How many calories are in a shot of 80 proof liquor?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of plain 80 proof liquor contains approximately 97 calories. This calorie count is surprisingly consistent across different types of distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, gin, and rum, as the calories come almost entirely from the alcohol itself.

Quick Summary

A 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof liquor contains about 97 calories, primarily from the ethanol. This amount is consistent for most types of unflavored distilled spirits, with proof and added ingredients being the main variables affecting total caloric content.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof liquor contains approximately 97 calories.
Consistency Across Spirits: The calorie count is remarkably consistent for unflavored vodka, whiskey, gin, and rum at 80 proof because the calories come from the ethanol content, not from added ingredients.
Proof Matters: The higher the proof, the higher the calorie count. A 100-proof spirit will have more calories per ounce than an 80-proof one.
Hidden Calories in Mixers: The largest source of extra calories often comes from sugary mixers like soda, juice, or syrups, which can dramatically increase the total calories of a drink.
Empty Calories: Alcohol is considered a source of 'empty calories' because it provides energy with little to no nutritional benefit.
Prioritized Metabolism: The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other nutrients, which can interfere with normal fat burning processes.

What is an 80 Proof Liquor?

Before diving into the calorie count, it's essential to understand what '80 proof' signifies. In the United States, the term 'proof' is a measure of a spirit's alcohol content, defined as twice the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). Therefore, an 80-proof liquor contains 40% alcohol by volume. This category includes many common, unflavored spirits, such as standard vodka, whiskey, gin, and tequila. The alcohol, or ethanol, is the primary source of calories in these beverages.

The Calculation Behind Alcohol Calories

All of the calories in a straight shot of 80-proof liquor come from the ethanol. The human body metabolizes ethanol as a source of energy, yielding about 7 calories per gram. To determine the total calories, you need to calculate the amount of ethanol in the serving. A standard U.S. shot is 1.5 fluid ounces (about 44 ml). Using the conversion for density and the ABV, the approximate amount of pure alcohol can be calculated, which then translates to the calorie count. The consistency in the proof for standard spirits is why their caloric content per serving is so similar.

Factors that Influence a Liquor's Calorie Count

Several factors can cause the calories in an alcoholic beverage to deviate from the standard 97-calorie count. Awareness of these can help you make more informed choices about your alcohol consumption.

Proof: The most direct factor is the alcohol concentration. The higher the proof, the more calories per serving. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of 100-proof liquor (50% ABV) contains more calories than its 80-proof counterpart.
Flavoring: Flavored spirits, including vodkas, rums, and whiskeys, often have added sugars, syrups, and other flavorings. These extra ingredients contribute additional calories beyond what the alcohol itself provides. A coffee-flavored liqueur, for instance, can have significantly more calories than an equivalent serving of unflavored whiskey.
Serving Size: While a standard shot is 1.5 ounces, pouring techniques and serving sizes can vary. A bartender might pour a 'heavy' shot, or a cocktail recipe may call for a larger pour. This directly increases the caloric intake.
Mixers: One of the most significant sources of extra calories is the addition of mixers. Sugary sodas, juices, and tonic water can dramatically increase the overall calorie count of a drink. A vodka soda with diet soda will have far fewer calories than one with regular soda.

Comparing Calories in Different Spirits and Mixed Drinks

While most standard 80-proof distilled spirits have similar calorie counts, comparing them to other alcoholic beverages and common cocktails highlights how quickly calories can add up. This is a crucial consideration for anyone monitoring their intake.


Beverage Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Calorie Sources
Plain 80 Proof Liquor	1.5 fl oz	97	Ethanol
Light Beer	12 fl oz	103	Ethanol, some carbs
Regular Beer	12 fl oz	153	Ethanol, carbs
Red Wine	5 fl oz	125	Ethanol, some residual sugar
Mojito	6 fl oz	143	Ethanol, sugar, and syrup
Whiskey Sour	3 fl oz	125	Ethanol, citrus juice, sugar
Pina Colada	7 fl oz	~500+	Ethanol, cream of coconut, fruit juice

Source: Data compiled from multiple sources

As the table illustrates, the caloric impact is heavily influenced by the presence of sugars and other ingredients. A simple shot of unflavored liquor is much lower in calories than most mixed drinks and even many beers and wines.

The Concept of 'Empty Calories' in Alcohol

The calories found in alcoholic beverages are often referred to as 'empty calories'. This is because they provide energy but offer almost no nutritional value in terms of vitamins, minerals, or other essential nutrients. When alcohol is consumed, the body prioritizes its metabolism and elimination because it is a toxin. This process temporarily halts the body's ability to burn fat, meaning that any food consumed during or after drinking is more likely to be stored as fat. For moderate drinkers, the calories from alcohol are utilized for energy, but they can still lead to weight gain over time, especially if consumed in addition to a normal diet.

Conclusion

For a standard 1.5-ounce pour, a shot of 80 proof liquor contains approximately 97 calories. This figure is consistent across plain, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, gin, and rum. The primary factor influencing this caloric load is the alcohol content itself. However, the total calories in an alcoholic beverage can vary significantly depending on the proof, the inclusion of flavorings, and, most importantly, the type of mixer used. For those monitoring their caloric intake, opting for a straight spirit or using low-calorie mixers is the most effective strategy. Always be mindful of the 'empty calories' that alcohol provides and the potential for added sugars from mixers to impact your overall health goals. For more information on managing diet and alcohol, consulting resources like the National Institutes of Health can be beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

An 80-proof liquor is 40% alcohol by volume, while a 100-proof liquor is 50% ABV. The higher alcohol content means that a 1.5-ounce shot of 100-proof liquor will have more calories, typically around 123 calories compared to the 97 calories in an 80-proof shot.

Yes, in a way. Alcohol calories are often called 'empty calories' because they provide energy without any nutritional value. Furthermore, the body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other nutrients, which can affect the body's ability to burn fat effectively.

No, for unflavored, distilled 80-proof spirits like vodka, whiskey, and gin, the calorie count is nearly identical. The only exception is flavored versions, which may contain added sugars that increase the calorie total.

Mixed drinks have higher calorie counts because of the mixers added to them. Mixers like sugary soda, fruit juice, and syrups contain their own calories, which are added to the calories from the liquor.

To reduce calories, opt for plain, unflavored spirits and use low-calorie or zero-calorie mixers. Examples include diet soda, club soda, or a splash of fresh juice instead of bottled juice.

Excessive or regular alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain. The calories add up, and the body's shift in metabolism to process alcohol can lead to a greater likelihood of storing food calories as fat.

No, for unflavored 80-proof versions, the calorie count is virtually the same, around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot. The flavor profile comes from the distillation and aging processes, not from added sugar, so the caloric content remains consistent.