How many calories are in a shot of brown rum?

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

An average 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof brown rum contains approximately 97 calories. This is because all the calories in distilled spirits like rum come directly from the alcohol itself, not from sugars or carbs. Understanding the calorie content is key for anyone watching their intake, especially since these are considered 'empty calories' with no nutritional value.

Quick Summary

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof brown rum typically contains 97 calories, with the precise amount varying based on alcohol proof. The calorie content is derived solely from the alcohol, as pure rum contains zero carbs or sugar. Higher-proof or spiced rums may have a slightly different calorie count, and mixers significantly increase the total.

Key Points

Standard Shot Calorie Count: An average 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof brown rum contains approximately 97 calories.
Proof Matters: The alcohol proof directly determines the calorie count, with higher-proof rums having more calories per ounce.
Empty Calories: All calories in pure rum come from alcohol, providing energy but no nutritional value.
Minimal Carbs and Sugar: Straight brown rum contains zero carbohydrates and sugar, unlike many other alcoholic drinks.
Mixers Are the Main Calorie Culprit: Cocktail mixers like sodas, juices, and syrups can significantly increase the total calorie content of a rum drink.
Low-Calorie Options: To reduce calories, mix rum with zero-calorie mixers like soda water or enjoy it neat or on the rocks.
Brown vs. White Rum: The calorie content of brown and white rum is essentially the same at the same proof, as the color comes from aging, not added sugar.
Moderation is Key: Responsible consumption is crucial for balancing the enjoyment of rum with weight management goals.

What Influences the Calorie Count in Brown Rum?

The calorie content in a shot of brown rum, or any distilled spirit, is primarily dependent on its alcohol by volume (ABV), or proof. The higher the proof, the more alcohol is present per fluid ounce, and since each gram of alcohol contains roughly 7 calories, this directly impacts the total calorie count. For example, an 80-proof rum (40% ABV) has 64 calories per ounce, totaling 96–97 calories for a standard 1.5-ounce shot. A higher proof rum, such as 94-proof, would contain approximately 116 calories per 1.5-ounce serving. Spiced brown rums also deserve attention; while some may have similar calorie counts to unflavored varieties, others might contain added sugars or flavorings that slightly increase the total. The crucial distinction is that all standard distilled rums, regardless of whether they are white or brown, derive their calories from the alcohol and are otherwise carb and sugar-free. The aging process that gives brown rum its color does not add any significant caloric content. The 'empty calories' from rum provide energy but no nutritional benefits like vitamins or minerals.

The Calorie Difference: Brown Rum vs. Other Popular Spirits

When considering alcoholic beverages for weight management, it's helpful to compare the calorie content of brown rum to other common spirits. For a standard 1.5-ounce (45 ml) shot, most 80-proof distilled liquors like rum, vodka, gin, and whiskey are fairly comparable, all hovering around 97 calories. The real difference in calorie intake comes from added mixers and cocktail ingredients, which can drastically increase the total count. A rum and diet cola, for instance, is a low-calorie option, while a pina colada can have over 380 calories due to the creamy and sugary ingredients. The same applies to other spirits; a vodka and soda is low-calorie, but a chocolate martini is not. Ultimately, the way you consume the spirit is more impactful for your calorie intake than the spirit itself.

Rum, Cocktails, and Hidden Calories

The most significant factor in caloric intake when drinking rum is not the spirit itself, but the other ingredients in your cocktail. While a shot of rum is relatively low in calories, sugary mixers are often the culprit for excess calories. Here's a list of common rum cocktails and their approximate calorie counts to illustrate this point:

Mojito: Approximately 143 calories per 6 fl oz. The sugar and rum combine for a higher total than a straight shot.
Rum and Coke: About 185 calories per 8 fl oz. The regular cola adds significant sugar and calories.
Pina Colada: Around 380 calories for a 7 fl oz serving, primarily from the cream and sugar.
Hot Buttered Rum: This is a high-calorie drink, with about 292 calories for an 8 fl oz serving.
Daiquiri: With around 137 calories for a 2.75 fl oz serving, it's a moderately caloric option.

Strategies for Enjoying Rum Mindfully

For those who want to manage their calorie intake while still enjoying rum, a few strategies can make a big difference. Opting for a simple mix like rum and a zero-calorie mixer is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the spirit without the extra sugar. A splash of soda water and a twist of lime or lemon can provide flavor without adding any calories. Furthermore, choosing to drink rum neat or on the rocks is an excellent way to savor the complex flavors of an aged brown rum with a minimal caloric footprint. You can also pace yourself by alternating alcoholic drinks with water, which helps with hydration and slows your overall consumption. Mindful drinking and portion control are key, and using a jigger to measure your serving size ensures you stick to a standard amount.

Comparison Table: Calories in Spirits (1.5 oz, 80 Proof)


Spirit	Calories (approx.)	Carbohydrates	Added Sugars
Brown Rum	97	0 g	0 g
White Rum	97	0 g	0 g
Vodka	97	0 g	0 g
Gin	97	0 g	0 g
Whiskey	97	0 g	0 g
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum (70 Proof)	86	~0.5 g	<1 g

Conclusion

In conclusion, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof brown rum contains approximately 97 calories, with all of these coming from the alcohol itself. The aging process does not significantly alter the caloric value compared to white rum. For individuals concerned with calorie intake, pure rum is a relatively low-calorie choice compared to other alcoholic beverages like beer and wine. The real caloric concern lies in the mixers, which can quickly add sugar and calories to a cocktail. By opting for low-calorie mixers, sipping the rum neat, or simply practicing moderation, you can enjoy brown rum without compromising your health goals. The key is to be mindful of both the alcohol proof and the additional ingredients in your drink.

Authoritative Source Link

For more information on the calorie content of spirits and the impact of alcohol on diet, you can refer to resources from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Source Link: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Note: This link provides general information on alcohol consumption and health. Specific nutrition facts for spirits like rum are detailed in the comparison tables within this article based on reliable nutritional data.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, at the same proof, brown rum and white rum have the same number of calories. The color difference comes from the aging process and does not add significant calories or sugar.

The calories in rum, like all distilled spirits, come from the alcohol itself. Alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, which is the sole source of energy in pure rum.

Mixers significantly increase the total calorie count. A simple rum and coke, for example, is much higher in calories than a shot of rum alone, while creamy or very sugary cocktails can have hundreds of calories.

It can be, but not always. Some spiced rums have added sugars that increase the calorie count, while others have minimal additions. For example, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum has slightly less calories per 1.5 oz shot than 80-proof standard rum.

To reduce calories, use zero-calorie mixers like diet soda, soda water, or fresh citrus juice. Enjoying rum neat or on the rocks is another way to avoid extra calories.

At the same proof (e.g., 80-proof), rum and vodka have nearly identical calorie counts per serving. Both are pure distilled spirits without carbs or sugar, so the calorie count depends only on the alcohol content.

Drinking rum in moderation is less likely to cause weight gain, as pure rum is low in calories compared to mixed drinks. However, excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain due to the 'empty calories' and potential inhibition of fat burning.