How many calories does a shot of 99 have?

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

While a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 99 brand liqueur typically contains between 110 and 160 calories depending on the specific flavor, the high-proof spirit's nutritional profile is more complex. Unlike unflavored distilled spirits, these sweet liqueurs get calories from both their 49.5% ABV and significant carbohydrate content.

Quick Summary

A 1.5-ounce shot of 99 brand liqueur has a calorie count that varies significantly by flavor, typically falling between 110 and 160 calories. These sweetened cordials contain a notable amount of carbohydrates in addition to the calories from their high alcohol content. The precise nutritional information depends on the particular flavor profile.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A 1.5-ounce shot of 99 typically contains 110 to 160 calories, depending on the specific flavor.
High Proof, High Calories: At 99 proof (49.5% ABV), the alcohol itself accounts for a large portion of the shot's calorie content.
Carbohydrate Source: As a flavored cordial, 99 contains added sugars and carbs, which raises its calorie count compared to unflavored spirits.
Varying Nutritional Info: Different flavors have different carb and calorie profiles; for instance, 99 Bananas is around 110 calories, while 99 Pineapples is 160 calories.
"Zero Sugar" is Not Zero Calorie: Some varieties claim "zero sugar," but still have a high calorie count due to the alcohol content, meaning they are not sugar-free.
Compare with Spirits: A shot of 99 has more calories and carbs than a standard shot of 80-proof vodka or whiskey, which contains zero carbs.
Moderation is Key: Due to the high proof and added sugars, consuming 99 shots in moderation is important for calorie management.

The Calorie Breakdown of 99 Shots

Determining the calorie count for a shot of 99 brand liqueur is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Because 99 offers a wide variety of flavored schnapps, each with a unique recipe, the calorie count can differ slightly by flavor. For example, a shot of 99 Bananas comes in at around 110 calories, while a shot of 99 Pineapples is closer to 160 calories. The core reason for these variations lies in the amount of sugar and other flavoring agents used in each bottle.

Why 99 Brand Calories Vary

99 brand liqueurs are not pure, distilled spirits like vodka or gin. As flavored cordials, they are sweetened and flavored, which is where the bulk of the carbohydrates and additional calories come from. The primary factors influencing the final calorie count are:

Alcohol Content: All 99 liqueurs are 99 proof, or 49.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). At approximately 7 calories per gram, the alcohol itself contributes significantly to the overall energy content.
Sugar and Carbohydrates: Unlike many standard spirits, these liqueurs contain added sugars and carbs to create their signature flavors. This is why their caloric value is higher than an unflavored liquor shot of similar proof.
Flavorings: The specific ingredients for each unique flavor—like fruit essences or creamy textures—will contribute to the total calorie and carbohydrate load.

Calorie and Carb Comparison: Popular 99 Flavors

To provide a clearer picture of the nutritional differences, here is a comparison of several popular 99 brand flavors. It's important to note that a standard shot size is considered 1.5 fluid ounces (or approximately 44ml).


Flavor	Calories (per 1.5 oz shot)	Carbohydrates (per 1.5 oz shot)	Key Distinction
99 Bananas	~110 calories	~12g carbs	The lowest calorie option among those listed.
99 Peaches	~120 calories	~10g carbs	A moderately caloric choice with 10g of carbs.
General Schnapps	~149 calories	~7.5g carbs	Represents a baseline for many flavors, with slightly lower carbs than fruit options.
99 Butterscotch	~155 calories	(Likely from alcohol)	Marketed as "zero sugar," but calories are high due to ABV and formulation.
99 Pineapples	~160 calories	~10g carbs	One of the higher calorie options available.

A Note on "Zero Sugar" Claims

It's crucial for consumers to understand the context of nutritional information on alcoholic beverages. The calorie data for some flavors, such as the 99 Butterscotch, is advertised with "zero sugar" but still has a high-calorie count. This means the calories are not derived from added sucrose, but rather from the high alcohol content itself. In other words, "zero sugar" does not equate to "zero calories." For those tracking carbohydrate intake, particularly on diets like keto, this distinction is very important.

Liqueurs vs. Standard Spirits

For comparison, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof whiskey or vodka contains approximately 97 calories and zero carbs, as the distillation process removes them. The higher calorie count in 99 brand liqueurs is directly related to the sugar and flavoring, in addition to the higher alcohol proof.

Tips for Calorie-Conscious Drinkers

If you are mindful of your caloric intake but still want to enjoy a 99 brand shot, here are a few tips:

Moderation is key. Limiting the number of shots you consume will have the most significant impact on your overall calorie intake.
Opt for lower-calorie flavors. If you have a choice, pick a flavor like 99 Bananas, which has a slightly lower calorie count than some of the other options.
Pair with calorie-free mixers. If you use 99 as a mixer, combine it with a calorie-free beverage like diet soda or sparkling water to avoid adding extra sugar.
Be aware of the proof. The 99 proof (49.5% ABV) means a little goes a long way. The higher alcohol content will affect you more quickly, so consume responsibly.
Hydrate with water. Drinking water alongside your alcoholic beverage is always a good practice to help manage consumption and avoid dehydration.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

A shot of 99 brand liqueur is not a zero-calorie drink. The calorie count per 1.5-ounce shot varies by flavor, with figures typically ranging from 110 to 160 calories, primarily due to its high proof and sweet flavor profile. Unlike non-flavored spirits, these liqueurs also contain carbohydrates, which contribute to the total caloric load. For those monitoring their intake, understanding the specific flavor's nutritional data is essential for making an informed choice. It is always wise to enjoy these shots in moderation.

For additional information on 99 brand products and flavors, you can visit the official brand website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a 1.5-ounce shot of 99 brand liqueur varies by flavor, but typically ranges from 110 to 160 calories.

No, the calorie count differs between flavors. For example, 99 Bananas has around 110 calories, whereas 99 Pineapples has approximately 160 calories per shot.

A shot of 99 is higher in calories because, unlike plain distilled spirits, it contains added sugars and flavorings, in addition to its higher alcohol proof (99 vs. 80).

The carbohydrate content varies by flavor. A general 99 Schnapps contains about 7.5g of carbs, while 99 Bananas contains 12g, and 99 Peaches has 10g per shot.

According to the product information, some 99 brand varieties like Butterscotch are formulated with zero sugar. However, they are still high in calories due to the alcohol content, not the absence of sugar.

Most 99 brand liqueurs are 99 proof, which corresponds to 49.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Yes, all calorie counts are based on a standard serving size, typically 1.5 fluid ounces. Larger shots or extra pours will result in a higher calorie and alcohol intake.