Curious about the kcal in whiskey? Whether you’re calorie counting, cutting carbs, or just wondering how your dram stacks up against beer or wine, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll cover how many calories are in whiskey, from a single shot to an entire bottle, and explain what affects the calorie count in whiskey.
Why Whiskey Has Calories
Whiskey contains calories because alcohol contains energy. A gram of pure alcohol contains around 7 kcal. Since whiskey is usually just alcohol and water, it has no carbs, sugars, fats, or proteins the calories come entirely from the ethanol.
Vanilla, oak, and spice notes in whiskey come from the barrel, but they contribute no nutritional value.
How Many Calories Are in a Shot of Whiskey?
Here’s how whiskey calories break down by serving size:
| Serving Size | ABV | Calories |
| 1 oz (30ml) | 40% | ~65 kcal |
| 1.5 oz (44ml, US shot) | 40% | ~97 kcal |
| 25ml (UK shot) | 40% | ~56–61 kcal |
| 700ml bottle | 40% | ~1,560 kcal |
| 750ml bottle | 50% | ~1,650 kcal |
These numbers assume a whiskey bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). As the alcohol content rises, so does the calorie count.
How Many Calories in a 750ml Bottle of Whiskey?
A 750ml bottle at 40% ABV contains around 1,560 kcal. At 50% ABV, that rises to nearly 1,650 kcal. That’s roughly 80% of the average recommended daily calorie intake for an adult female, not that anyone’s drinking a whole bottle in one go (we hope).
Are Some Whiskeys Higher in Calories?
Yes, particularly single cask or cask strength whiskeys. These are often bottled at 48–60% ABV, which means more ethanol per measure and therefore more kcal.
Georgie Bell, founder of The Heart Cut, notes that all their whiskies sit in the 48–57% ABV range. The Heart Cut must legally provide calorie information on every bottle of whisky that it produces. In an example sent to me by Georgie, a 50.8% ABV bottle of scotch contains 71kcal per 25ml serve.
What’s the Lowest Calorie Way to Drink Whiskey?
If you want to keep calories low:
- Drink whiskey neat
- Add a splash of ice or water
- Use soda water as a mixer
Georgie Bell recommends this approach: “For a lower-cal serve – of course, whisky neat/with ice/with water. Long, I really like it with Soda, and depending on the whisky a couple of drops of Peach bitters. I’d also recommend bitters like Seasn Dark and the Three Families Cocktail Seasonings – especially THIS one.”
She adds: “Obviously with whisky, there’s no added sugar (compared to the potential in other spirits) so, as spirits go, it’s a pretty good pick!”
Bell also highlights specific pairings from The Heart Cut range:
“Our #03 Kyro goes really well with soda, peach bitters and a lemon twist. And then our #12 Nc’nean goes brilliantly with Three Families Pettah Market”
These serve ideas let the whiskey remain the main feature, without piling on extra calories from sugary mixers.
Is Whiskey a Low-Calorie Alcohol?
Compared to wine, beer, and cocktails, yes.
| Drink | Calories (typical serve) |
| Whiskey (1.5 oz, 40%) | 97 kcal |
| Vodka (1.5 oz, 40%) | 97 kcal |
| Wine (5 oz, 12%) | 120–130 kcal |
| Beer (12 oz, 5%) | 140–200 kcal |
| Margarita (4 oz, mixed) | 200–300 kcal |
That makes whiskey one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic drinks, as long as you don’t add sugary mixers
FAQs
How many calories are in a 1oz shot of whiskey?
About 65 kcal at 40% ABV.
How many calories in whiskey with cola?
Around 200–250 kcal, depending on the cola volume and sugar content. For a lower-calorie serve, use Diet Coke or Pepsi Max.
Do flavored whiskeys have more calories?
Yes. Flavored options (e.g., cinnamon, honey) often contain added sugar. Always check the label.
Is there a difference between bourbon, Irish, or scotch in calories?
Not really. If the ABV and volume are the same, calorie counts are virtually identical.
Read the full article at How Many Calories In Whiskey: Ultimate Guide
