How many calories are in a pub measure of whiskey?

December 21, 2025 •

6 min read

According to Drinkaware, a typical 25ml single measure of 40% ABV whisky contains approximately 61 calories. However, the exact number can vary depending on the alcohol by volume (ABV) and whether any sugary mixers are added, which is why a pub measure of whiskey can differ in its total caloric content. This guide will explore the details behind the numbers and help you understand how to account for whiskey in your diet.

Quick Summary

A standard UK pub measure (25ml) of whiskey contains around 61 calories, with the total affected by the whiskey's strength (ABV) and any added ingredients. Pure whiskey is fat, carb, and sugar-free, meaning all its calories come from the alcohol itself. Higher proof whiskeys and sugary mixers significantly increase the overall caloric intake. For comparison, a 1.5oz US shot contains approximately 97-105 calories.

Key Points

Pub Measure Calories: A 25ml UK pub measure of 40% ABV whiskey contains roughly 61 calories, with all calories originating from the ethanol.
Higher Proof Increases Calories: The higher the alcohol content (ABV), the higher the caloric density. For example, a higher-proof whiskey will contain more calories than a standard 40% ABV one.
Mixers are a Major Factor: Sugary mixers like cola or ginger ale add significant calories to a whiskey drink, while zero-calorie options like water or diet soda do not.
Comparison to Other Drinks: Straight whiskey is often a lower-calorie option per serving than beer or wine, though serving sizes differ considerably.
Moderation is Essential: While pure whiskey is fat and carb-free, excessive alcohol intake can contribute to weight gain due to empty calories and potential for increased appetite.
Flavored vs. Unflavored: Unlike pure whiskey, flavored versions contain added sugars and will therefore have a higher calorie count.

Understanding the UK Pub Measure

In the UK, a standard pub measure, or 'single', of spirits like whiskey is 25ml. For a standard 40% Alcohol by Volume (ABV) whiskey, this 25ml pour contains around 61 calories. In contrast, a double measure would contain approximately 122 calories. It's essential to recognize that this is for the pure spirit only. The addition of mixers can drastically change the final calorie count of your drink.

The Science Behind the Calories

The calories in pure, distilled spirits like whiskey come almost entirely from the alcohol (ethanol) itself. Alcohol contains roughly seven calories per gram, which is more than carbohydrates or protein (both four calories per gram) but less than fat (nine calories per gram). The distillation process removes carbohydrates and sugars, which is why straight whiskey is often considered a 'lighter' option than beer or wine from a carb perspective.

The higher the ABV (proof) of the whiskey, the more concentrated the alcohol and thus the higher the calorie count.
Whiskey contains no protein, fat, or carbohydrates.
Flavored whiskeys, which contain added sugars and flavorings, have a higher calorie and carbohydrate content.

Factors Influencing Whiskey Calorie Count

The caloric content of your whiskey can vary based on several factors, including the proof of the alcohol and whether you mix it with other ingredients. Being mindful of these can help you manage your intake more effectively.

How Strength Affects Calories

Since calories in whiskey are directly tied to its alcohol content, a higher-proof spirit will have a higher calorie count. For example, a 100-proof whiskey contains approximately 120 calories in a 1.5oz US shot, compared to about 97 calories for an 80-proof whiskey. This direct correlation is the primary reason for calorie differences between various brands and types of unflavored whiskey.

The Impact of Mixers

While a neat whiskey is relatively low in calories for a spirit, adding mixers can quickly inflate the total. Sugary mixers are the main culprit for calorie spikes in cocktails. For instance, a whiskey with a sugary mixer like cola can contain hundreds of calories, whereas mixing with a sugar-free alternative or soda water will add minimal or no extra calories.

Common Whiskey Mixers and Their Caloric Impact:

Soda Water: Adds 0 calories.
Diet Cola: Adds 0-1 calorie per serving.
Ginger Ale (Regular): Adds significant calories due to sugar.
Sugary Juices (e.g., Apple Juice): Adds substantial calories and sugar.

Whiskey vs. Other Popular Drinks: A Calorie Comparison

When compared to other alcoholic beverages, straight whiskey is often a moderate-calorie choice, largely because of the standard serving size and lack of carbohydrates or fats. A glass of wine or a pint of beer typically contains a larger volume and may have a higher calorie count per serving.

Calorie Comparison Table (Per Typical Serving)


Beverage	Typical Serving Size	Approx. Calories	Notes
Whiskey (40% ABV)	25ml (Pub Measure UK)	61	Calorie count from alcohol only
Whiskey (40% ABV)	1.5 oz (US Shot)	97	Standard US serving
Beer (Regular)	12 fl oz (355ml)	153	Higher in carbs and volume
Wine (Red)	5 fl oz (145ml)	125	Contains natural sugars
Mojito Cocktail	6 fl oz (177ml)	143	Depends on sugar content
Rum and Cola	8 fl oz (235ml)	185	Higher with sugary mixer

Dispelling the 'Fattening' Myth

While excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, it is often not the spirit itself that is the primary culprit. The issue frequently lies in the cumulative effect of empty alcohol calories, high-calorie mixers, and increased appetite that can accompany drinking. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over fats, which can temporarily halt the fat-burning process. Therefore, moderation is key for anyone watching their weight.

Tips for Mindful Consumption

For those who enjoy whiskey but are conscious of their caloric intake, there are simple strategies to minimize the impact:

Drink it neat or with water: This is the lowest-calorie way to consume whiskey.
Opt for sugar-free mixers: If you prefer a mixed drink, choose soda water or diet soda.
Measure your pours: Using a jigger ensures you know exactly how much you are drinking and helps control calorie intake.
Be aware of flavored whiskeys: These often contain added sugars, so always check the label.
Plan your meals: Consuming alcohol on a full stomach can help manage appetite and prevent unhealthy snacking while drinking.

Conclusion

A standard 25ml UK pub measure of 40% ABV whiskey contains approximately 61 calories, with all calories stemming from the alcohol itself. This makes it a moderately low-calorie option among spirits when consumed neat. However, the total caloric intake can rise significantly with higher-proof whiskeys and sugary mixers. By understanding these factors and practicing mindful consumption, you can enjoy your whiskey without derailing your health and fitness goals. The key is to be aware of what's in your glass and to prioritize moderation and responsible drinking.

Outbound reference: Learn more about the components and health effects of alcoholic drinks by visiting a reliable source like Drinkaware, a UK-based charity focused on reducing alcohol-related harm.

Key Takeaways

Standard Pub Measure: A 25ml pub measure of 40% ABV whiskey has about 61 calories.
Calories from Alcohol: All calories in pure whiskey come from the alcohol (ethanol), which contains 7 calories per gram.
Higher Proof, Higher Calories: Whiskeys with a higher ABV (e.g., 100 proof) contain more alcohol and, therefore, more calories per measure.
Mixers Add Calories: Adding sugary mixers or choosing flavored whiskey dramatically increases the total calorie and sugar content.
Moderation is Key: While whiskey itself isn't 'fattening' on its own, consuming too many empty alcohol calories can contribute to weight gain.
Drink Wisely: Opting for whiskey neat, on the rocks, or with a sugar-free mixer is the best way to minimize calorie intake.

FAQs

Question: Is whiskey a lower-calorie alcohol compared to beer and wine? Answer: Yes, straight whiskey is generally lower in calories than beer or wine on a per-serving basis, primarily due to its smaller serving size and lack of carbs and sugars. However, this can change dramatically depending on the mixers and the volume consumed.

Question: Does bourbon have more calories than scotch? Answer: At the same ABV and volume, the calories in bourbon and scotch are virtually identical. The differences in flavor come from the mash bill and aging process, not from significant caloric variation.

Question: How many calories are in a US shot of whiskey? Answer: A standard 1.5-ounce (45ml) US shot of 80-proof whiskey contains approximately 97 to 105 calories, which is higher than a smaller 25ml UK pub measure.

Question: Are flavored whiskeys higher in calories? Answer: Yes, flavored whiskeys often contain added sugars and sweeteners, which significantly increase both the calorie and carbohydrate count compared to a pure, unflavored whiskey.

Question: Does drinking whiskey make you fat? Answer: Consuming whiskey in moderation is unlikely to cause weight gain on its own. The primary issue is the total calories consumed from alcohol and mixers, along with the potential for alcohol to stimulate appetite and lead to poor food choices.

Question: What is the best low-calorie way to drink whiskey? Answer: The lowest-calorie options are drinking whiskey neat (unmixed), on the rocks with a small amount of ice, or mixed with calorie-free options like water or soda water.

Question: How does the distillation process affect whiskey's calorie content? Answer: The distillation process removes most carbohydrates, fats, and sugars from the liquid, which means all the remaining calories in pure whiskey come from the alcohol itself. This makes it a carb-free spirit.

Question: Can different types of whiskey, like rye or Irish, have different calorie counts? Answer: For the same ABV and serving size, the calorie counts for different types of whiskey, such as rye, Irish, or single malt, are essentially the same. The variety in flavor does not translate to a significant difference in caloric content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, straight whiskey is generally lower in calories than beer or wine on a per-serving basis, primarily due to its smaller serving size and lack of carbs and sugars. However, this can change dramatically depending on the mixers and the volume consumed.

At the same ABV and volume, the calories in bourbon and scotch are virtually identical. The differences in flavor come from the mash bill and aging process, not from significant caloric variation.

A standard 1.5-ounce (45ml) US shot of 80-proof whiskey contains approximately 97 to 105 calories, which is higher than a smaller 25ml UK pub measure.

Yes, flavored whiskeys often contain added sugars and sweeteners, which significantly increase both the calorie and carbohydrate count compared to a pure, unflavored whiskey.

Consuming whiskey in moderation is unlikely to cause weight gain on its own. The primary issue is the total calories consumed from alcohol and mixers, along with the potential for alcohol to stimulate appetite and lead to poor food choices.

The lowest-calorie options are drinking whiskey neat (unmixed), on the rocks with a small amount of ice, or mixed with calorie-free options like water or soda water.

The distillation process removes most carbohydrates, fats, and sugars from the liquid, which means all the remaining calories in pure whiskey come from the alcohol itself. This makes it a carb-free spirit.

For the same ABV and serving size, the calorie counts for different types of whiskey, such as rye, Irish, or single malt, are essentially the same. The variety in flavor does not translate to a significant difference in caloric content.