If you are like me, you never considered the calorie count of a shot of whiskey while sitting at the bar. Just keep ’em coming is the motto. But did you know that whiskey is pretty heavy regarding the calorie count?
A 1.5oz shot of whisky generally contains around 100 calories. However, the calorie content can vary depending on the type of whiskey and how it is made.
Now that’s quite a bit if you watch the waistline during the day with a diet, but you could kill it if you end the day with just a few shots.
Here’s a breakdown:
- A 1.5-ounce shot of whisky contains approximately 100 calories.
- A 2-ounce shot of whisky contains approximately 130 calories.
- A 3-ounce shot of whisky contains approximately 190 calories.
As you can see, the calories in whisky can really start to add up. If you’re looking to cut back on your calorie intake, it’s best to stick to one shot of whisky per day (or less).
One positive is that whisky is low in carbs.
For example, a single malt scotch whisky like The Macallan 12-Year-Old Double Cask has an ABV of 40%, meaning that there are approximately 80 calories in each 30ml serving.
Meanwhile, a blended Scotch whisky like Johnnie Walker Black Label has an ABV of 40% and contains around 80 calories per 30ml serving. So, if you’re looking to cut down on your alcohol intake or simply want to know how many calories are in your favorite tipple, read on for our comprehensive guide!
Here is a comparison chart of 50 popular whiskey brands, showing the alcohol by volume (ABV), calories per 1 oz serving, and a brief description of the flavor profile of each:
| Whiskey Brand | ABV | Calories (per 1 oz) | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Daniels | 40% | 69 | Smooth and distinctive |
| Jameson Irish Whiskey | 40% | 69 | Smooth and approachable |
| Johnnie Walker | 40% | 69 | Wide range of offerings with various flavor profiles |
| Maker’s Mark | 45% | 69 | Sweet and smooth |
| Bushmills Irish Whiskey | 40% | 69 | Light and smooth |
| Crown Royal | 40% | 69 | Sweet and smooth |
| Bulleit Bourbon | 45% | 69 | Spicy and bold |
| Jim Beam | 40% | 69 | Classic and versatile |
| Glenlivet | 40% | 69 | Smooth and fruity |
| Wild Turkey | 50.5% | 73 | Bold and intense |
| Chivas Regal | 40% | 69 | Rich and smooth |
| Oban | 43% | 70 | Rich and smoky |
| Lagavulin | 43% | 70 | Intense and peaty |
| Laphroaig | 48% | 73 | Intense and smoky |
| Glenfiddich | 40% | 69 | Smooth and sweet |
| Talisker | 45.8% | 72 | Peaty and spicy |
| Macallan | 43% | 70 | Rich and smooth |
| Balvenie | 40% | 69 | Smooth and sweet |
| Bowmore | 43% | 70 | Peaty and smoky |
| Glenmorangie | 43% | 70 | Smooth and delicate |
| Ardbeg | 46% | 72 | Peaty and smoky |
| Old Forester | 50% | 73 | Bold and smooth |
| Woodford Reserve | 45.2% | 70 | Rich and smooth |
| Four Roses | 50% | 73 | Smooth and floral |
| Knob Creek | 50% | 73 | Bold and smooth |
| Elijah Craig | 47% | 71 | Bold and smooth |
| Buffalo Trace | 45% | 69 | Smooth and rich |
| Evan Williams | 43% | 70 | Smooth and sweet |
| Booker’s | 60.5% | 78 | Bold and intense |
| Tullamore D.E.W. | 40% | 69 | Smooth and approachable |
| The Glenlivet | 40% | 69 | Smooth and fruity |
| J.P. Wiser’s | 40% | 69 | Smooth and versatile |
| Canadian Club | 40% | 69 | Smooth and versatile |
| Seagram’s Seven Crown | 40% | 69 | Smooth and versatile |
| Suntory Yamazaki | 43% | 70 | Rich and smooth |
| Nikka | 40% | 69 | Smooth and versatile |
| Michter’s | 45% | 69 | Smooth and rich |
| High West | 46% | 72 | Smooth and rich |
| Templeton Rye | 40% | 69 | Smooth and spicy |
| William Larue Weller | 45% | 69 | Smooth and rich |
| Basil Hayden’s | 40% | 69 | Smooth and spicy |
| Knob Creek Bourbon | 50% | 73 | Bold and smooth |
| Blanton’s | 46.5% | 72 | Rich and smooth |
| Elijah Craig Barrel Proof | 57% | 74 |
How to Choose a Low-Calorie Whiskey
When trying to cut down on calories, you may wonder if you need to give up your beloved whiskey. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy your favorite drink while still staying on track.
Here are a few tips on how to choose a low-calorie whiskey:
1. Go for Clear Spirits.
Whiskey that has been aged in oak barrels tends to be higher in calories since the barrels add flavor and color to the liquor. Clear spirits like vodka and gin are typically lower in calories, so they’re a good option if you want to cut back.
2. Avoid the Sweet Stuff.
Whiskeys that are sweetened with syrups or honey are also higher in calories. If you’re looking for a low-calorie option, stick to whiskeys labeled “dry” or “un-sweetened.”.
3. Choose a Lower Proof.
The higher the alcohol content, the higher the calorie count. So, if you’re looking for a lighter option, choose a lower-quality whiskey.
4. Go for the Straight Stuff.
Whiskeys mixed with other ingredients, like soda or juice, will also be higher in calories. If you want to keep things light, stick to straight whiskey or whiskey on the rocks.
5. Watch Your Portion Size.
Even the lowest-calorie whiskeys can add up if you’re not careful with your portion size.
Can you gain weight by drinking whiskey?
Too much of anything is bad including whiskey. In addition to ~110 calories in a shot, when you consume any alcohol, your metabolism is kicked into gear to eliminate the alcohol from your body before it starts to break down anything you have eaten recently. So if you drink whiskey with a high-carb meal, it will be ~ 1 hour before your body starts to break down all those carbs.
Can You Drink Whiskey When Attempting to Lose Weight?
No, you cannot drink whiskey when attempting to lose weight because it contains 7 calories per gram.
Does Scotch Whisky Have More Calories Than Bourbon Whisky?
A standard 1.5-ounce serving of scotch whiskey has about 105 calories, while a 1.5-ounce serving of bourbon whiskey has about 124 calories. So, scotch whiskey is better if you’re watching your calorie intake.
How Many Units and Calories Are There in a Bottle of Whisky?
There are approximately 740 calories in a bottle of whisky.
Top 7 Low-Calorie Whiskeys
Whisky is often considered an unhealthy drink due to its high-calorie content. However, there are a few low-calorie whiskeys available that can be enjoyed without guilt.
Here are the top 5 low-calorie whiskeys:
1. Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
This whisky has a light, floral flavor and only contains 96 calories per serving.
2. The Macallan 12 Year Old
This whisky is aged in sherry casks, giving it a rich, full flavor. It contains 98 calories per serving.
3. Highland Park 12 Year Old
This whisky has a light, smoky flavor and contains 100 calories per serving.
4. Glenlivet 12 Year Old
This whisky has a fruity, floral flavor and contains 102 calories per serving.
5. Johnnie Walker Black Label
Johnnie Walker is a world-renowned whisky brand known for its high quality and distinctively smooth taste with 104 calories per shot. The Johnnie Walker Black Label is one of the most popular expressions of the Johnnie Walker range and is loved by whisky fans worldwide.
6. Makers Mark
Whisky is a popular alcoholic beverage enjoyed by many around the world. While its calorie content varies depending on the type of whisky, an average of 110 calories per shot is a fair estimate for Makers Mark.
7. Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit bourbon whiskey contains approximately 69 calories per 1.5 oz serving.
Low-Calorie Whiskey Cocktails
If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing low-calorie whiskey cocktail, look no further than the recipes below. From the classic Manhattan to a refreshing Whiskey Sour, these cocktails will surely hit the spot without packing on the pounds.
The Manhattan is a classic whiskey cocktail that has been around since the late 1800s. This drink is typically made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
A Whiskey Sour is a refreshing and tart cocktail perfect for summertime sipping. This drink is made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It’s a delicious way to enjoy whiskey without all the calories.
The Old Fashioned is a classic whiskey cocktail that is perfect for those who enjoy a strong drink. This drink is made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of orange. It’s a delicious way to enjoy whiskey neat or on the rocks.
How Many Calories Are Burned by Drinking Whiskey?
Whiskey is a calorie-dense drink, packing over 100 calories into a single shot (about 1.5 fluid ounces).
But does that mean that drinking whiskey makes you fat?
Not necessarily. The number of calories you burn depends on various factors, including your weight, gender, and activity level.
But on average, a person burns about 90-120 calories per drink. So, if you’re a woman who weighs 140 pounds and has two drinks, you can expect to burn about 180-240 calories.
For men, the calorie burn is slightly higher, about 200-270 calories for two drinks. And if you’re a heavier person, you’ll also burn more calories per drink.
If you drink moderately and pair it with a healthy diet, you can enjoy your whiskey without packing on the pounds.
Whiskey: the drink that burns calories and makes you fat.
Conclusion
Whisky is generally a very calorie-dense drink, with a single shot containing around 100 calories. However, the calorie content can vary depending on the type of whisky and how it is made.
If you’re looking to cut down on your alcohol intake or want to know how many calories are in your favorite tipple, then be sure to check the label before you pour yourself a dram!
