Is Whisky the Lowest Calorie Alcohol? A Detailed Look

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

With approximately 7 calories per gram, alcohol is a surprisingly calorie-dense substance. This raises a common question for the health-conscious drinker: is whisky the lowest calorie alcohol? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, depending largely on proof and mixers.

Quick Summary

This guide compares the calorie content of whisky with other popular alcoholic beverages like vodka, gin, and beer. It explains how factors such as alcohol by volume (ABV), proof, and cocktail ingredients influence a drink's total calories, offering insights for those monitoring their intake.

Key Points

Similar to other clear spirits: A standard shot of whisky has a calorie count very similar to vodka, gin, and tequila when compared at the same proof.
Mixers are the main calorie source: High-sugar mixers like soda, juice, or sweetened liqueurs add significant calories, often outweighing the base alcohol's contribution.
Proof level matters: Higher-proof spirits contain more alcohol per volume, resulting in more calories per serving. An 80-proof whisky has fewer calories than a 100-proof version.
Zero-carb alcohol: All distilled spirits, including whisky, contain zero carbohydrates and sugars when consumed neat.
Metabolism of alcohol: Your body prioritizes processing alcohol, which temporarily pauses your body's ability to burn fat.
Cocktails vs. straight pours: A simple, neat pour of whisky is significantly lower in calories than most mixed drinks and many beers and wines.

Understanding Alcohol Calories

All pure alcohol contains roughly 7 calories per gram, which is more than carbohydrates (4 kcal/g) and protein (4 kcal/g), and only slightly less than fat (9 kcal/g). Because distilled spirits like whisky have had most carbohydrates and sugars removed during the distillation process, their calorie content comes almost entirely from the alcohol itself. This is why, on a pure liquid basis, they can appear to be low in calories. However, a drink's final calorie count is heavily influenced by its strength (proof) and any added ingredients. High-proof spirits contain more alcohol and thus more calories per serving than lower-proof ones.

Whisky vs. Other Spirits: A Calorie Comparison

When looking at standard 1.5-ounce (44ml) servings of 80-proof (40% ABV) spirits, the calorie differences are minimal. Many people assume vodka is the lowest, but a typical serving is nearly identical to whisky. The real difference comes from how each spirit is traditionally consumed. Vodka is often paired with high-sugar mixers, while whisky is more frequently enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with zero-calorie mixers like soda water. A zero-carb, no-sugar spirit is an excellent starting point for a low-calorie drink.

Vodka: An average 1.5 oz shot contains around 96 calories.
Whisky (Bourbon, Scotch): A 1.5 oz shot typically contains 97–110 calories, varying slightly with proof.
Gin: A 1.5 oz shot is about 98 calories.
Tequila (Blanco): A 1.5 oz shot is approximately 96–100 calories.
Rum: White rum is around 97 calories per 1.5 oz, while dark and spiced rums can be higher due to added sugars.

The Impact of Mixers, Cocktails, and Other Alcohol Types

The choice of mixer is often the largest factor influencing the total calories of a drink. A neat shot of whisky has a standard calorie count, but adding a sugary soda or juice can quickly double or triple that number. Complex cocktails are even higher in calories due to multiple high-sugar ingredients.

Here’s a look at how other popular alcoholic beverages and mixes stack up:

Beer: Light beers are a lower-calorie choice, typically 90–110 calories for a 12-ounce serving. However, regular and craft beers can range from 150 to over 300 calories per serving.
Wine: A standard 5-ounce glass of dry wine contains around 120–130 calories. Sweeter dessert wines will have more.
Hard Seltzers: Most brands contain around 100 calories per 12-ounce can, with very low or zero sugar content.
Standard Cocktails: Many popular cocktails are calorie bombs. For example, a Moscow Mule can have over 160 calories, while a Long Island Iced Tea can have several hundred.

Comparison Table: Calories in Common Alcoholic Drinks (approximate)


Drink Type	Serving Size	Calories	Notes
Whisky (80 proof)	1.5 oz	97–105	Calories from alcohol only.
Vodka (80 proof)	1.5 oz	~96	Calories from alcohol only.
Light Beer	12 oz	90–110	Contains some carbs.
Dry Wine	5 oz	120–130	Contains some carbs and sugar.
Hard Seltzer	12 oz	80–100	Very low sugar.
Mojito	Standard recipe	215–245	High in sugar from syrup.

Alcohol Metabolism and Weight Management

Your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other nutrients, effectively putting a pause on fat burning. This is because alcohol is treated as a toxin, and the liver works hard to process and remove it from the system. Consuming large amounts of alcohol can disrupt this process and lead to cravings for high-fat, high-carb foods, which can contribute to weight gain. Moderate consumption and being mindful of mixers are the key strategies for mitigating these effects.

Making Smart Choices for a Lower-Calorie Drink

Choosing lower-calorie alcohol options involves more than just the spirit itself. The surrounding context is crucial. When aiming for fewer calories, a straight, unflavored spirit like whisky, vodka, gin, or tequila is the best choice. Combining it with a zero-calorie mixer is the next best option. Conversely, flavored spirits and high-sugar mixers will significantly increase the calorie load. For weight-conscious individuals, the key is to be aware of the full picture of what they are drinking, not just the base spirit.

Conclusion: The Real Low-Calorie King

While vodka is often cited as the lowest-calorie spirit, the reality is that straight, unflavored, and unadulterated hard liquors like whisky are all in a similar, low-calorie range, especially when compared to most beers and wines. What makes or breaks a drink's calorie count is the proof and, most significantly, the mixer. Enjoying a neat whisky or mixing it with soda water is a far more calorie-efficient choice than a beer or a sugary cocktail. Ultimately, controlling what you mix with your whisky is more important than the marginal calorie difference between it and other plain spirits for managing your caloric intake.

For more comprehensive information on alcohol and nutrition, visit the Better Health Channel at Better Health Channel: Alcohol and weight gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

In their pure, unflavored form and at the same proof (e.g., 80-proof), a standard shot of whisky and vodka have a very similar calorie count, roughly 96–105 calories.

Yes, the calorie count can vary slightly depending on the whisky's proof, or alcohol by volume (ABV). A higher-proof whisky will have a higher calorie count per serving than a lower-proof one.

Generally, yes. A 1.5 oz shot of whisky has fewer calories than a standard 12 oz beer, and it has zero carbs. Many beers, especially craft varieties, are high in calories and carbs, which are often cited as a cause for weight gain.

The lowest calorie options are typically straight, unflavored spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, and whisky, served neat or with zero-calorie mixers like soda water. Dry champagne and light beers are also low-calorie alternatives.

To reduce calories, use zero-calorie mixers such as diet cola, sparkling water, or sugar-free cordials instead of sugary sodas, juices, or syrups. You can also flavor your drink with a splash of citrus juice.

Pure, distilled whisky contains zero carbohydrates and sugars. However, this is only true for unflavored varieties. Flavored whiskies often contain added sugars and thus carbs.

Your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over burning fat, meaning that while your body is busy processing alcohol, it is less efficient at burning fat. Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to weight gain.