Is dry vermouth high in calories?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

One ounce of dry vermouth contains approximately 45 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a fortified wine. However, its caloric content is influenced by its alcohol by volume (ABV) and residual sugar, both of which can vary by brand and recipe.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content of dry vermouth, detailing its nutritional breakdown and comparing it to other alcoholic beverages. It discusses how serving size and brand variations impact the final calorie count and offers suggestions for low-calorie vermouth cocktails.

Key Points

Moderate Calorie Count: Dry vermouth contains approximately 30–50 calories per one-ounce serving, placing it in the lower range compared to many spirits and wines.
Alcohol is the Main Source: Most of dry vermouth's calories come from its alcohol content, which is elevated due to the fortification process.
Low in Sugar: Dry vermouth contains very little residual sugar, unlike its sweeter counterpart, which has a higher carbohydrate and calorie count.
Serving Size is Key: The total calorie count of a vermouth-based drink, like a martini, heavily depends on the serving size and other spirits added, not just the vermouth itself.
Enjoy Moderately: For health-conscious drinkers, dry vermouth can be a low-calorie option, especially when consumed on its own over ice or with a low-calorie mixer like soda water.
Brand Variations: Different brands and recipes will have slightly different calorie counts, so checking a specific brand's nutrition information is recommended.

What Influences the Calorie Count in Dry Vermouth?

Dry vermouth is a fortified wine, meaning it has a higher alcohol content than unfortified table wines. The two primary factors that determine its calorie count are alcohol and sugar. Alcohol provides approximately 7 calories per gram, and because vermouth's ABV typically ranges between 15% and 18%, this significantly contributes to its total caloric value.

The second factor is residual sugar. While dry vermouth has a low sugar content compared to its sweet counterpart, the minimal amount still contributes to the calorie total. The specific recipe and botanicals used by each producer will also affect the final nutritional information, leading to slight variations between brands.

Alcohol vs. Sugar: A Caloric Breakdown

For most spirits, the majority of calories come from the alcohol itself, not from sugars or carbs. This is also true for dry vermouth, where fortification with a neutral spirit adds a considerable portion of the calories. Although it is lower in sugar than sweet vermouth, the fortification process ensures it has a more moderate calorie count than most dry table wines.

For example, a typical 1-ounce serving of dry vermouth contains around 45 calories and 3.4g of carbohydrates, with only a small portion being actual sugar. This differs significantly from sweet vermouth, which can have a higher carbohydrate and sugar content, resulting in more calories per serving.

Dry Vermouth vs. Other Beverages: A Calorie Comparison

To put dry vermouth's calories in perspective, it is useful to compare it to other popular drinks. While a standard glass of wine or spirits might seem comparable, serving sizes and preparation methods drastically change the final count. A 1-ounce pour of dry vermouth used in a martini is far different from a 5-ounce glass of wine or a mixed drink with sugary mixers.

Comparing Different Drinks

Here is a comparison table outlining the approximate calorie count for various alcoholic beverages based on standard serving sizes. The values can vary by brand and preparation.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories
Dry Vermouth	1 oz	30–50 calories
Sweet Vermouth	1 oz	~47 calories
Dry Martini (with 0.5 oz vermouth)	2.5 oz	~156 calories
Red Wine	5 oz	~125 calories
White Wine	5 oz	~120 calories
Vodka	1 oz	~64 calories
Light Beer	12 oz	~105 calories

How Serving Size Affects Your Calorie Intake

As the table shows, dry vermouth is relatively low in calories per ounce. However, it is rarely consumed alone. In a martini, for example, the addition of gin or vodka will significantly increase the total calories. A standard dry martini with 0.5 oz of vermouth and 2 oz of gin contains over 150 calories, with most of the calories coming from the spirit. This is a crucial distinction for those monitoring their calorie intake.

How to Reduce Calories in Your Dry Vermouth Drinks

For those looking to enjoy dry vermouth while minimizing calories, several strategies can be employed. The most effective method is controlling the portion size and being mindful of the mixers used.

Low-Calorie Cocktail Ideas

The Extra Dry Martini: Reduce the amount of vermouth even further and use a high-quality gin or vodka. The classic recipe calls for a very small amount, which keeps calories low.
Vermouth on the Rocks: Sip dry vermouth on its own over ice. This provides the full flavor profile with a minimal calorie count, often requiring only a 2–3 ounce pour.
Vermouth Spritz: Combine dry vermouth with a splash of soda water or sparkling mineral water and a twist of lemon. This creates a refreshing, low-calorie drink that is perfect as an aperitif.

Conclusion: Is Dry Vermouth High in Calories?

In conclusion, dry vermouth itself is not inherently high in calories, especially when considering its standard serving size. At around 30 to 50 calories per ounce, it compares favorably to other spirits and even many table wines. The key to keeping your overall drink calorie count low is moderation and being mindful of how it is mixed. The fortification and small amount of residual sugar add some calories, but the overall number is manageable for those on a calorie-conscious diet. By opting for a simple preparation like a dry martini with minimal vermouth or a vermouth spritz, you can enjoy this complex and aromatic fortified wine without excessive calories.

For more information on alcohol and nutrition, including comparisons and tips for healthier choices, see the MedlinePlus article: Lower-calorie choices for alcoholic drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard one-ounce serving of dry vermouth typically contains between 30 and 50 calories, with most of the calories coming from the alcohol content.

Yes, sweet vermouth is generally higher in calories than dry vermouth due to its significantly higher sugar content, although the difference per ounce is sometimes less than people expect.

The fortification process adds extra alcohol (usually brandy), which is the primary source of calories in vermouth. Residual sugar adds a smaller, but still relevant, amount.

A typical 5-ounce glass of dry table wine has a similar calorie count to a smaller, 3-ounce serving of dry vermouth. Because vermouth is often used in smaller quantities, it can result in fewer total calories per drink than a full glass of wine.

The calorie count of a dry martini is largely dependent on the amount of gin or vodka used. The small amount of dry vermouth contributes only a fraction of the total calories.

Yes, dry vermouth can be enjoyed as part of a low-calorie diet, especially when consumed on its own or used sparingly in cocktails with low-calorie mixers.

A vermouth spritz is an excellent low-calorie option. Simply combine a measure of dry vermouth with soda water and a twist of lemon or lime.