Whiskey is a spirit distilled from a fermented mash of grain. For those monitoring their dietary intake, understanding the caloric contribution of distilled spirits is important. When consumed on its own, the calorie count of whiskey is relatively easy to determine, as its composition remains consistent after distillation.
The Core Calorie Count
A standard serving of whiskey, defined as a 1.5-ounce pour, contains a predictable amount of calories. For a typical 80-proof whiskey (40% alcohol by volume), this serving size falls in the range of 95 to 105 calories. This caloric content is derived almost entirely from the alcohol itself. Unlike beer or wine, straight distilled whiskey contains virtually no carbohydrates, sugar, fat, or protein.
What Determines Whiskey’s Caloric Content
The number of calories in a pour of whiskey is directly determined by its alcohol content, which is measured by “proof.” Alcohol (ethanol) provides approximately seven calories per gram, nearly twice the four calories per gram found in carbohydrates or protein. Since all calories in whiskey come from ethanol, a higher proof means a higher percentage of alcohol and, consequently, a greater number of calories per volume. The proof number is simply double the alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. For instance, an 80-proof whiskey is 40% ABV, while a 100-proof spirit is 50% ABV. This linear relationship means a 1.5-ounce serving of 90-proof whiskey contains approximately 110 calories, an increase of about 15 calories over the 80-proof version. Stepping up to a 100-proof whiskey increases the count to about 124 calories per standard pour.
The Impact of Mixers and Serving Size
While straight whiskey is low in calories and free of sugar, the total caloric intake changes dramatically when the spirit is mixed or the serving size is increased. Many commercial mixed drinks and cocktails can triple or quadruple the calorie count of the base spirit. The addition of sugary sodas, juices, or sweet syrups introduces significant amounts of carbohydrates and sugar. For example, a whiskey and cola can easily contain around 140 to 150 calories. A classic cocktail like a Whiskey Sour, which includes sugar syrup and lemon juice, typically ranges from 150 to 175 calories. An Old Fashioned, made with a sugar cube and bitters, generally lands around 118 calories, demonstrating a more moderate increase. Furthermore, a “double” pour immediately doubles the base calorie count to about 190 to 210 calories before any mixers are included.