Understanding the Calories in Alcohol
To determine if Everclear is the lowest calorie alcohol, it's crucial to understand where the calories in alcoholic beverages come from. The primary source of calories in distilled spirits is the ethanol itself. Ethanol provides approximately 7 calories per gram, which is nearly as calorically dense as fat (9 calories per gram). Unlike beverages that also contain sugar, such as liqueurs or sweet wines, pure distilled spirits like Everclear have virtually no carbohydrates or sugar, meaning all their calories are from alcohol.
The Calorie Fallacy: Proof vs. Per Serving
The confusion surrounding Everclear's calorie content often stems from comparing it to other spirits on an inaccurate basis. Many people assume that because it is a "pure" grain alcohol, it must be the lowest in calories. However, proof is the measure of alcohol content, with 190-proof Everclear being 95% alcohol by volume (ABV). An 80-proof vodka, by comparison, is only 40% ABV. This means that a one-ounce serving of Everclear contains more than twice the amount of pure alcohol and, therefore, more than twice the calories, than a one-ounce serving of 80-proof vodka.
Calorie Comparison Table: Everclear vs. Other Spirits
| Beverage | Proof | ABV | Approx. Calories per 1 fl oz (30ml) | Approx. Calories per 1.5 fl oz Shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everclear (190 Proof) | 190 | 95% | ~155-165 | ~233-248 |
| Vodka (80 Proof) | 80 | 40% | ~65 | ~98 |
| Tequila (80 Proof) | 80 | 40% | ~65 | ~98 |
| Whiskey (80 Proof) | 80 | 40% | ~65 | ~98 |
| Light Beer | ~8 | ~4% | ~8 | ~12 (equivalent to 1.5oz) |
| Dry Wine | ~24-30 | ~12-15% | ~25 | ~38 (equivalent to 1.5oz) |
Note: Calorie counts can vary slightly by brand and specific formulation.
Why Everclear has so many calories per ounce:
- High alcohol concentration: The metric that matters most for calories is the alcohol by volume. With 95% ABV, Everclear is one of the highest concentration spirits available. The higher the ABV, the more ethanol is packed into every ounce of liquid.
- No other ingredients: Since Everclear is a pure grain spirit with no sugar, carbs, or other additives, all its caloric content comes directly from the ethanol. This means there's nothing to dilute the concentration of calorie-dense alcohol.
How Your Drinking Habits Affect Your Caloric Intake
When discussing caloric content, it's essential to consider the portion size. No one consumes Everclear straight in the same volume as they would a cocktail or a can of beer. Everclear is typically used as a base for mixed drinks, which introduces a new variable: the mixers. The mixers you choose can dramatically increase or decrease the final calorie count of your drink.
- Low-calorie mixer options: Using zero-calorie mixers such as soda water, diet soda, or sugar-free juices is the best way to control the calorie count of a mixed drink. A shot of 80-proof vodka with soda water, for example, is a very low-calorie option.
- High-calorie mixers to avoid: Sweet mixers like regular soda, juice, or sweetened cocktails can add hundreds of calories. A Long Island Iced Tea, for instance, can contain over 275 calories due to its mix of high-proof spirits and sugary ingredients.
Other Low-Calorie Alcohol Options
While Everclear is not the lowest calorie alcohol by volume, there are other choices for those seeking a lower calorie intake from their drinks. The key is to look for beverages with lower ABV or minimal added sugar.
Here are a few options:
- Light Beer: Many light beers contain only about 100 calories per 12-ounce serving, a much lower caloric density than a single shot of any spirit.
- Hard Seltzers: Most hard seltzers clock in at around 100 calories per can, with a low-to-moderate ABV and minimal carbs.
- Dry Wines: A 5-ounce glass of dry red or white wine has approximately 120-125 calories, with dry varieties containing less residual sugar than sweeter types.
- Spirits with zero-calorie mixers: As mentioned, mixing 80-proof spirits like vodka, gin, or tequila with diet mixers is a dependable way to keep calorie counts low.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the premise that Everclear is the lowest calorie alcohol is a myth based on a misunderstanding of calorie density and serving size. When measured ounce for ounce, Everclear is one of the most calorically dense spirits available due to its extremely high proof. For weight-conscious drinkers, the better strategy is to choose a lower-proof spirit or beverage with a lower ABV and avoid high-sugar mixers. While pure spirits like Everclear contain no fat or carbohydrates, their potent alcohol content means a small amount packs a significant caloric punch. To minimize calorie intake, focus on moderation and make smart choices regarding the type and proof of alcohol, as well as the mixers you use.
How to make the lowest-calorie Everclear cocktail
Making a low-calorie drink with Everclear is about dilution and smart mixing. The goal is to use minimal Everclear for a desired alcohol effect and to avoid calorie-heavy additions. Consider these steps:
- Use a small measured portion of Everclear to control the alcohol content.
- Mix with a zero-calorie liquid such as sparkling water, diet tonic, or diet ginger ale.
- Add fresh-squeezed citrus juice for flavor instead of sweetened mixers.
- Garnish with a lime, lemon, or fresh herbs for aroma and taste without adding calories.
