How Much Sugar Is In A Shot Of Honey Whiskey?

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

While pure, unflavored whiskey has virtually no sugar, a 1.5-ounce shot of honey whiskey, such as Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, contains approximately 5 grams of sugar. This significant difference is due to the added sweeteners that define honey whiskey as a liqueur rather than a standard spirit.

Quick Summary

Honey whiskey's sugar content varies by brand and is much higher than pure whiskey due to added sweeteners. A standard shot typically contains between 5 and 12 grams of sugar, influencing its calorie count and overall nutritional profile.

Key Points

Significant Sugar Content: Unlike pure whiskey, honey whiskey is a liqueur with added sugar, typically containing 5 to 12 grams per 1.5 oz shot.
Brand Variation: The sugar amount varies between brands, with some popular choices like Crown Royal and Jim Beam having more sugar per serving than Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey or Wild Turkey American Honey.
Calorie Impact: The added sugars in honey whiskey also increase the calorie count compared to a standard, sugar-free whiskey shot.
Liqueur vs. Spirit: It's important to remember that honey whiskey is a flavored liqueur, not a straight spirit, which accounts for its higher sugar and carbohydrate content.
Reduce Sugar Intake: To lower sugar consumption, opt for unflavored whiskey, create your own honey-sweetened drinks with measured honey, or use sugar-free mixers.

Understanding the Difference: Whiskey vs. Honey Whiskey

Pure distilled spirits, like traditional whiskey, contain no sugar because the fermentation process converts all grain sugars into alcohol before distillation. However, honey whiskey is a flavored liqueur created by blending whiskey with natural honey and other sweeteners. This blending process is what introduces a substantial amount of sugar and additional calories. As a result, the nutritional information for a pure whiskey and a honey whiskey are vastly different, which is a crucial factor for those monitoring their sugar intake or following specific diets.

Breaking Down the Sugar Content by Brand

The amount of sugar in a 1.5 fl oz shot of honey whiskey is not uniform across all brands. Each producer uses a unique formula, resulting in varying levels of sweetness and sugar content. Here is a comparison of some of the most popular brands:

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey: A standard 1.5 fl oz serving contains about 5 grams of sugar.
Wild Turkey American Honey: A shot of this bourbon whiskey liqueur also contains around 5 grams of sugar.
Crown Royal Honey: This blend has a higher sugar content, coming in at approximately 9 grams per 1.5 fl oz shot.
Jim Beam Honey: Similar to Crown Royal, a serving of Jim Beam Honey contains about 9 grams of sugar.
Evan Williams Honey: Sources suggest Evan Williams Honey has a higher sugar count, potentially around 12 grams per 1.5 fl oz serving, although exact figures can vary depending on the data source and serving size reference.

The Role of Added Sugars

The sweeteners in honey whiskey are not limited to just honey. Many brands use a blend of natural and artificial flavors and syrups to achieve their desired taste profile. This is why reading the nutritional label is always the most accurate way to confirm the sugar content for a specific product, as formulations can change over time.

Comparative Sugar and Calorie Breakdown

This table illustrates the nutritional contrast between a pure whiskey and several honey whiskey brands based on a standard 1.5 fl oz (44ml) serving.


Brand	Type	Approx. Sugar (g)	Approx. Calories	Alcohol by Volume (ABV)
Standard Pure Whiskey	Whiskey	< 0.1 g	~97 kcal	40% (80 Proof)
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey	Honey Whiskey Liqueur	~5 g	~106 kcal	35% (70 Proof)
Wild Turkey American Honey	Honey Bourbon Liqueur	~5 g	~100 kcal	35.5% (71 Proof)
Crown Royal Honey	Honey Whiskey Liqueur	~9 g	~130 kcal	35% (70 Proof)

Reducing Your Sugar and Calorie Intake with Whiskey

If you enjoy the flavor of whiskey but want to minimize sugar consumption, consider these strategies:

Stick to Pure Whiskey: Choosing a standard, unflavored whiskey is the most direct way to eliminate added sugars. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water or sugar-free mixers.
Create Your Own Honey Flavor: For controlled sweetness, add a small amount of pure honey or a honey syrup (made with honey and water) to a regular whiskey. This allows you to dictate the exact sugar amount.
Use Low-Calorie Mixers: If you prefer a cocktail, opt for sugar-free mixers. Instead of sugary sodas, consider diet sodas, club soda, or a splash of lemon juice.
Measure Your Pours: Be mindful of serving size. A standard shot is 1.5 fl oz. Many homemade cocktails exceed this amount, significantly increasing total sugar and calorie intake.
Mix with Caution: Be aware of other high-sugar additions like sweet-and-sour mix or sugary liqueurs often used in cocktails like a whiskey sour.

Conclusion: The Sweet Truth About Honey Whiskey

In summary, the key distinction is that pure whiskey is essentially sugar-free, while honey whiskey is a sweetened liqueur with a notable sugar content. The specific amount of sugar in a shot of honey whiskey depends on the brand, with popular options ranging from 5 to 12 grams. While this can add up quickly, especially with multiple servings, there are simple ways to enjoy whiskey with less sugar. By being mindful of your choice of whiskey and mixers, you can better manage your sugar intake and make more informed decisions about your alcohol consumption.

For more detailed nutritional information, always consult the brand's official website or a reliable nutrition database. For example, Jack Daniel's provides specific nutritional facts on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5 oz shot of honey whiskey typically contains between 100 and 130 calories, depending on the brand and sugar content. For example, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey has around 106 calories per shot, while Crown Royal Honey has about 130.

No, pure whiskey contains virtually no sugar. During the distillation process, the natural sugars from the grains are converted into alcohol, leaving behind a finished product that is free of sugar.

Honey whiskey is a flavored liqueur made by blending whiskey with natural honey and other sweeteners after the distillation process. These added ingredients are what introduce the sugar content.

Compared to pure whiskey, no. The added sugar makes it a poor choice for those strictly monitoring sugar. Opting for a standard whiskey or using a minimal amount of honey with regular whiskey is a better alternative.

A standard shot in the United States is 1.5 fluid ounces, which is equivalent to about 44 milliliters. Nutritional information is typically based on this serving size.

Honey whiskey's sugar content is generally lower than sweet cocktails and liqueurs but significantly higher than pure spirits like unflavored vodka, gin, or pure whiskey. For instance, a piña colada can have over 30 grams of sugar.

The amount of honey in commercial honey whiskey is typically not enough to offer any significant nutritional or health benefits. The added sugar and alcohol content far outweigh any potential advantages from the honey itself.