Are you trying to stay in shape or simply making more conscious choices about what to put in your body? Then, knowing how many calories in a shot of whiskey is essential.
So let’s get started and discover your beloved whiskey’s calorie content. You can also find more interesting facts about this beverage!
How Many Calories In A Shot Of Whiskey?
A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof whiskey has 97 calories, while 94-proof whiskey of the same size contains up to 116 calories.
Please note that the calorie content of whiskey varies depending on its type and production process. Since each brand has its own recipe, you may find different amounts of calories in their products.
This chart will show you the ABV (Alcohol By Volume) and calorie count in one serving (one ounce) of some famous whiskey brands:
|
Whiskey Brand |
ABV |
Calories |
| Wild Turkey |
50.5% |
73 |
| Johnnie Walker |
40% |
69 |
| Jameson Irish Whiskey |
40% |
69 |
| Oban |
43% |
70 |
| Glenfiddich |
40% |
69 |
| Bowmore |
43% |
70 |
| Old Forester |
50% |
73 |
| Knob Creek |
50% |
73 |
| High West |
46% |
72 |
| Nikka |
40% |
69 |
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As you can see from the chart, the alcohol content also affects how many calories whiskey has. For example, the ABV of Wild Turkey Whiskey is 50.5%, with a caloric amount of 73. Meanwhile, Oban whiskey, with an ABV of 43%, contains only 76 calories per ounce.
The calorie content of whiskey depends on several factors
Nutritional Value Of Whiskey
Whiskey comes with a large amount of ethanol, making its caloric content that high. Basically, a gram of ethanol has up to 7 calories.
Whiskey is low in sodium, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and saturated fat. In fact, the nutrient with the largest percentage in whiskey is alcohol. Here is what you can get from one shot of 86-proof whiskey:
- Alcohol: 26g
- Energy: 1,046kJ
- Water: 63.9g
- Carbohydrate: 0.1g
- Sugars: 0.1g
- Iron: 0.02mg
- Phosphorus: 3mg
- Potassium: 1mg
- Zinc: 0.02mg
- Copper: 0.01mg
- Manganese: 0.01mg
Besides, whiskey is abundant in antioxidants that can increase with the wine’s age. Moreover, whiskey consumption can reduce the serum urate levels in your body. Hence, there will be lower risks of gout.
This video will reveal more surprising benefits of whiskey that you may not have known before:
How to Choose a Low-Calorie Whiskey?
Too many calories in the whiskey will drive you off track. But don’t panic! The following tips will help you enjoy it with ease.
Go for clear spirits
Although oak barrels enhance the hue and flavor of the whiskey, they also tend to increase their calorie content.
If you’re trying to cut down its calories, clear spirits, like gin and vodka, are smart choices because they often have fewer calories.
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Avoid the sweeteners
Some winemakers add honey and syrups to their whiskey to make it sweeter and easier to consume. Yet, these additives will raise the caloric content in the wine.
So, choose whiskey labeled “unsweetened” or “dry” to reduce your caloric intake.
Choose a lower proof
The term “proof” refers to the percentage of ethanol in an alcoholic beverage.
The higher the proof, the more alcohol and calories your wine has. If you don’t want a lot of calories, choose a lower-proof whiskey.
Use straight stuff
Some may like to mix whiskey with other ingredients, such as juice or soda. Of course, these beverages contain a lot of calories. So, instead, use straight whiskey and add some rocks. It’s good enough to elevate your mood.
Watch the portion size
The more whiskey you drink, the more calories you get. As a result, be mindful of how much wine you have drank and stop when needed.
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Best low-calories whiskey
Luckily, you don’t have to think about how to cut down the number of calories in your beverage by choosing low-calorie whiskeys. The most popular options in this category are:
- Makers Mark
- Bulleit Bourbon
- Johnnie Walker Black Label
- Highland Park 12 Year Old
Tips for getting low-calorie whiskey
Can You Drink Whiskey When Trying to Lose Weight?
Whiskey has no fats, sugars, or carbohydrates. Hence, some people include unsweetened whiskey in their daily meals while attempting to lose weight.
Compared to beer and other types of wine, whiskey is more suitable for those who are on a diet. However, the caloric content in this beverage is a headache. As a result, do not drink it, thinking that it can help you drop some pounds.
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How To Balance Out Calories In Whiskey?
If a shot of whiskey has too many calories and you find it unhealthy, try to balance it out using these tips:
- Sip your whiskey slowly to enjoy it fully without overconsumption.
- Remember to eat before you drink. Fodo with a high protein content, like fish and meat, will slow your alcoholic absorption.
- Try to alternate whiskey with non-alcoholic beverages, like soda and water.
- Exercise often to balance out the calories you get from drinking whiskey.
How Many Calories In A Shot Of Bourbon?
Bourbon is an American version of whiskey with similar ingredients. Hence, it has the same calorie amount of 97 per shot.
Similarly, the calorie content in bourbon differs depending on these factors:
- The kind of bourbon
- The proof level
- The brand
Bourbon is whiskey in the American style
Conclusion
There are about 97 calories in a shot of whiskey. But the answer depends on several factors. As a general rule, the higher the alcohol content, the more calories it has.
Whether you’re a whiskey lover or just watching your calories, we hope you find this article helpful. For any further information, please feel free to ask!
Thank you for reading!
