How many calories are in a shot of Sambuca?

January 4, 2026 •

5 min read

A standard 1.5 fl oz (44 ml) shot of Sambuca contains approximately 160 to 172 calories, though this can vary slightly by brand and recipe. This high-calorie count is primarily attributed to its significant sugar content and the energy density of alcohol itself.

Quick Summary

A typical 1.5-ounce shot of Sambuca has 160-172 calories, with the specific number depending on the brand and its unique formulation. The primary caloric contributors are the high sugar and alcohol content, both of which add considerable energy.

Key Points

Typical Calorie Range: A 1.5 fl oz shot of Sambuca generally contains between 160 and 172 calories, depending on the brand.
Primary Calorie Sources: The high-calorie count is mainly due to the alcohol (7 kcal/g) and the high sugar content (4 kcal/g), which is legally mandated in Sambuca production.
Brand Variations: Different brands, like Romana and Di Amore, have slightly different calorie counts because of variations in their specific ABV and sugar levels.
Serving Method Matters: Serving Sambuca neat or on the rocks is the lowest-calorie option; adding sugary mixers in cocktails or coffee significantly increases the total calories.
Calorically Dense: Sambuca is a calorically dense beverage compared to unsweetened spirits, which is an important consideration for those monitoring their intake.
High Sugar Content: Sambuca has a very high sugar content, which contributes a significant portion of its total calories.

The Caloric Makeup of Sambuca

Sambuca is a potent, anise-flavoured Italian liqueur that's a popular digestif. Its calorie count is not just from the alcohol, but also from its high sugar content, which is a key component of its sweet flavor. The calories from alcohol are a substantial part of any spirit's energy value, providing 7 kilocalories per gram, second only to fat at 9 kcal/g. Sambuca is required to contain a minimum of 350 grams of sugar per liter, meaning a 100ml serving (roughly 3.4 fl oz) contains at least 35 grams of sugar. For a standard 1.5 fl oz shot, this translates to a significant portion of the total calories derived from sugar alone. This combination of both alcohol and sugar makes Sambuca a calorically dense beverage.

Why Calorie Counts Vary Between Brands

Not all Sambuca brands are created equal, and their ingredient ratios can cause minor variations in nutritional content. Some brands, like Romana Sambuca, have been reported to contain 160 calories per 1.5 fl oz shot, while another analysis for a 42% ABV Romana product showed 172 calories. Similarly, Di Amore Sambuca reports 170 calories for the same serving size. These differences are usually due to slight variations in alcohol by volume (ABV) and sugar levels. The ABV contributes directly to the calorie count, as higher alcohol content means more calories from that source. The sugar content, which legally must be high, is also a variable factor depending on the specific producer's recipe. When considering your intake, it’s best to check the specific nutritional information if available, or assume a general average in the mid-160s for a standard 1.5 oz shot.

Sambuca Calorie Comparison by Brand

To better understand the differences, let’s look at a comparison of a few common brands for a standard 1.5 fl oz shot. Please note that figures can vary slightly depending on the exact ABV of the specific bottle.


Brand	ABV %	Estimated Calories (1.5 fl oz shot)	Primary Calorie Sources
Romana Sambuca	Varies	160 - 172 kcal	Alcohol & Sugar
Di Amore Sambuca	Varies	~170 kcal	Alcohol & Sugar
Ramazzotti Sambuca	38%	~158 kcal	Alcohol & Sugar
General Liqueur	~38-42%	~160-175 kcal	Alcohol & Sugar

How Your Serving Style Impacts Total Calories

While a shot of Sambuca neat has a high-calorie count on its own, mixing it with other ingredients can significantly increase the total. Here are some common serving methods and their caloric implications:

Neat or "Con la mosca": Drinking it straight or with three coffee beans is the lowest-calorie way to enjoy Sambuca, as no extra ingredients are added. The calorie count stays within the 160-172 range.
Cocktails: Sambuca is a base for various cocktails. Adding sugary mixers like juices, soda, or other liqueurs will drastically increase the calorie count. A simple cocktail can easily double or triple the initial calorie load of the Sambuca alone.
Coffee: Adding Sambuca to coffee is a popular method. While a small amount is used, the addition of cream, sugar, or other syrups can quickly add extra calories to your drink.
On the Rocks: Serving it over ice slightly dilutes the liqueur but does not alter the caloric content from the alcohol and sugar. It remains a high-calorie drink.

Tips for Managing Caloric Intake

For those who enjoy Sambuca but are mindful of their calorie intake, here are some strategies:

Moderation is Key: Since a single shot is already quite high in calories, limiting your consumption is the most direct way to control intake.
Choose Simpler Servings: Avoid cocktails with sugary mixers. Opt for Sambuca neat or with ice to enjoy the flavor without added calories.
Factor It In: If you're tracking your daily calorie intake, remember to count Sambuca as a significant source of carbohydrates and alcohol calories.
Consider Alternatives: If you are looking for lower-calorie alcoholic options, dry spirits like gin or vodka mixed with a zero-calorie mixer are much lighter choices.

Conclusion

In summary, a standard shot of Sambuca contains a notable number of calories, roughly 160-172 kcal, stemming from its potent mix of alcohol and high sugar content. This makes it a calorically dense drink, and its use in cocktails with other sugary mixers can further inflate this figure. By understanding its nutritional profile and choosing your serving method wisely, you can enjoy this classic liqueur while remaining conscious of your dietary goals. For more detailed information on alcohol's caloric impact, you can consult sources like the World Cancer Research Fund.

How to Calculate Calories from Alcohol and Sugar

To better illustrate the calorie sources in Sambuca, consider the following breakdown:

Alcohol Calories: A 1.5 fl oz shot of 40% ABV Sambuca contains about 14.7 grams of pure alcohol. At 7 calories per gram, this equals approximately 103 calories.
Sugar Calories: As required by EU regulations, Sambuca must contain at least 350 grams of sugar per liter. This translates to about 15 grams of sugar in a 1.5 fl oz (44 ml) shot. With sugar providing 4 calories per gram, this adds about 60 calories.
Total: Adding these two sources gives a combined total of around 163 calories, which aligns with the reported figures and helps explain why Sambuca is a high-calorie liqueur.

Comparing Sambuca to other Liqueurs

Sambuca's caloric density is typical for many liqueurs. Sweet liqueurs generally carry more calories than a straight spirit due to their added sugar content. For example, a standard 1.5 oz pour of a different cordial or liqueur can also easily exceed 150 calories, while a plain shot of vodka or whiskey has fewer calories and no sugar. This is why it's important to be aware of the type of drink and its ingredients when managing calorie intake.

Final Thoughts

The delightful flavor profile of Sambuca comes at a caloric cost. Whether you are enjoying it for its taste or simply want to know its nutritional details, being informed about its high sugar and alcohol content is helpful for making conscious choices. As with any high-calorie drink, moderation is the best policy. Always drink responsibly and consider how it fits into your overall dietary plan. For those seeking lower-calorie options, clear spirits mixed with low-calorie alternatives are a viable compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sambuca is a liqueur, which means it contains a high amount of added sugar in addition to alcohol. Pure spirits like vodka or whiskey have calories from alcohol alone, whereas Sambuca gets its calories from both alcohol and sugar.

The calorie count is primarily determined by the alcohol content and sugar level, which can vary slightly between different flavored versions or brands. Black or red Sambuca may have different ingredients, but the caloric density will remain high due to the base recipe.

The best way to reduce calories is to avoid mixing Sambuca with other high-sugar ingredients. Drinking it neat or on the rocks is the lowest-calorie option, whereas cocktails with sugary mixers will increase the total significantly.

No, Sambuca is not a good choice for a low-carb diet. It is a high-sugar liqueur, with a standard shot containing 15-17 grams of carbohydrates, all of which are from sugar.

Many Sambuca brands, including Ramazzotti, state that their product is gluten-free. It is always best to check the manufacturer's specific website for confirmation if you have a severe allergy.

One gram of pure alcohol contains 7 calories, while one gram of fat contains 9 calories, and one gram of sugar contains 4 calories. Sambuca's calories are a combination of the two.

Adding coffee beans to Sambuca, in the traditional "con la mosca" serving style, does not add a significant amount of calories. The beans are not ingested, and their caloric contribution is negligible.