How many calories are in amaro? A Detailed Breakdown

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count in amaro is not uniform, varying significantly by brand due to differences in alcohol and sugar content. An average 1.5 oz shot of amaro can range from 60 to over 110 calories, depending on its specific recipe and alcohol by volume (ABV).

Quick Summary

Amaro's calorie content differs greatly among brands, driven by varying alcohol and sugar levels. A comparison of popular types, including Averna, Ramazzotti, and Montenegro, reveals this variance. Serving size and cocktail mixers also significantly influence the final calorie count.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The number of calories in amaro is not consistent, fluctuating significantly across different brands due to varying alcohol and sugar content.
Two Calorie Sources: Amaro's calories come from both alcohol (7 kcal per gram) and sugar (4 kcal per gram), with sugar content being the primary cause of brand-to-brand variation.
Brand Comparison: Amaro brands like Averna, Ramazzotti, and Montenegro have different calorie counts per serving, with Averna being one of the more calorific options.
Serving Size Matters: A standard 1.5 fl oz serving contains approximately 60-110+ calories, but this increases with larger pours or by adding sugary mixers.
Mindful Consumption: To manage calorie intake, opt for less sweet amaros, enjoy them neat, and choose zero-calorie mixers for cocktails.
Digestif Consideration: A small glass of amaro can be enjoyed as a lower-calorie alternative to a traditional dessert.

Understanding the Amaro Profile

Amaro, which is Italian for 'bitter,' is a class of Italian herbal liqueurs with a rich history, often enjoyed as a digestif. Made by infusing a base spirit with a variety of herbs, roots, flowers, and spices, amaro’s flavor profile can range from intensely bitter to sweet and syrupy. This wide spectrum of flavor directly correlates with its caloric content. Unlike spirits such as vodka or gin, which contain only alcohol calories, amaro's total calories come from two primary sources: the alcohol itself and the added sugar or other carbohydrates.

The Calorie Breakdown: Alcohol vs. Sugar

To understand why calories differ, it's essential to look at the ingredients. One gram of pure alcohol contains 7 calories. A typical amaro has an ABV between 16% and 40%, meaning a significant portion of its calories comes from alcohol. However, a much larger variable is the sugar content, which is used to balance the bitterness of the herbs. One gram of sugar (a type of carbohydrate) contains 4 calories. The amount of sugar can vary wildly between brands, from moderately sweet versions to those that are much more syrupy and sweet. This is why a simple shot of one amaro can have a dramatically different caloric impact than another. For example, some sweeter amaros like Amaro Averna have high sugar content.

Factors Influencing Amaro Calories

Several key factors determine the final calorie count in your glass:

Alcohol by Volume (ABV): Higher ABV means more alcohol per serving, which directly increases calories. A 30% ABV amaro will inherently have more calories from alcohol than a 20% ABV one of the same serving size.
Sugar Content: This is the most variable factor. Sweeter amaros with more sugar will be more calorie-dense than drier, more bitter versions. The sugar content can range from around 17g per 100ml in some brands to 23g or more in others.
Serving Size: The most common serving size is a 1.5 fl oz (45ml) pour. However, different recipes may call for varying amounts. A larger pour will always lead to more calories.
Mixers: While often enjoyed neat, amaro is a popular cocktail ingredient. Adding a sugary mixer, such as tonic water, soda, or juice, will significantly increase the total calories of your drink. An Amaro Highball with diet tonic, for instance, will be much lower in calories than one with regular tonic.

Amaro Calorie Comparison Table

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of the average caloric values and sugar content for a few popular amaro brands. Note that these are based on typical servings or per 100ml, so calorie counts will vary depending on your pour size.


Brand	ABV	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Sugar (per 100ml)
Amaro Averna	29%	1.5 fl oz (45ml)	111 kcal	23g
Amaro Ramazzotti	30%	1.5 fl oz (45ml)	~110 kcal	19g
Amaro Montenegro	23%	1.5 fl oz (45ml)	~85 kcal	17g
Amaro Locale (207)	21.9%	1.5 fl oz (45ml)	~99 kcal	23g

Note: Calculations for 1.5 fl oz (45ml) are estimates based on per-100ml data where necessary, using standard conversions.

Making Health-Conscious Choices

For those watching their calorie intake, enjoying amaro can still be part of a balanced diet. Here are some strategies:

Choose Lighter Amaros: Opt for brands that are known to be less sweet. Lighter, more bitter styles of amaro typically have lower sugar content. However, always check the nutritional information if available, as bitterness does not always equal low sugar.
Mind Your Portion: Drink amaro neat and stick to a single, measured serving size. The calories can add up quickly with multiple pours.
Select Lower-Calorie Mixers: If you prefer a cocktail, swap sugary sodas or juices for zero-calorie alternatives like soda water or diet tonic. This is a simple way to enjoy the flavor of amaro without the added calories.
Treat it as a Dessert: Because of its sweetness and rich flavor, amaro can serve as a substitute for a high-calorie dessert. Savor a small glass after dinner instead of reaching for a sugary treat.

Conclusion

As a category, amaro's calorie count is not a fixed number. It is a highly variable factor determined by the interplay of alcohol content, sugar levels, and serving size. While an average 1.5 oz pour can contain around 100 calories, this can be higher or lower depending on the specific brand. By understanding these factors and making mindful choices about your brand, pour size, and mixers, you can enjoy this complex and flavorful digestif while staying within your dietary goals. For more general information on the calories in alcohol, resources like DrinkAware.ie offer helpful guidance. Ultimately, moderation is the key to enjoying amaro responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5 oz shot of amaro typically contains between 60 and 110 calories, though this can vary depending on the brand and its specific alcohol and sugar content.

Yes, generally, sweeter amaros contain more sugar, which directly translates to a higher calorie count per serving. Sugar provides 4 calories per gram.

The best way is to check the manufacturer's website or nutritional information label, if available. For popular brands like Averna or Ramazzotti, this information can often be found online.

No, the sugar content varies widely between different amaro brands. It is used to balance the bitterness of the herbs, and some brands are intentionally sweeter than others.

Yes, drier, more bitter amaros will have less sugar and therefore fewer calories. Spirits like gin, vodka, or tequila are also generally lower in calories per serving, especially when consumed neat.

Yes, adding mixers such as tonic water, soda, or juice will add extra calories and sugar to your drink. For a lower-calorie option, use diet or zero-calorie mixers like soda water.

The total calories are a combination of both alcohol and sugar. While alcohol provides a consistent calorie base (7 kcal/gram), the variable sugar content is often the primary driver of calorie differences between brands.

Amaro can be a moderate-calorie option, especially in small, neat servings. It is more calorific than pure spirits due to its sugar content, but less so than many sugary cocktails or cream liqueurs.