The math of this is quite simple – there are 7 calories per gram of alcohol. To find out how many calories are in a shot of whisky, we simply need to convert that into grams, then calculate the grams of alcohol based on it’s proof, and multiply by seven. Simple right? A shot of anything is generally 1.50 fluid ounces, which is 41.7 grams.
Whisky can range in proof, starting at 80 proof, but we’ll stick with some simple math. Let’s go with 80 proof, or 40% alcohol, which gives us 16.68 grams of alcohol. If each gram has 7 calories, we know now that a shot of whisky has about 116.76 calories.
If you have a 43% ABV whisky, that’s 125.517 calories.
And if you drink a cask strength whisky at 60% ABV, then you’re talking a whopping 175.14 calories.
Still not as many calories as a margarita.
Just a bit of a correction since I randomly came across this blog post through Google:
1.5 fl. oz is 44.36 mL in the US, which means a 40% ABV whisky has 17.74 mL of ethanol. Ethanol’s density is only 0.789 g/mL, so the shot contains 14.0 g, or 98 (kilo)calories.
For the UK, the shot is 42.62 mL, 13.45 g of ethanol, and 94.16 (kilo)calories.
Thanks Chris, that was very useful. In simple terms this therefore means that 100ml of whisky contains 5.523 x ABV calories.
I have been seeing this same calculation everywhere, but aren’t there also carbs/sugars in whisky? Whiskey isn’t just alcohol and water. Bourbon in particular seems quite a bit sweeter than vodka.
There’s less than 1 kcal of sugar in 45 ml of bourbon. Perceived sweetness doesn’t require actual sugars, which is why there are so many zero and low calorie sugar replacements out there.
WHAT
@Chris In the UK a single must be either 25ml or 35 ml, and double 50ml or 70ml for whisky. It is written into the UK legislation (Weights and Measures Act of 1985). So you cant have a 42.62 ml shot in a bar or pub or other establishment that falls under the act.
Now I know why i’m getting fat.. 🙁