How Many Calories Are in a Shooter?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof distilled spirits like vodka or tequila contains approximately 96 to 97 calories, with calories primarily from the alcohol itself. This article will explore exactly how many calories are in a shooter and how different ingredients dramatically change the total.

Quick Summary

The calorie count in a shooter depends on the alcohol's proof and added sugars from mixers. While pure spirit shots are typically under 100 calories, complex, sweet liqueurs significantly increase the total, as do high-proof spirits.

Key Points

Pure Spirits are Low-Calorie: A standard 1.5 oz shot of most 80-proof hard liquors like vodka or tequila contains approximately 96-98 calories, sourced solely from the alcohol.
Mixers Add Up Quickly: Sugary juices, sodas, and creamy liqueurs can drastically increase a shooter's calorie count, often doubling or tripling the calories of the pure spirit alone.
Proof Impacts Calories: The higher the alcohol proof, the more calories per ounce. For example, a 100-proof shot has more calories than an 80-proof shot of the same volume.
Liqueurs Pack a Punch: Sweet liqueurs are high in sugar and calories, making layered or creamy shooters significantly more caloric than simple spirit shots.
Consider 'Empty Calories': The calories in alcohol are 'empty calories,' providing energy without significant nutritional benefits like vitamins or minerals.
Know the High-Calorie Shooters: Shots involving multiple liqueurs, cream, or energy drinks, such as Jägerbombs or creamy dessert shooters, typically contain the highest calorie counts.

The Core Calorie Culprit: Alcohol

All hard liquors get their calories from ethanol, which contains about 7 calories per gram. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, alcohol offers no nutritional value, which is why its calories are often referred to as "empty calories". For a basic 1.5-ounce shot of a standard 80-proof spirit (40% alcohol by volume), the calories will be consistently in the high 90s. The key factors that alter this baseline are the proof of the alcohol and the addition of sugary mixers or liqueurs.

How Proof Affects Calorie Count

The proof of a spirit is a direct measure of its alcohol content. Since the calories come directly from the alcohol, a higher proof will result in a higher calorie count for the same serving size.

80-Proof (40% ABV): A standard 1.5 oz shot contains around 96-98 calories.
100-Proof (50% ABV): The same size shot jumps to approximately 124 calories.

The Impact of Sugary Liqueurs and Mixers

While a shot of pure spirit is relatively predictable in its calorie content, things change dramatically when you introduce liqueurs and mixers. Sugary ingredients add carbohydrates and additional calories that can more than double the total. For example, popular shots like the Jägerbomb or Lemon Drop contain significant amounts of added sugar.

A Comparative Look at Popular Shooters

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table of common shooters. The calorie counts provided are averages and can vary slightly by brand and recipe.


Type of Shooter	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Ingredients
Straight Shot (Vodka)	1.5 oz	96	Vodka
Straight Shot (Tequila)	1.5 oz	96-98	Tequila
Straight Shot (Whiskey)	1.5 oz	97-105	Whiskey
Lemon Drop	1.5 oz	89-110	Vodka, lemon juice, sugar
Jägerbomb	1 shooter + 1/2 can	~130	Jägermeister, energy drink
Cum Shot	1 shooter	~140-150	Irish Cream, Butterscotch Schnapps, Whipped Cream
Butterfinger Shot	1 shooter	~180+	Irish Cream, Butterscotch Schnapps, Vodka, Chocolate Liqueur

How to Calculate Calories in Any Shooter

To get a rough estimate of your shooter's calorie count, you need to identify the ingredients and their proportions. For each pure spirit, remember the calorie count is tied to its proof. For mixers and liqueurs, check product labels or use online nutrition databases. For instance:

For pure spirit shots: (Proof / 2) x 0.7 = calories per ounce. Then multiply by the number of ounces in your shot.
For mixed shots: Add the calories from each component. For a Vodka Cranberry shooter with 1.5 oz vodka (96 calories) and 1 oz cranberry juice (~20-25 calories), the total would be roughly 116-121 calories.

Making Conscious Choices

If you are mindful of your caloric intake, being aware of the ingredients in your shooters is critical. Choosing straight spirits, or pairing them with zero-calorie mixers like diet soda or sparkling water, is the easiest way to keep your calorie count low. Conversely, complex, multi-ingredient shooters with creamy liqueurs, syrups, and juice mixes will always pack a higher caloric punch.

For a detailed list of alcohol calorie counts, see the resource provided by MedlinePlus.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a shooter can vary significantly, ranging from under 100 to over 200, depending on its composition. Pure, 80-proof spirits like vodka and tequila offer the lowest calorie option, but the addition of high-sugar mixers and liqueurs will quickly increase the total. To manage intake, be mindful of the ingredients and consider opting for simpler, low-calorie alternatives. Remembering that alcohol provides empty calories is also helpful for making more informed dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 96 calories. The calorie count increases with higher proof levels.

A 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof tequila has about 96 calories. Opting for 100% agave tequila is a low-sugar choice.

A standard Jägerbomb, made with a shot of Jägermeister and half a can of energy drink, typically contains around 130 calories. This can vary based on the recipe.

A Lemon Drop shot is typically over 100 calories, ranging from 89 to 110 calories or more, due to the added sugar from mixers.

Yes, higher-proof spirits contain more calories because the calories come directly from the ethanol. For example, 100-proof vodka has more calories than 80-proof.

Cream-based shooters and those with multiple sugary liqueurs, like a White Russian shot or certain complex bomb shots, tend to have the highest calorie counts.

Yes, you can choose lower-calorie spirits, opt for zero-calorie mixers like soda water, and avoid sugary liqueurs and juices to lower the calorie count.

References

1
Calorie count - Alcoholic beverages