Drinking alcoholic beverages can have a big impact on your daily calorie intake. If you’re counting calories and enjoy whiskey, it’s important to know how many calories in a shot of whiskey so that you can adjust your calorie budget accordingly. In this blog post we’ll take an in-depth look at the calorie content in various types of whiskeys to help you make smart, informed decisions when it comes to incorporating whiskey into your lifestyle. Let’s dive right in.
Contents
- 1 What is whiskey?
- 2 How many calories in a shot of whiskey?
- 3 Factors affecting calories in a shot of whiskey
- 4 How to calculate calories in a shot of whiskey?
- 5 How many calories in a shot of whiskey by brand?
- 6 How many calories in a shot of whiskey by type?
- 7 Why whiskey is low-calorie?
- 8 How can I enjoy a whiskey with the least amount of calories?
- 9 FAQ: Calories in a shot of whiskey
What is whiskey?
Whiskey, also spelled as whisky in some countries, is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. It usually consists of barley, corn, rye or wheat and is aged in wooden casks for varying lengths of time. The term whiskey comes from the Gaelic word “uisge beatha” which translates to “water of life”. Whiskey is enjoyed neat, on the rocks or as part of a mixed drink and is popular all over the world. It has a distinct taste that varies depending on the type of grain used and the length of aging.
How many calories in a shot of whiskey?
So, how many calories in a shot of whiskey? The number of calories in a shot of whiskey can vary depending on the type of whiskey you’re drinking. Generally, a standard shot (1.5 ounces) of 80-proof whiskey contains approximately 97 calories. However, higher-proof whiskeys can pack more calories per shot. For example, a 100-proof whiskey will have around 124 calories per shot.
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Factors affecting calories in a shot of whiskey
The proof of the whiskey
One of the main factors that determines the calorie content in a shot of whiskey is its proof. The proof refers to the alcohol by volume (ABV) or the percentage of pure alcohol in the drink. The higher the ABV, the more calories are packed into each shot.
Usually, whiskeys have an ABV ranging from 40% to 50%. However, it’s important to note that the calorie content is not directly correlated with the ABV. This means that a higher ABV does not necessarily mean more calories in a shot of whiskey. Other factors such as the ingredients used and the aging process also play a role.
How much is poured?
Another factor that affects the calorie content in a shot of whiskey is the amount poured. A standard serving size of whiskey is considered to be 1.5 ounces or approximately 44ml. This contains an average of 97-124 calories depending on the proof and other factors mentioned above. If you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s important to measure how much you’re pouring to ensure you stay within your desired calorie budget.
How it’s served?
The calories in a shot of whiskey can also vary based on how it’s served. Adding mixers or consuming it in the form of a cocktail will increase the overall calorie count. For example, a whiskey sour made with 1.5 ounces of whiskey but also includes lemon juice and sugar syrup can contain double the amount of calories compared to a straight shot.
How to calculate calories in a shot of whiskey?
To determine how many calories in a shot of whiskey, one can follow a simple calculation. Firstly, convert the volume of the shot into grams. Next, calculate the grams of alcohol based on the proof of the whiskey. Finally, multiply the grams of alcohol by seven, as there are approximately 7 calories per gram of alcohol.
How many calories in a shot of whiskey by brand?
Here’s how many calories in a shot of whiskey from brand to brand:
- Crown Royal Special Reserve: 96 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Jack Daniels: 98 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Glenfiddich Scotch Whiskey: 98 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Wild Turkey: 98 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Bushmills Irish Whiskey: 98 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Johnnie Walker (Black Label): 98 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon: 100 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Chivas Regal Premium Scotch: 104 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Jameson Irish Whiskey: 104 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Johnnie Walker (Red Label): 105 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Fireball: 109 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Bulleit Rye: 109 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Bulleit Bourbon: 109 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Maker’s Mark: 110 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Knob Creek Bourbon: 120 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Wild Turkey 101: 124 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Dalwhinnie Scotch Whiskey: 141 calories per 1.5oz shot
- Cragganmore Scotch Whiskey: 147 calories per 1.5oz shot

How many calories in a shot of whiskey by type?
While the overall range of calories in a shot of whiskey remains relatively consistent, there can still be variations based on the type of whiskey. Here are some common types and their approximate calorie count per 1.5 ounce serving:
- Bourbon: 97-124 calories
- Scotch: 97-124 calories
- Canadian: 97-124 calories
- Irish: 97-124 calories
- Rye: 97-124 calories
As you can see, there isn’t a significant difference in calorie count between these types of whiskeys. However, it’s still important to check the label for specific information as different brands and distilleries may have slight variations.
Why whiskey is low-calorie?
Whiskey is considered low in calories due to its absence of fat, minimal sugar, carbohydrates, and salt content. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who are conscious of their calorie intake.
How can I enjoy a whiskey with the least amount of calories?
If you’re looking to enjoy a shot of whiskey without going over your calorie budget, here are some tips:
- Opt for a straight, neat, or on-the-rocks serving rather than mixed drinks.
- Choose lower-proof whiskeys which will have fewer calories per shot.
- Measure your pour and stick to the standard 1.5-ounce serving size.
- Take breaks in between each sip to give your body time to process the alcohol and prevent overindulging.
- Stay hydrated with water while consuming whiskey as it can be dehydrating, leading to more calorie-dense drinks like sodas or juices.
By keeping these tips in mind and being mindful of your overall calorie intake, you can still enjoy a shot of whiskey without feeling guilty about its impact on your calorie budget.

FAQ: Calories in a shot of whiskey
How many calories in a single shot of whiskey?
A standard shot of whiskey typically contains around 105 calories.
How many calories are in a 25ml shot of whiskey?
A 25ml shot of whiskey usually contains around 117 calories, which is higher compared to other spirits. However, if consumed straight without a mixer, it can result in fewer total calories than other spirits combined with mixers.
How much whiskey is 100 calories?
The average 1.5 oz shot of whiskey contains approximately 108 calories, whereas a shot of vodka typically has around 85-100 calories. If you are looking for a specific amount of whiskey that is 100 calories, it would be slightly less than 1.5 oz.
How many calories are in a 30ml shot of whiskey?
A 30ml shot of whiskey contains approximately 66 calories.
How many calories are in a 750 ml bottle of whiskey?
A 750ml bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey contains just over 1,657 calories.
How many calories are in a 50ml shot of whiskey?
A 50ml shot of whiskey contains approximately 110 calories.