How Many Calories Are in a Shot Glass of Baileys?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of Baileys Original Irish Cream contains approximately 147 calories, a figure higher than most spirits due to its cream and sugar content. This makes understanding the nutritional impact of a shot glass of Baileys essential for those managing their caloric intake.

Quick Summary

A typical 1.5-ounce shot of Baileys Original Irish Cream contains around 147 calories, primarily from cream, sugar, and Irish whiskey. This article explores the full nutritional breakdown and compares Baileys' calorie count to other popular liqueurs and spirits.

Key Points

Standard Shot Calories: A 1.5-ounce shot of Baileys Original Irish Cream contains approximately 147 calories.
High in Fat and Sugar: The calorie count is elevated due to the rich cream and high sugar content of the liqueur.
Less Caloric Alternatives: Baileys offers a 'Deliciously Light' version that has 40% less sugar and fewer calories.
Comparison to Spirits: A shot of Baileys is more calorically dense than a standard shot of liquor like vodka or whiskey.
Empty Calories: Like other alcohol, the calories in Baileys offer little to no nutritional value beyond energy.
Mindful Consumption: Due to its creamy and sweet nature, moderating intake is important for those monitoring their calorie intake.

For many, a shot of Baileys is a decadent treat, whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as part of a creamy cocktail. However, the indulgence comes with a notable caloric cost due to the rich ingredients. The exact number of calories can vary slightly depending on the specific product formulation and portion size, but focusing on the standard U.S. 1.5 fluid ounce measure provides the clearest answer.

The Caloric Breakdown of a Baileys Shot

Beyond just the total calorie count, it's insightful to understand what makes up the energy content in a shot of Baileys. The primary culprits are fat, sugar, and alcohol. A standard 1.5 fl oz pour breaks down into the following key components:

Total Fat: Approximately 5.9 grams, with a significant portion being saturated fat from the cream.
Total Carbohydrates: Roughly 11.3 grams, which includes about 9 grams of sugars.
Protein: Around 1.4 grams.
Alcohol Content: The alcohol itself also contributes substantially, with alcohol containing roughly seven calories per gram. A 1.5 fl oz shot contains about 6 grams of alcohol.

This high concentration of fat and sugar is what gives Baileys its signature creamy texture and sweet flavor, but it also explains why it carries more calories than a standard shot of a clear spirit like vodka or whiskey.

Calorie Sources in Baileys

The calories in Baileys are derived from a few key ingredients:

Irish Whiskey: The base spirit provides alcohol-based calories.
Cream: This dairy component is a major source of fat and contributes significantly to the overall calorie count.
Sugar: Added sugar and sugar from milk provide a large portion of the carbohydrate calories.
Flavorings: Cocoa and vanilla flavorings add a small, but not insignificant, amount of calories.

Comparing Baileys to Other Liqueurs

Understanding how Baileys measures up against other drinks can help put its calorie density into perspective. As a cream liqueur, it is designed to be richer and more caloric than most standard spirits.


Drink (1.5 fl oz)	Calories (Approx.)	Notes
Baileys Original	147	Cream, sugar, and Irish whiskey contribute high calories.
Baileys Deliciously Light	83	40% less sugar and calories than the original.
Standard Vodka	100 [source: common knowledge]	Calories from alcohol only.
Standard Whiskey	105 [source: common knowledge]	Calories from alcohol only.
Coffee Liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)	200 (for 2.5 oz)	High in sugar; comparison suggests a similarly high-caloric profile per ounce.
Orange Liqueur (e.g., Cointreau)	230 (for 2.5 oz)	A high-sugar liqueur, but with no cream.

Managing Calories While Enjoying Baileys

For those who enjoy the flavor of Baileys but are mindful of their calorie consumption, there are several strategies. A direct comparison shows that opting for Baileys Deliciously Light can significantly reduce the caloric impact. Alternatively, using smaller serving sizes or using Baileys as an accent flavor rather than the main component of a drink can also help. For example, a splash in coffee provides the creamy flavor with a fraction of the calories of a full shot.

Another approach is to be aware of what is mixed with the liqueur. A Baileys and coffee drink will have a different calorie profile than a Baileys-based cocktail with other high-calorie ingredients. Moderation remains key when enjoying any alcoholic beverage, especially one with a higher sugar and fat content like Baileys. The energy provided by alcohol is often referred to as 'empty calories' as it offers little nutritional value beyond the energy itself.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in a shot glass of Baileys? For a standard 1.5 fl oz shot, the count is approximately 147 calories, stemming from its creamy, sugary ingredients and the Irish whiskey base. This makes it more calorie-dense than most standard spirits. By understanding this breakdown and comparing it to other options, enthusiasts can make informed choices about their consumption. Whether it's opting for a lighter version or simply practicing moderation, enjoying Baileys can still fit within a balanced lifestyle.

For additional nutritional information and product details, you can visit the official Baileys website.

The Verdict: Summary of Baileys Calories

Calorie Count: A 1.5 oz shot of Baileys has about 147 calories.
High-Calorie Source: Calories come primarily from cream, sugar, and alcohol.
Comparison to Spirits: Baileys is significantly higher in calories than a standard shot of whiskey or vodka.
Light Version Available: Baileys Deliciously Light offers a lower-calorie alternative.
Moderation is Key: Due to the high sugar and fat content, responsible consumption is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baileys contains additional ingredients like cream and sugar, which add significantly more calories than a standard shot of plain whiskey, whose calories come from the alcohol itself.

While a standard U.S. shot is 1.5 ounces, a single fluid ounce of Baileys contains approximately 102 to 109 calories, based on information from various nutritional databases.

No, Baileys is not considered a low-carb beverage. A 1.5-ounce shot contains roughly 11.3 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from sugars.

Yes, Baileys offers a product called 'Deliciously Light' which is specifically marketed as having fewer calories and less sugar than the original.

Baileys tends to have a comparable caloric profile to other similar cream-based or sweet liqueurs, which are generally higher in calories than standard spirits due to their cream and sugar content.

Excessive consumption of any high-calorie drink, including Baileys, can contribute to weight gain, especially since the calories from alcohol offer little nutritional benefit.

The official Baileys website often lists nutritional information based on a 50ml serving, which is roughly equivalent to a double shot in some regions and contains about 157 calories for the Original Irish Cream.