How many calories are in a shot of grappa? A complete guide to this Italian spirit's nutrition

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of unflavored grappa contains approximately 85 calories, with nearly all calories derived from its alcohol content. As a distilled spirit, pure grappa contains virtually no carbohydrates, fat, or sugar, making it a different nutritional proposition compared to wine or beer.

Quick Summary

Grappa, an Italian pomace brandy, typically has around 85 calories per 1.5-ounce shot, a figure that primarily depends on its alcohol by volume.

Key Points

Standard Shot Calories: A typical 1.5-ounce shot of unflavored grappa contains roughly 85 calories.
Alcohol is the Source: Nearly all calories in pure grappa come from its alcohol content, as distilled spirits are low in sugar and carbs.
ABV and Calories: The exact calorie count varies based on the grappa's alcohol by volume (ABV); higher ABV means more calories.
Avoid Sugary Mixers: To keep the calorie count low, consume grappa neat. Adding sugary mixers in cocktails will increase the total calories substantially.
Unflavored vs. Flavored: Unflavored grappa is the low-calorie option. Flavored grappas (aromatizzata) contain added sugars and therefore have a higher calorie count.
Production Matters: The distillation process removes sugars and carbohydrates from the grape pomace, which is why grappa is low-sugar, unlike wine.
Small Serving Size: A traditional small serving size, typically 1.5 ounces, helps in controlling calorie intake from this potent spirit.

The Calorie Count: Breaking Down a Shot of Grappa

For most drinkers, the question is simple: what does a single serving of grappa add to my daily intake? The answer for a standard 1.5-ounce (approx. 45 ml) pour of grappa typically averages around 85 calories. The specific amount can vary slightly depending on the brand and its exact alcohol by volume (ABV), which can legally range from 35% to 60%. The core principle is that the vast majority of these calories come from the alcohol itself, which contains roughly 7 calories per gram. Unlike other alcoholic beverages like liqueurs or wine, which can have significant residual sugars, grappa is a pure distilled spirit with a negligible sugar and carbohydrate content.

Factors Influencing Grappa's Caloric Value

While the 85-calorie figure is a reliable average, the final number is not set in stone. Several factors can cause this value to fluctuate:

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): This is the most significant factor. A higher-proof grappa will have a higher caloric density. For example, a 60% ABV grappa will contain more calories per ounce than one at 40% ABV.
Added Flavorings (Aromatizzata): Some grappas are infused with herbs, fruits, or honey after distillation. These additions, such as a flavored 'grappa aromatizzata', will increase the sugar and, consequently, the calorie count. If you are concerned about sugar content, always opt for a traditional, unflavored grappa.
Aging Process: While aged grappas (invecchiata or riserva) mellow in wooden barrels for months or years, the aging process itself does not significantly alter the base caloric content. The main changes are in the spirit's flavor profile, color, and aroma.

How Production Affects Grappa's Nutrition

Grappa is a pomace brandy, distilled from the solid remains of grapes—skins, seeds, and stems—left over from winemaking. This zero-waste process is key to understanding its nutritional outcome. The distillation process separates the pure alcohol and aromatic compounds from the grape solids. It is this process that leaves behind the sugars and carbohydrates that were present in the initial grape pomace. Because of this, grappa differs fundamentally from the wine it originates from. The health benefits sometimes associated with wine, such as antioxidant content from grape skins, are largely absent in grappa due to distillation.

Grappa vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages: A Calorie Comparison

To put grappa's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison with other common drinks. All values are approximate and depend on ABV and sugar content.


Beverage	Serving Size	Calories	Sugar/Carbs	Notes
Grappa (40-45% ABV)	1.5 oz (45 ml) shot	~85 kcal	~0g	Virtually no carbs or sugar.
Vodka/Whiskey (80 proof)	1.5 oz (45 ml) shot	~97 kcal	~0g	Calorie count is comparable and also from pure alcohol.
Dry White Wine	5 oz (150 ml) glass	~128 kcal	~1-2g	Lower ABV, but larger serving size.
Red Wine	5 oz (150 ml) glass	~125 kcal	~1-2g	Lower ABV, but larger serving size.
Regular Beer	12 oz (355 ml) bottle	~153 kcal	~13g	Significantly higher carbs and calories due to larger volume.

Practical Tips for Mindful Consumption

Check the Label: If you're buying a specialty or flavored grappa, check the label. While not always mandatory for spirits, some brands might provide nutritional information or indicate added sugars.
Stick to Neat Servings: The traditional way to enjoy grappa is in small, neat pours. Consuming it this way helps control your intake. Using grappa in cocktails with sugary mixers will drastically increase the overall calorie load.
Moderation is Key: Like all spirits, consuming grappa in moderation is crucial for health. The calories in alcohol, while often forgotten, can contribute significantly to daily intake over time.

The Final Verdict on Grappa Calories

At approximately 85 calories per shot, unflavored grappa is a relatively low-calorie and carbohydrate-free spirit option. Its caloric value is a direct result of its alcohol content, which is concentrated through the distillation of grape pomace. By understanding this, you can make an informed choice when enjoying this classic Italian digestif, particularly in comparison to other alcoholic beverages. For those watching their weight, it's a good alternative to higher-calorie options, especially when consumed neat to avoid the extra calories from mixers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, unflavored grappa is a distilled spirit with no residual sugar and therefore no carbohydrates. Its sweetness comes from the natural aromas of the grapes, not from sugar. Some flavored versions, however, may have added sugars.

A 1.5-ounce shot of grappa has a similar calorie count to a standard shot of vodka. Both are pure distilled spirits, so their calorie content is almost entirely determined by their alcohol by volume (ABV), and both have zero carbs or sugar.

Grappa typically has more calories per ounce than wine because it has a significantly higher alcohol percentage (ABV). Alcohol is calorically dense, and since grappa is a concentrated distillate, its calories are more packed into a smaller volume compared to wine.

Yes, unflavored grappa is an excellent choice for a low-carb diet. Since it is a pure distilled spirit, it contains zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. The calories are from alcohol, which is metabolized differently than carbs and sugar.

The type of grape used (e.g., red or white) primarily affects the flavor and aromatic profile of the grappa, not its caloric value. The distillation process separates the alcohol from the grape solids, so the nutritional content is determined by the final ABV, not the source grape.

To reduce calories in a grappa cocktail, use low-calorie or calorie-free mixers instead of traditional high-sugar options. Opt for soda water, fresh lemon or lime juice, or diet tonic water rather than sugary sodas or fruit juices.

No, aged grappa is not inherently higher in calories than young grappa. The aging process, which adds complexity and color from the wood barrels, does not add significant calories. Any difference would be related to variations in the ABV between specific aged and young expressions.