Nutrition Diet: Which alcohol has the most calories per shot?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that alcohol contains almost as many calories per gram as pure fat? This is a key factor when considering which alcohol has the most calories per shot?, with the highest concentrations found in extremely high-proof spirits and sugary liqueurs.

Quick Summary

This article examines how proof and added sugar impact the calorie density of alcohol, identifying Everclear as having the highest calories per shot due to its potency. It also details the broader nutritional consequences of consuming alcohol, offering healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Everclear Has the Most Calories Per Shot: At 190 proof, Everclear is the most calorie-dense liquor, with around 285 calories per 1.5-ounce shot.
Proof and Sugar Drive Calories: A spirit's calorie count is determined by its alcohol concentration (7 calories per gram) and any added sugars.
Sweet Liqueurs are Calorie-Dense: Drinks like Triple Sec and Crème de Menthe can have more calories per shot than standard 80-proof spirits due to added sugar.
Alcohol Hinders Fat Burning: The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, slowing down the burning of fat and contributing to weight gain.
Choose Low-Calorie Alternatives: For diet-conscious drinkers, options like unflavored spirits mixed with club soda, dry wines, and hard seltzers are better choices.

What Drives the Calorie Count in a Shot?

Alcoholic drinks contain calories from two main sources: the alcohol itself and any added ingredients like sugar. Ethanol, the alcohol component, contains 7 calories per gram, making it a concentrated energy source, second only to fat at 9 calories per gram. This means that the higher the alcohol percentage, or proof, the more calories a spirit will have. In contrast, liqueurs and mixed drinks derive a significant portion of their calories from high sugar content.

The Most Caloric Alcohol Per Shot

When evaluating a standard 1.5-ounce shot, a few specific types of alcohol stand out for their high calorie content. The undisputed champion is Everclear, particularly its 190-proof variety, which contains an astounding 285 calories per shot. This is due to its near-pure alcohol concentration. However, it is not the only high-calorie offender. Sweet liqueurs, which may have a lower proof but are packed with sugar, also contribute significantly. For example, a shot of Triple Sec can have around 225 calories, and Crème de Menthe can contain 187 calories. Overproof rums, like Bacardi 151, also pack a significant punch with around 185 calories per shot.

Calorie Comparison: Spirits vs. Liqueurs

For those watching their calorie intake, understanding the difference between unflavored spirits and sweet liqueurs is crucial. While a standard 80-proof spirit like vodka or gin contains about 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot, a sweet liqueur with added sugar or cream can easily double that count.


Beverage Type	Proof	Serving Size	Approximate Calories
Everclear	190 (95% ABV)	1.5 oz	285
Triple Sec	60	1.5 oz	225
Crème de Menthe	72	1.5 oz	187
Coffee Liqueur (with cream)	varies	1.5 oz	154
Whiskey (100 proof)	100	1.5 oz	123
Vodka (80 proof)	80	1.5 oz	97

The Nutritional Impact of 'Empty Calories'

Beyond the immediate calorie count, alcohol can affect your diet and metabolism in several ways. The calories from alcohol are considered 'empty calories' because they provide energy without any essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or fiber. This can cause your body to store fat instead of burning it. When alcohol is consumed, the liver prioritizes metabolizing it as it is a toxin, putting the normal fat-burning process on hold.

Alcohol consumption can also increase your appetite and lower your inhibitions, making you more likely to choose high-fat and high-sugar foods. Over time, these combined effects can lead to weight gain and an increased risk for health issues like diabetes and heart problems. Excessive drinking can also interfere with nutrient absorption, potentially leading to deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals such as Thiamine and B12.

Strategies for a Healthier Approach

If you are watching your caloric intake but still want to enjoy an occasional drink, there are smart strategies to follow. The key is to minimize the intake of both alcohol and added sugars.

Choose clear spirits: Opt for spirits like vodka, gin, or tequila. A standard shot has a consistent and relatively low calorie count, assuming it's unflavored.
Use zero-calorie mixers: Avoid high-sugar mixers like regular soda, tonic water, and juice. Instead, use club soda, diet soda, or sparkling water. A vodka soda with a squeeze of fresh lime is a classic low-calorie choice.
Opt for drier wines: Dry red or white wines have lower residual sugar than sweeter dessert wines, which means fewer calories. A 5-ounce glass of dry wine can have around 120-125 calories.
Savor a spritzer: A wine spritzer, made with white wine and club soda, can significantly lower the calorie content per glass.
Enjoy hard seltzers: These popular options typically contain around 90-100 calories per 12-ounce can and are low in sugar.
Keep it simple: When ordering cocktails, ask for fresh ingredients instead of syrups. A mojito made with a sugar substitute is a great example.

Conclusion

While Everclear stands out as the highest-calorie alcohol per shot due to its exceptionally high proof, it is sweet liqueurs and heavily sweetened mixers that are the most common source of excess calories for many drinkers. Understanding that both alcohol content and added sugars contribute to the total calorie count allows for smarter choices. For those on a nutrition diet, opting for lower-proof, unsweetened spirits, or using zero-calorie mixers is the most effective way to enjoy a drink while managing caloric intake. Ultimately, moderation remains the most important factor, regardless of the drink chosen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, higher-proof alcohol contains more concentrated ethanol, which directly translates to a higher calorie count. For example, a 100-proof spirit will have more calories per shot than an 80-proof spirit.

Standard, unflavored spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila of the same proof have very similar calorie counts per shot. Any significant difference usually comes from added flavors or sugars, which is why liqueurs are often higher in calories.

Cocktails often combine multiple alcoholic ingredients with high-sugar mixers like soda, syrups, and fruit juices. This combination of alcohol and sugar can result in a total calorie count that is significantly higher than a single shot of plain spirit.

Clear spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila tend to have the lowest calories per serving when consumed neat or with zero-calorie mixers like club soda. Light beers and hard seltzers are also low-calorie options.

Alcohol provides empty calories and can interfere with the body's fat-burning process. It can also increase appetite and lower inhibitions, leading to poor food choices, which can hinder weight loss efforts.

To reduce calories, use mixers like club soda, diet tonic water, or sparkling water. Adding a squeeze of fresh citrus juice or infusing your drink with herbs like mint or rosemary can also enhance flavor without adding calories.

Yes, even moderate drinking can contribute to weight gain over time, as the calories from alcohol are often consumed in addition to a person's regular diet. Paying attention to overall intake is important for weight management.