How many calories are in neat alcohol? A detailed guide

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

One gram of pure alcohol contains seven calories, which is almost as energy-dense as fat, which contains nine calories per gram. This high-energy concentration means that understanding how many calories are in neat alcohol is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake or nutritional goals.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of neat alcohol is directly tied to its alcohol by volume (ABV) and serving size, with standard 80-proof spirits averaging about 97 calories per 1.5-ounce serving. Pure spirits contain no carbohydrates or sugar, unlike mixed drinks where sugary additions drastically increase the calorie total.

Key Points

7 Calories Per Gram: Pure alcohol contains seven calories per gram, making it nearly as calorically dense as fat.
ABV Determines Calories: The calorie count in neat, unflavored spirits is directly proportional to its Alcohol by Volume (ABV).
Standard Shot Calories: A standard 1.5 oz (45 ml) shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) spirit like vodka or whiskey contains approximately 97 calories.
Neat vs. Mixed: Drinking alcohol neat is a lower-calorie option than cocktails, where sugary mixers add significant extra calories.
No Carbs in Pure Spirits: Unflavored, distilled spirits contain zero carbohydrates or sugar, focusing all their energy content on the alcohol itself.
Higher Proof, More Calories: Choosing a higher-proof spirit will increase the calorie count per serving, even with the same volume.

The Science Behind Alcohol's Calories

Unlike carbohydrates and protein, which contain 4 calories per gram, and fat, with 9 calories per gram, alcohol provides 7 calories per gram. This places alcohol in a unique position as a significant source of calories that offers little to no nutritional value. When discussing neat alcohol, specifically distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, and gin, the calorie count is primarily determined by one key factor: its alcohol by volume (ABV). Because these spirits are distilled, they are essentially stripped of carbohydrates and residual sugars that are found in fermented beverages like beer and wine.

For most unflavored, clear spirits, the calories come almost entirely from the alcohol content itself. This is why a standard serving of neat vodka has a similar calorie count to a standard serving of neat whiskey, provided their ABVs are comparable. Any variations in taste come from the distillation process and aging, not from additional sugars that would increase the calorie total. However, the picture changes completely when liqueurs, fortified wines, or cocktails with sugary mixers are involved, as these drinks can contain significant amounts of added sugar and carbohydrates.

How to Calculate Calories in Neat Spirits

To be precise about your intake, you can manually calculate the calories based on the ABV and serving size using a simple formula.

Step 1: Determine the total volume of your pour in milliliters (ml). A standard U.S. shot is 1.5 fluid ounces, which is approximately 45 ml.
Step 2: Find the ABV percentage of your spirit. For an 80-proof spirit, the ABV is 40% (half the proof number).
Step 3: Calculate the grams of pure alcohol by multiplying the total volume by the ABV and the density of ethanol (which is approximately 0.789 g/ml).
Step 4: Multiply the result by 7, since pure alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, to get the final calorie count.

Example Calculation for an 80-proof (40% ABV) spirit:

45 ml 0.40 ABV 0.789 density * 7 kcal/g ≈ 99.4 kcal.

This calculation confirms the general average of around 97-100 calories for a 1.5-ounce shot of standard hard liquor.

Calorie Breakdown for Popular Neat Spirits


Spirit (80 Proof)	Serving Size (1.5 fl oz / 45 ml)	Approx. Calories	Carbohydrates	Sugar
Vodka	1.5 fl oz	97	0g	0g
Gin	1.5 fl oz	97	0g	0g
Rum (White)	1.5 fl oz	97	0g	0g
Whiskey	1.5 fl oz	97	0g	0g
Tequila (Blanco)	1.5 fl oz	97	0g	0g

It is important to note that these are standard figures for unflavored spirits. Flavored spirits or those with a higher proof will have a different calorie count.

Neat vs. Mixed Drinks: A Calorie Comparison

Choosing neat alcohol is often the lowest-calorie option among alcoholic beverages. The moment you introduce mixers, the calorie count can skyrocket, transforming a relatively modest drink into a high-calorie indulgence. The added sugars, fruit juices, and creams in cocktails contribute significantly to the total energy intake.

Consider these common comparisons:

A 1.5 oz neat vodka (approx. 97 kcal) vs. a vodka and tonic (approx. 189 kcal).
A 1.5 oz neat rum (approx. 97 kcal) vs. a rum and coke (approx. 185 kcal).
A 1.5 oz neat whiskey (approx. 97 kcal) vs. a whiskey sour (approx. 125 kcal), not including potential sugary garnishes.

This difference highlights why many people focusing on weight management opt for spirits with low-calorie mixers, such as soda water, or prefer to drink them neat.

The Impact of Higher ABV

Since ABV is the driving factor for neat alcohol calories, higher proof spirits contain more calories per ounce. For example, a 94-proof (47% ABV) vodka or rum has a higher calorie density than its 80-proof counterpart.

Higher Proof, Higher Calories:

80-proof Vodka (40% ABV): 1.5 oz = 97 calories
94-proof Vodka (47% ABV): 1.5 oz = 116 calories

This principle applies across the board for all distilled spirits. If you opt for a higher-proof liquor, be mindful that the calorie count increases, even with the same serving size.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the number of calories in neat alcohol is primarily determined by its alcohol by volume (ABV) and serving size, with a gram of pure alcohol containing 7 calories. For standard 80-proof spirits, a 1.5-ounce serving is typically under 100 calories and contains no carbs or sugar. When managing your calorie intake, drinking spirits neat is generally the most straightforward and lowest-calorie option, as sugary mixers can drastically increase the total count. Always consider the ABV of your chosen spirit to understand its exact caloric impact and remember that moderation is key for a healthy diet.

To find more information and tools for responsible drinking, visit the Drinkaware website for additional facts on alcohol and calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in most cases. Neat, unflavored spirits contain only the calories from the alcohol itself, which is less than a cocktail that includes additional sugars and carbohydrates from mixers like soda, juice, or cream.

The lowest calorie neat alcohol is a spirit with a lower ABV. For standard spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey, a 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor contains around 97 calories, with little variation between types. Liqueurs and sweeter spirits will have higher calorie counts.

To calculate the calories, you need the spirit's ABV and serving size. The formula is: (Volume in ml) x (ABV percentage) x 0.789 x 7. For example, a 45ml (1.5 oz) shot of 40% ABV liquor is approximately 99.4 calories.

Yes, alcohol calories are often referred to as 'empty calories' because they provide energy without significant nutritional benefits, vitamins, or minerals. Excessive intake can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies.

For neat, unflavored spirits at the same proof (and thus the same ABV), the calorie count is virtually identical. For example, an 80-proof vodka and an 80-proof whiskey have the same calorie count per serving because their alcohol content is the same.

No. While the alcohol content contributes, flavored spirits often have added sugars for flavor. This extra sugar increases the overall calorie count beyond what the alcohol itself provides, making them more calorific than their unflavored counterparts.

Yes, as with any calorie source, excessive consumption of neat alcohol can impede weight loss. It is important to remember that alcohol can also stimulate appetite, which can lead to overeating and further increase calorie intake.