Key Takeaways
- A standard 1.5-oz shot of 80-proof bourbon has about 97 calories, all of which come from alcohol. There are zero carbs, zero sugar, zero protein, and zero fat.
- Proof directly affects calorie count: Higher-proof bourbons have more calories. A 100-proof pour has roughly 124 calories per shot compared to 97 for 80-proof.
- Bourbon is comparable to other spirits like vodka, gin, and rum in calorie content, but significantly lower than beer and wine per standard serving.
- The real calorie trap is mixers, not the bourbon itself. A bourbon and soda water keeps things light, while a bourbon cocktail with simple syrup and juice can easily double the calorie count.
How Many Calories Are in Bourbon?
Let’s cut right to the numbers. According to the USDA, a standard 1.5-ounce shot (one jigger) of 80-proof bourbon contains approximately 97 calories. Every single one of those calories comes from alcohol itself, which provides 7 calories per gram. There are no calories from carbohydrates, fat, or protein in straight bourbon.
Here’s the breakdown by serving size:
| Serving Size | 80-Proof Bourbon | 90-Proof Bourbon | 100-Proof Bourbon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | ~65 calories | ~73 calories | ~83 calories |
| 1.5 oz (standard shot) | ~97 calories | ~110 calories | ~124 calories |
| 2 oz (generous pour) | ~130 calories | ~147 calories | ~165 calories |
| 3 oz (double) | ~195 calories | ~220 calories | ~248 calories |
If you’re enjoying a Mary Dowling bourbon neat or on the rocks, you’re looking at roughly 97 to 124 calories per standard pour, depending on the expression you choose. The Mary Dowling Winter Wheat Bourbon, for example, is bottled at 92 proof, putting it right around 107 calories per shot.
Bourbon Nutrition Facts: Carbs, Sugar, Protein, and Fat
One of the biggest misconceptions about bourbon is that it must contain sugar or carbs because it’s made from corn. Here’s the reality: the distillation process removes virtually all non-alcohol compounds from the liquid. What goes into the still and what comes out are fundamentally different.
The Complete Nutrition Profile (Per 1.5-oz Shot, 80-Proof)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 97 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Alcohol | 14 g |
Zero carbs. Zero sugar. Zero protein. Zero fat. Straight bourbon is nothing but water, alcohol, and the trace flavor compounds extracted from the charred oak barrel during aging. This is why bourbon is a popular choice for people on keto diets or anyone watching their carbohydrate intake.
One important caveat: this only applies to straight bourbon. Flavored bourbons or bourbon-based liqueurs can contain added sugars that significantly change the nutrition profile. Always check the label if you’re drinking anything other than a traditional straight bourbon.
Curious whether bourbon is safe for those avoiding gluten? We cover that in depth in our guide to whether wheated bourbon is gluten-free.
How Proof and ABV Affect Calories in Bourbon
This is the single most important factor in bourbon’s calorie count. Since all calories in bourbon come from alcohol, the proof (or ABV) is a direct predictor of caloric content. Here’s the math:
- Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram
- Proof = 2x the ABV percentage (so 80-proof = 40% ABV)
- A higher ABV means more grams of alcohol per ounce, which means more calories
| Proof | ABV | Calories Per 1.5-oz Shot | Alcohol Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 proof | 40% | ~97 | 14 g |
| 86 proof | 43% | ~105 | 15 g |
| 90 proof | 45% | ~110 | 16 g |
| 94 proof | 47% | ~116 | 17 g |
| 100 proof | 50% | ~124 | 18 g |
| Cask Strength (~120 proof) | 60% | ~148 | 21 g |
This means a cask-strength bourbon like the Mary Dowling Double Oak Cask Strength will have more calories per pour than a standard 80-proof bottle. But here’s the tradeoff: most people pour less of a cask-strength bourbon, or add water or ice to bring it down to a comfortable sipping proof, which effectively reduces the calorie density of each sip.
Bourbon Calories vs. Other Spirits and Drinks
How does bourbon stack up against other popular alcoholic beverages? Better than you might think. Spirits in general are among the lowest-calorie alcoholic options per standard serving, and bourbon fits right in with the pack.
Calorie Comparison Per Standard Serving
| Beverage | Standard Serving | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon (80-proof) | 1.5 oz | 97 |
| Vodka (80-proof) | 1.5 oz | 97 |
| Gin (80-proof) | 1.5 oz | 97 |
| Rum (80-proof) | 1.5 oz | 97 |
| Tequila (80-proof) | 1.5 oz | 97 |
| Red Wine | 5 oz | 125 |
| White Wine | 5 oz | 121 |
| Regular Beer | 12 oz | 153 |
| Light Beer | 12 oz | 103 |
| Margarita | 8 oz | 274 |
| Piña Colada | 8 oz | 490 |
At the same proof, all unflavored spirits have essentially the same calorie count. The difference is what happens after you pour. Bourbon neat or on the rocks keeps your calorie count at 97. A margarita? You’re looking at nearly triple that. A piña colada? Five times the calories.
Here’s the real advantage bourbon has over beer and wine: you get the same alcohol content in far fewer calories. A 12-oz regular beer delivers roughly the same amount of alcohol as a 1.5-oz shot of bourbon, but with 58% more calories. Wine is closer, but still runs higher per standard drink.
Low-Calorie Bourbon Cocktail Tips
You don’t have to sacrifice flavor to keep calories in check. The key is choosing the right mixers and being intentional about your ingredients. Here are the best strategies for enjoying bourbon cocktails without blowing your calorie budget:
Best Low-Calorie Bourbon Mixers
- Soda water or club soda (0 calories): The gold standard. A bourbon and soda with a squeeze of lime is refreshing, light, and clocks in under 100 calories.
- Diet ginger ale or ginger beer (0-5 calories): Gives you the bourbon-and-ginger experience without the sugar load.
- Fresh lemon or lime juice (5-10 calories per squeeze): Adds brightness without significant calories.
- Black coffee (2 calories): A bourbon coffee is a legitimate low-calorie option with zero sugar.
- Bitters (a few dashes, ~5 calories): Adds complexity without measurable calories.
Mixers to Watch Out For
- Simple syrup: 50 calories per tablespoon
- Cola: 90+ calories per 8-oz pour
- Sweet vermouth: 47 calories per ounce
- Ginger beer (regular): 80-120 calories per 8 oz
- Fruit juices: 50-80 calories per 4-oz pour
Low-Calorie Bourbon Cocktail Ideas
| Cocktail | Approximate Calories | What Makes It Light |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon & Soda with Lime | ~100 | Zero-calorie mixer |
| Bourbon on the Rocks | ~97 | Just bourbon and ice |
| Bourbon & Diet Ginger Ale | ~100 | Sugar-free mixer |
| Skinny Old Fashioned (with orange bitters, no sugar) | ~105 | Skip the simple syrup, use bitters only |
| Bourbon & Sparkling Water with Mint | ~100 | Herb-forward, no added sugar |
For more full-flavored options, explore our complete collection of bourbon recipes. Many of our cocktail recipes can be easily adapted to reduce calories by swapping sugary ingredients for lighter alternatives.
Does the Type of Bourbon Affect Calories?
Not in the way you’d think. Whether you’re drinking a wheated bourbon, a high-rye bourbon, or a traditional corn-forward expression, the calorie count is determined by the proof, not the mash bill. The grain recipe affects flavor, not nutrition.
Here’s a quick comparison across bourbon styles:
| Bourbon Style | Example | Proof | Calories (1.5 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheated Bourbon | Mary Dowling Winter Wheat | 92 | ~107 |
| High-Rye Bourbon | Mary Dowling Tequila Barrel Finish | 94 | ~116 |
| Double Oak | Mary Dowling Double Oak Cask Strength | ~118 | ~145 |
| Standard Bourbon (typical) | Most shelf bourbons | 80 | ~97 |
The barrel-finishing process (whether that’s tequila barrels, toasted barrels, or double oak) adds flavor compounds to the bourbon but does not meaningfully change its calorie or macronutrient content. What changes the calories is only the final bottling proof.
Is Bourbon Keto-Friendly?
Yes. With zero carbs, zero sugar, and zero protein, straight bourbon is technically compatible with a ketogenic diet. The calories come entirely from alcohol, not from carbohydrates.
However, a few things to keep in mind:
- Your body prioritizes burning alcohol over fat. While bourbon won’t kick you out of ketosis the way a sugary drink would, your body will pause fat-burning to metabolize the alcohol first.
- Mixers can be a problem. A bourbon and cola is not keto-friendly, even though the bourbon itself is. Stick to soda water, diet mixers, or enjoy it neat.
- Moderation matters. Alcohol can lower inhibitions around food choices, which can indirectly affect a keto diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in a shot of bourbon?
A standard 1.5-oz shot of 80-proof bourbon has approximately 97 calories. At 100-proof, that rises to about 124 calories per shot.
Does bourbon have sugar or carbs?
No. Straight bourbon contains zero sugar, zero carbs, zero fat, and zero protein. All calories come from the alcohol content.
Is bourbon lower in calories than beer?
Yes. A standard shot of bourbon (97 calories) delivers roughly the same alcohol as a 12-oz regular beer (153 calories), but with significantly fewer calories.
Does bourbon have more calories than vodka?
At the same proof, bourbon and vodka have identical calorie counts. An 80-proof shot of either contains about 97 calories. The difference only comes if you compare different proof levels.
What’s the lowest-calorie way to drink bourbon?
Neat, on the rocks, or with soda water. Any of these keep your calorie count at or very near 97 calories for a standard 1.5-oz pour of 80-proof bourbon.
How many calories are in a bourbon and Coke?
A bourbon and Coke with 8 oz of regular cola is approximately 187 calories (97 from the bourbon, ~90 from the soda). Using diet cola drops it back to roughly 97 calories total.
Is bourbon fattening?
Bourbon itself doesn’t contain fat, but the calories from alcohol can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. As with any calorie source, moderation is key. A shot or two of bourbon fits comfortably within most dietary plans.
Justin Pakdaman is the Marketing Director for Mary Dowling Whiskey Co., where he leads brand storytelling, digital strategy, and consumer engagement. Justin has years of experience building premium spirits brands.
Justin Pakdaman is the Marketing Director for Mary Dowling Whiskey Co., where he leads brand storytelling, digital strategy, and consumer engagement. Justin has years of experience building premium spirits brands.