How many calories are in each shot?

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof distilled spirit, such as vodka or whiskey, contains approximately 97 empty calories. Understanding how many calories are in each shot is essential for managing your overall caloric intake and making informed choices about your health and diet.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the caloric content of various types of distilled spirits, from standard to higher-proof options. It also explores how mixers and liqueurs significantly increase the calorie count of shots and cocktails, providing tips for managing intake.

Key Points

Proof Matters: Higher-proof spirits contain more alcohol and, consequently, more calories per shot.
Spirits vs. Liqueurs: Standard distilled spirits are significantly lower in calories than sweetened and flavored liqueurs.
Mixers Add Up: The majority of calories in mixed shots and cocktails often come from high-sugar chasers and mixers, not the alcohol itself.
Empty Calories: The calories from alcohol are considered 'empty' because they provide energy without any essential nutrients like vitamins or minerals.
Manage Your Intake: For weight management, it is crucial to be mindful of and account for the liquid calories consumed from shots.
Opt for Alternatives: Using zero-calorie mixers like club soda or water is an effective way to lower the calorie content of your drinks.

The Science Behind Alcohol Calories

All of the calories in a pure, distilled spirit come from the alcohol itself. The human body metabolizes alcohol differently than other macronutrients like carbohydrates or protein. One gram of pure alcohol contains about seven calories, which is nearly as many as one gram of fat, which has nine calories. However, these are often referred to as 'empty calories' because alcohol provides energy without any nutritional value, such as vitamins or minerals.

The alcohol content, or proof, of a spirit is a direct indicator of its caloric density. The proof is a number equal to twice the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV). For example, a spirit with 40% ABV is 80 proof. A higher proof means a higher concentration of alcohol and, therefore, more calories per ounce. For instance, a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof whiskey is roughly 97 calories, while a 100-proof whiskey can be 120 calories or more.

Calorie Breakdown of Common Spirits

For standard 80-proof spirits, the calorie counts are very consistent because they contain virtually no sugar or carbs. The distillation process strips away these components, leaving only the alcohol. It is only when other ingredients are added that the calorie count starts to climb. This is why a simple shot of vodka is a lower-calorie option than a sweet liqueur or a cocktail made with sugary mixers.

Comparison of Distilled Spirits per 1.5 oz Shot


Spirit (80 Proof)	Approximate Calories (per 1.5 oz)	Notes
Vodka	97	Lower calories, especially unflavored
Rum (Light)	97	White rum is comparable to vodka
Tequila	97	Pure agave varieties are typically lower
Gin	97	Similar to other 80-proof liquors
Whiskey	97	Varies slightly based on proof
Brandy	100	Slightly higher than standard liquors

The Hidden Calories in Liqueurs and Mixers

While distilled spirits themselves are relatively low in calories, the additions often found in shots and cocktails can dramatically increase the total count. Cream liqueurs, flavored spirits with added sugars, and sugary mixers are major contributors to excess calories.

Examples of High-Calorie Liqueurs and Additions

Cream Liqueurs: A 1.5 oz shot of a cream liqueur can contain around 154 calories or more due to its sugar and cream content.
Flavored Spirits: Shots of flavored spirits, such as spiced rum or fruit-flavored vodka, typically have added sugars. This can add 15-20 extra calories or more per shot compared to their unflavored counterparts.
Sweet Mixers: Juices, sodas, and energy drinks used as chasers or mixers can contribute hundreds of calories. A vodka cranberry, for instance, can contain over 200 calories, far more than the 97 calories of the vodka alone.
Simple Syrups: Many craft cocktails rely on simple syrups for sweetness. Even a small amount of sugar syrup can add a significant number of calories without you realizing it.

Navigating Shots for Weight Management

If you are watching your weight, being mindful of your alcohol consumption is crucial. Liquid calories can add up quickly and don't provide the same feeling of fullness as solid food. A few simple adjustments can make a big difference in managing your calorie intake while still enjoying a night out.

Tips for a Lower-Calorie Approach

Choose Wisely: Opt for plain, distilled spirits like vodka, gin, or tequila and avoid sweetened or flavored versions. These offer the most predictable and lowest calorie counts.
Go for Zero-Calorie Mixers: If you prefer a mixed drink, pair your shot with zero-calorie options like club soda, diet soda, or water. This eliminates the empty calories from sugary chasers.
Alternate with Water: Stay hydrated and pace yourself by alternating between an alcoholic shot and a glass of water. This can help reduce your overall alcohol and calorie consumption for the night.
Measure Accurately: When preparing drinks at home, use a jigger to measure your shots accurately. It's easy to over-pour when free-handing, which means consuming extra, unplanned calories.
Budget Your Calories: Factor in your alcoholic drinks when planning your daily calorie intake. If you know you will be drinking, consider a lighter meal earlier in the day to stay within your overall calorie goals.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in each shot is the first step toward making more informed and health-conscious decisions about your alcohol intake. While standard 80-proof spirits like vodka, whiskey, and tequila generally contain about 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot, factors like higher proof and especially sugary mixers and liqueurs can significantly increase the total caloric load. By choosing lower-proof, unflavored spirits and zero-calorie mixers, you can enjoy shots responsibly without derailing your dietary goals. The key lies in moderation and awareness of what is in your glass. For more detailed nutritional information on various beverages, consult authoritative health resources like the National Library of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, calorie content varies slightly based on the alcohol proof, with higher-proof spirits having more calories. A standard 80-proof shot has fewer calories than a 100-proof shot of the same spirit.

An 80-proof vodka shot, which is the most common variety, contains approximately 97 calories. This can increase slightly for higher-proof brands.

Cream liqueurs have added sugars and dairy, which significantly increase their caloric content compared to a pure, distilled spirit. A 1.5 oz shot of a cream liqueur can be over 150 calories.

Yes, if you use a sugary chaser like juice, soda, or an energy drink, you will add extra calories and sugar to your overall consumption. Using a zero-calorie chaser is a better option.

The calories from alcohol are often called 'empty calories' because they provide energy but no nutritional benefits like vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein.

For those on a diet, it's best to stick to neat or straight, unflavored spirits, choose zero-calorie mixers, and practice moderation. Tracking your liquid calories is also important for weight management.

A shot of a standard 80-proof, unflavored, distilled spirit like vodka, gin, or tequila is generally the lowest in calories, hovering around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce serving.

Light rum typically has around 97 calories per 1.5 oz shot. Dark or spiced rums, however, often have added sugars and flavorings, which can push their calorie count to 110 or more per shot.

The 'proof' of a spirit indicates its alcohol content. Higher-proof shots, such as Bacardi 151 (75% alcohol), contain a much higher concentration of alcohol per volume, resulting in more calories and a more potent effect.