Tag: Beer vs spirits

With approximately 7 calories per gram, alcohol is nearly as calorie-dense as pure fat. When it comes to the great debate of what's more fattening, beer or spirits, the answer isn't as simple as it seems, requiring a closer look at serving sizes, mixers, and how your body processes alcohol.

Medical experts universally agree that excessive alcohol consumption is detrimental to health, increasing risks for numerous illnesses. However, when consumed in moderation, some alcoholic drinks contain antioxidant compounds that may offer certain advantages or have fewer downsides than others. This comparison explores the relative pros and cons.

According to the World Health Organization, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for health. However, the question of whether one type is worse than another, such as is beer as bad for you as other alcohol, is a common one with a nuanced answer involving volume, ABV, and other factors.

One gram of pure alcohol contains 7 calories, nearly as many as one gram of fat. While spirits like vodka or whiskey have a relatively low calorie count per shot, sugary liqueurs and mixers can dramatically increase the total, leading to the question: which alcoholic drink has the highest calories?

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard 12-ounce beer and a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits contain roughly the same amount of pure alcohol. This raises the question for many drinkers: what are the real differences between a can of beer vs shot of whiskey beyond their alcohol volume?

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard drink contains roughly 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol, regardless of the beverage type. This fundamental fact debunks the common misconception regarding the debate: **Is beer stronger than spirits?** The perceived strength is more about alcohol concentration and consumption patterns than the liquid itself.