Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Lydia Martin
As you know, distilled alcohol has fewer calories than beer and wine. When you’re trying to watch your weight, we think it’s crucial that you take every alcohol sip (or shot) into account.
So, How many calories in a shot of bourbon? We’ll tell you all about it below.
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ToggleNumber of Calories in a Shot of Bourbon
According to the USDA, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof bourbon has 97 calories.
However, that calorie number is only the average and should never be considered actual data for every occurrence. Many factors can affect the calorie number present in each shot of whiskey.
Factors That May Affect ts Number of Calories
Alcohol By Volume
The 97 calorie count per 1.5 glass of bourbon is only valid for 80-proof bottles (the standard for most). Most whiskey bottles, such as Jack Daniel’s No. 7 and Wild Turkey, are 80 proof.
However, if you were to drink whiskey with 100 proof, such as the Old Forester 100 Proof or the Evan Williams White Label, you could easily be getting 124 calories per drink.
Here’s the general rule: the higher the proof, the more calories there are in one shot.
Brand
The calorie count in each 1.5 oz shot of bourbon would also vary depending on the brand.
For example, a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey with the same 80 proof has 104 calories versus Johnnie Walker (Black Label)’s 98 calories.
When Mixed
Of course, if you choose to have your whiskey in a cocktail, such as an Old Fashioned or a classic Manhattan, keep in mind the number of calories in the mixer. [1]
A classic Manhattan, complete with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, has a whopping 187 calories on average. It may be easy to over-indulge yourself if you’re not careful!
How Many Carbs Does Bourbon Have?
If you’re counting carbs, consider this article as your sigh of relief — bourbons don’t contain carbs.
Like other distilled spirits (gin, vodka, and brandy), whiskey has zero carbohydrates. This is because the sugar initially present in the fermented brew had been eliminated to create a stronger, more concentrated spirit.
Most of the time, carbs are only present in drinks when there is sugar. But is bourbon gluten-free?
Will Drinking It Make You Fat?
Believe it or not, the answer to this question is both a yes and no.
How so?
Drinking the booze itself will not make you fat. In fact, some studies have shown that drinking bourbon can even help with weight management and prevent heart disease, but it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a healthy diet. It’s also not a free pass to indulge in spirits all you want!
However, the sugars in the mixers in a bourbon cocktail can turn into unwanted fats when they react to alcohol. It’s best to have a dram neat if you don’t want to gain weight.
Some people also feel hungry after drinking, and they crave the wrong food, thus resulting in growing fatter.
Can You Drink It When You’re On a Diet?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to drink bourbon even if you’re dieting! In fact, you’ll find that most pure alcoholic drinks, like vodka, brandy, and whiskey, are A-okay, because they’re all carb and sugar-free.
However, this doesn’t give you the free pass to imbibe straight bourbon all you want. It’s best to limit yourself to one to two drinks per day (or whenever a special occasion calls for a celebration).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the calories in bourbon be more fattening than whiskey?
Well, bourbon is a type of whiskey, so we would say that they have more or less the same calories.
The difference between bourbon and whiskey is that the former must be made with a corn-heavy fermented mash bill (at least 51 percent) and aged in new, charred oak barrels, while the latter requires a mash bill made from malted barley.
How many calories are in 1 oz of bourbon?
There are 70 calories in 1 ounce of bourbon. Most countries, including the US, measure a standard shot glass at 1.5 ounces. However, a shot glass measures just 1 ounce in Australia and India. But is bourbon good for you?
Is bourbon more fattening than whiskey?
Bourbon and whiskey are terms often used interchangeably, but bourbon is a type of whiskey. In terms of caloric content, bourbon and whiskey generally have similar calorie counts.
The difference in flavor may lead to variations in serving sizes or mixing choices, potentially affecting overall caloric intake. However, the primary factors impacting calories are alcohol content and any mixers used.
Is bourbon OK to drink on a diet?
Moderation is key when incorporating any alcoholic beverages into a diet. Bourbon, like other spirits, is relatively low in carbohydrates and has no fat or cholesterol. However, it does contribute calories.
If you’re mindful of caloric intake, choosing to enjoy bourbon neat or with calorie-free mixers can be a reasonable option. It’s essential to consider the overall balance of your diet and consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns.
Is bourbon a high-calorie drink?
Bourbon is a distilled spirit, and its caloric content primarily comes from alcohol. On its own, bourbon is not exceptionally high in calories compared to other alcoholic beverages.
However, the caloric content can increase when mixed with sugary or high-calorie mixers. Like any alcoholic drink, moderation is important for those mindful of their calorie intake.
Is 2 shots of bourbon a day bad?
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered acceptable for many individuals. While some studies suggest potential health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, it’s crucial to adhere to recommended guidelines.
For most adults, moderate drinking is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Exceeding these limits may have negative health effects, including an increased risk of various health issues.
Which alcohol has the lowest calories?
Among common spirits, distilled options like vodka, gin, and tequila typically have fewer calories per serving compared to beers, wines, or cocktails. These spirits are often chosen by individuals looking to minimize caloric intake while still enjoying alcoholic beverages.
However, the caloric content can vary based on the specific brand and proof of the spirit.
Is bourbon whiskey full of sugar?
Bourbon, like other whiskies, is distilled from fermented grain mash and does not contain added sugar during the distillation process. However, some flavored or spiced whiskies may have added sugars.
When consumed neat or with water, bourbon itself is sugar-free.
If mixed with sugary mixers or used in cocktails with added sweeteners, the overall sugar content of the drink will increase. It’s essential to be mindful of mixers and additives when assessing the sugar content of a bourbon-based beverage.
Is bourbon the healthiest alcohol?
There isn’t a definitive answer to which alcohol is the healthiest, as it depends on various factors, including individual health conditions and moderation. Bourbon, like other types of whiskey, contains antioxidants from the grains used in the distillation process.
While moderate alcohol consumption may have certain health benefits, excessive drinking can lead to negative health effects.
It’s essential to consider overall lifestyle and health when making choices about alcohol consumption.
Which is healthier, bourbon, or Scotch?
The health benefits of bourbon and Scotch are generally comparable since both are types of whiskey. The differences lie in flavor profiles, production methods, and regional variations.
Bourbon is primarily produced in the United States and is often sweeter due to the use of new charred oak barrels, while Scotch is produced in Scotland and can have a broader range of flavors depending on the region and aging process.
Ultimately, the healthiness of these beverages depends on individual preferences and how they fit into a balanced lifestyle.
Is bourbon full of carbs?
Bourbon, like other pure spirits, is generally low in carbohydrates. During the distillation process, the sugars from the grains used in bourbon production are converted into alcohol. This means that bourbon itself is carbohydrate-free. However, the mixers or additions used in cocktails may contribute carbohydrates, so it’s essential to consider the overall composition of the drink.
Does bourbon make you gain weight?
The calories in bourbon come from alcohol, not fat, and can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively.
In moderation, bourbon on its own is relatively low in calories. However, cocktails or mixers that contain additional sugars and calories can contribute to weight gain.
Like any alcoholic beverage, moderation is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Does bourbon cause belly fat?
Excessive alcohol consumption, including bourbon, can contribute to weight gain and may lead to the accumulation of visceral fat, including belly fat.
Alcohol can impact metabolism and fat storage in the body.
Consuming bourbon in moderation, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, is less likely to contribute to the development of excess belly fat.
What alcohol is most fattening?
The caloric content of alcoholic beverages varies, and the most fattening drinks are often those with high sugar content or mixers.
Cocktails and sweetened beverages tend to be more calorically dense. Liqueurs, flavored spirits, and certain mixed drinks can be particularly high in calories.
It’s important to be mindful of the overall calorie content of alcoholic beverages and choose drinks with lower calorie mixers if weight management is a concern.
Final Verdict: How Many Calories In A Shot Of Bourbon?
There are 97 calories in a standard 1.5 oz shot of alcohol.
1.5 ounces is the standard drink size for most hard spirits, so if you want to consume this drink, it’s a healthier alternative as opposed to beer or wine.
Of course, the calorie count varies depending on the alcohol proof, brand, and sugary mixers used. If you were drinking a 100-proof whiskey, each drink would have 124 calories.
If you were to enjoy your favorite whiskey in a classic Manhattan, you would have consumed 187 calories (about as much as a standard beer bottle).
Although this alcohol is perfectly safe to drink without worrying about weight gain, it’s best to consume whiskey neat or on the rocks for fewer calories.
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