific recipe used. A simple, well-measured cocktail with minimal sugar will be on the lower end of the calorie spectrum. Conversely, a drink with a heavy hand on the bourbon or a generous amount of pre-made simple syrup will easily push the total calories much higher. This makes customizability a key factor, with the potential for a wide range of outcomes. For example, a restaurant-prepared old fashioned might contain a different amount of sugar than a classic recipe, and many places use sweetened soda water or juice, further increasing the calorie content. Always consider the source of the ingredients and prepare the cocktail yourself for the most accurate nutritional control. For more information on cocktail mixing and ingredients, a resource like Difford's Guide can provide valuable insights into specific recipes.

Conclusion

A Bulleit old fashioned is a classic cocktail whose calorie count is not fixed but rather depends on the proportions of its ingredients. A standard version, with a 1.5 oz pour of Bulleit bourbon and a small amount of sugar, is likely to contain between 150 and 180 calories. By controlling the amount of sugar and avoiding extra garnishes, it is possible to create a version with fewer calories. As with any cocktail, moderation is key, and understanding the source of calories is the first step toward making a more health-conscious choice without sacrificing enjoyment. The primary takeaway is that the biggest variables are the amount of bourbon and the type and quantity of sweetener used.

Making Your Own Lower-Calorie Version

For the health-conscious cocktail lover, here's a step-by-step guide to making a lighter Bulleit old fashioned at home.

Start with the Bourbon: Measure exactly 1.5 oz of Bulleit bourbon. This is the constant and the biggest calorie contributor, so don't over-pour.
Choose a Zero-Calorie Sweetener: Instead of a sugar cube or simple syrup, opt for a few drops of liquid monk fruit or stevia. These provide sweetness without any added calories.
Add Your Bitters: Two to three dashes of Angostura bitters will add minimal calories but maximum flavor complexity.
Finish with a Twist: Express an orange peel over the glass to release its oils, which provide a beautiful aroma and flavor. Skip the maraschino cherry.
Stir and Serve: Add ice, stir until chilled, and enjoy a delicious and guilt-free classic cocktail.

The Role of Alcohol Proof

It's worth noting that the 'proof' of your bourbon can slightly impact the calorie count. Higher proof bourbon has a higher alcohol content and therefore slightly more calories per ounce. Bulleit is typically 90 proof, but if you were to use a different, higher-proof bourbon, the calories would increase proportionally. This detail, while minor, is part of the nuance in calculating cocktail calories accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Bulleit old fashioned typically contains between 150 and 210 calories. This can vary based on the specific recipe, including the amount of bourbon and type of sweetener used.

No, like most distilled spirits, Bulleit bourbon contains zero carbohydrates. The calories come exclusively from the alcohol content.

The biggest calorie contributor to an old fashioned is the bourbon itself. After that, the sweetener—whether a sugar cube or simple syrup—adds the next most significant number of calories.

Yes, you can easily create a lower-calorie version. Use a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, control your bourbon pour, and stick to a simple orange peel garnish instead of a sugary cherry.

No, Angostura bitters add a minimal amount of calories. A couple of dashes will only contribute about 4 to 5 calories to your cocktail, making them a negligible factor.

Yes, there is. A single sugar cube contains around 16 calories, while a teaspoon of simple syrup can range from 15 to 25+ calories. The specific recipe determines the difference, but using a single cube is often more controlled than free-pouring syrup.

Restaurant old fashioneds can have a higher calorie count for several reasons, including larger pours of bourbon, using richer simple syrups, or adding sugary mixers like bottled old fashioned mixes, which significantly increase the total calories.