So, you’re wondering how many calories are in bourbon because you’ve heard it’s one of the “lightest” types of alcohol you can have with your diet?
That’s a great question to ask.
Because alcohol can be the silent destroyer of diets everywhere.
You can do everything right and unknowingly sabotage yourself by drinking alcohol that has too many carbs or calories.
The stakes are high, my friend.
That’s why we made this quick-and-easy guide on bourbon nutrition facts.
In just a few minutes, you’ll know how many carbs, calories, and more are in bourbon–and whether it’s truly the best form of alcohol for your diet–so you can stay within your diet without being totally miserable.
Please note: we aren’t licensed dieticians. This is not health advice.
4 Key Bourbon Nutrition Facts
How Many Calories in Bourbon?
There are roughly 97 calories in a 1.5oz shot of 80-proof whiskey according to the USDA.
But the true answer isn’t that cut and dry.
Different brands and different proofs (ABV) will vary in calorie counts.
Additionally, flavored whiskeys will have higher calories–and if you mix your bourbon with anything except water the numbers will increase.
How Many Carbs in Bourbon?
There are 0 carbs in bourbon.
This is also the same for other spirits like rum, vodka, gin, and tequila.
Again, mixers will change this very quickly.
How Much Sugar Is in Bourbon?
There are 0 grams of sugar in a 1.5oz shot of bourbon (assuming you drink it neat).
How Many Calories in a Glass of Bourbon?
Most “pours” of bourbon you’ll order at a bar are 3.0oz (or 2 shots), which means there are roughly 194 calories in a glass of bourbon.
Again, there are many factors at play here that impact this number.
- What kind of whiskey you’re drinking
- The proof of that whiskey
- Whether you’re drinking it neat
- Whether there is more or less than 3.0oz in the glass
What You Need to Know About Bourbon Calories…
Bourbon is truly a low-calorie, carb, and sugar drink–making it a great option if you’re on a diet.
But be careful…
Studies have shown that drinking too much will increase your appetite, making you eat more than you normally would.
So, while you can drink some bourbon without much guilt, make sure you don’t drink too much.
You don’t want to run the risk of losing your resolve and ordering McDonald’s at 2 AM.
That’ll hurt yo’ diet real quick.
So, Is Bourbon the Healthiest Thing Ever???
I sure like to think so. This belief helps me justify having more.
But in all seriousness, bourbon does have some actual health benefits.
Many people don’t know that bourbon–according to WebMD–contains:
- Ellagic acid (an antioxidant found in berries)
- High levels of polyphenols (plant-based antioxidants) that are linked to lowering your risk of heart disease
- Phosphorus, Thiamine, Zinc, Iron, and Niacin
Does this mean you should throw down every chance you get?
Not at all.
There are definite risks associated with drinking too much.
So, don’t do that good buddy.
Thinkin’ Bout Getting Some Bourbon? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re convinced that bourbon is the drink for you (when you decide to drink in moderation), then you’re gonna need some help finding the best bourbons.
Luckily, that’s what we do all day looooooong.
We have a ridiculous amount of resources for you–check ‘em out below:
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.