Comparing the Calorie Density: Bourbon vs. Wine
When evaluating the calorie content of alcoholic beverages, it is crucial to consider two primary factors: the alcohol by volume (ABV) and the serving size. A standard glass of wine is a 5-ounce pour, while a standard shot of bourbon is 1.5 ounces. Given these standard measurements, a glass of wine almost always contains more calories than a single shot of bourbon.
The Science Behind Alcohol Calories
All alcoholic beverages contain calories from the alcohol itself, which provides 7 calories per gram—nearly as much as fat, which offers 9 calories per gram. Distilled spirits like bourbon are created by fermenting grains and then distilling the liquid to increase the alcohol concentration. This process effectively removes carbohydrates and sugars. Wine, on the other hand, is fermented from grapes. While most of the sugar is converted to alcohol, some residual sugar remains, contributing to the final calorie count.
A Deeper Dive into Bourbon Calories
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) bourbon contains approximately 97 calories. Because it is a distilled spirit, pure bourbon contains virtually no carbohydrates or sugar. This makes it a lower-calorie, keto-friendly option when consumed neat, on the rocks, or with a zero-calorie mixer like soda water. Adding sugary mixers, like cola or syrups, will significantly increase the total calorie count.
Breaking Down Wine Calories
The calorie content of a glass of wine is more variable than bourbon. A typical 5-ounce glass of dry wine (red or white) contains about 120–130 calories. However, this can fluctuate based on the wine's specific ABV and sweetness level. Sweeter dessert wines, for example, can have a much higher calorie count per ounce due to increased residual sugar. A higher alcohol content also means more calories, as alcohol is the primary source of calories in both beverages.
Calorie Comparison: A Side-by-Side Look
To clearly illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table:
| Feature | Standard 1.5 oz Shot of Bourbon | Standard 5 oz Glass of Dry Wine |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~97 kcal | ~120–130 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | ~3–4g |
| Sugar | 0g | ~1–2g |
| Alcohol Content (ABV) | 40% (80 proof) | ~12–14% |
| Calorie Source | Primarily alcohol | Primarily alcohol and residual sugar |
How Mixing Affects Calories
For both bourbon and wine, the serving style and additions play a major role in the total calorie intake. For instance, a whiskey sour made with sugary syrup will have significantly more calories than a shot of bourbon neat. Similarly, a glass of wine mixed into a spritzer with club soda will be lower in calories than a glass of a sweet dessert wine.
Lower-Calorie Drinking Options
If minimizing calorie intake is your priority, consider the following strategies:
- Drink spirits neat or with low-calorie mixers. Choosing bourbon neat, on the rocks, or with water or zero-calorie soda water keeps the calorie count low and steady.
- Opt for drier wines. Dry red or white wines have less residual sugar and therefore fewer calories than sweeter varieties like Moscato or fortified wines.
- Choose smaller servings. The standard pour size is a critical factor. A single, measured shot of spirits is an efficient way to consume alcohol with fewer calories compared to a large, unmeasured glass of wine.
- Explore non-alcoholic alternatives. If you are simply looking for a flavorful drink, non-alcoholic wines and spirits are a great way to enjoy the taste with minimal calories.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line for Calorie Counters
Ultimately, a standard shot of bourbon contains fewer calories than a standard glass of wine. While a 1.5-ounce pour of bourbon has around 97 calories, a 5-ounce glass of wine typically has 120 calories or more, depending on its ABV and sugar content. Those monitoring their calorie intake might find spirits like bourbon, when consumed without sugary mixers, to be a more predictable and lower-calorie option on a per-drink basis. However, the final calorie count always comes down to the serving size and how the drink is prepared. For more detailed nutritional information on alcoholic beverages, consult reliable sources like MedlinePlus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bourbon or whiskey lower in calories?
Bourbon is a type of whiskey, and the calorie content of most straight whiskies, including bourbon, is consistent. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof whiskey generally contains approximately 97 calories.
How many calories are in a standard glass of wine?
A standard 5-ounce glass of wine contains approximately 120–130 calories, but this can vary based on the wine's alcohol content and residual sugar level. Sweeter wines will have more calories than drier ones.
Does adding a mixer change the calorie count?
Yes, adding mixers significantly impacts the calorie count. Sugary mixers like juice or soda will add a substantial number of calories, while zero-calorie options like soda water will not.
Do carbs contribute to the calories in bourbon?
No, because bourbon is a distilled spirit, it contains no carbohydrates or sugar. Its calories come solely from the alcohol itself.
Why does wine have more sugar than bourbon?
Wine, being a fermented beverage, retains some residual sugar from the grapes used in its production. Bourbon, as a distilled spirit, has all sugars removed during the distillation process.
Are red wine calories different from white wine calories?
On average, red and white wines have similar calorie counts for a dry variety, but there can be small differences based on the specific type, ABV, and sweetness level. Sweeter wines of any color will be higher in calories.
What is the lowest-calorie way to drink alcohol?
Drinking spirits neat, on the rocks, or with zero-calorie mixers is typically the lowest-calorie option per standard serving. This is because spirits like bourbon have no carbs or sugar.
Is higher alcohol content (ABV) always higher in calories?
Yes, since alcohol itself contains calories (7 per gram), a higher ABV directly translates to a higher calorie count for a given volume. This is why a sweeter, high-ABV wine will be more caloric than a drier, lower-ABV one.
Key Takeaways
- Bourbon has fewer calories per standard serving: A 1.5-ounce shot of bourbon contains approximately 97 calories, while a 5-ounce glass of wine has 120-130 calories or more.
- Distillation removes carbs: Pure bourbon is a distilled spirit with zero carbs and sugars, meaning its calories come only from the alcohol.
- Wine calories are more variable: The calorie count in wine can vary depending on its ABV and residual sugar content, with sweeter wines having more calories.
- Mixers increase calorie counts: Any added sugary mixer to either drink will significantly increase the total calorie intake.
- Serving size is crucial: The standard 1.5-ounce shot of bourbon is a smaller volume than the 5-ounce glass of wine, which is a major factor in the calorie difference.
