Vivian Marlowe
Alcoholic drinks contain a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram, almost as many as a gram of fat. A typical 12 oz beer has as many calories as a can of Coke (140). A 6 oz glass of wine has a similar calorie count, although some wines have twice that amount. Cocktails mixed with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream can have especially high-calorie counts. A shot of most liquors is around 100 calories, although this varies depending on the type of alcohol and the proof. For example, one 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof rum contains 97 calories, while one 1.5-ounce shot of 94-proof rum has about 116 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in a shot of alcohol | Around 100 calories |
| Calories in a double shot of alcohol | Around 200 calories |
| Calories in a 6 oz glass of wine | 140-150 calories |
| Calories in a 9 oz glass of wine | 220 calories |
| Calories in a 12 oz beer | 140 calories |
| Calories in a vodka soda | 100 calories |
| Calories in a "ranch water" (tequila, seltzer, and lime) | 100 calories |
| Calories in a can of cocktail | 300 calories |
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What You'll Learn
Calories in a double shot of rum
Alcoholic beverages contain calories that can add up quickly. Going out for a couple of drinks can add 500 calories or more to your daily intake. Most alcoholic drinks have little to no nutritional value. Cocktails mixed with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream can have especially high-calorie counts.
A double shot of rum, which is about 3 oz or 84 grams, contains about 200 to 240 calories. This is because all of the calories in rum come from alcohol when it is consumed straight up or on ice. There are about 7 calories per gram of alcohol. A single serving of rum is considered to be one shot or one jigger (1.5 oz or 42 grams). There are zero carbs in a single serving of rum and no fiber. This beverage is distilled, so there is no naturally occurring sugar and usually no added sugars. However, some flavored rums may include additional ingredients that can change the nutrition facts.
The calorie count of rum can vary depending on the brand and type of rum. For example, Zacapa Centenario/23 has 25 grams of sugar per liter, which amounts to about 10 calories. The Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva is the highest sugar per liter non-spiced rum I know of, with 40 grams of sugar per liter.
It's important to note that the health risks associated with alcohol increase with higher consumption levels. Men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread across 3 or more days. According to the USDA, if alcohol is consumed, it should be in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
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Calories in a double shot of whiskey
A double shot of whiskey, which is about 3 oz, contains about 200 to 240 calories. Whiskey is a surprisingly waistline-friendly choice compared to other alcoholic beverages. It is primarily water and alcohol, with very few carbs, fats, and proteins. The number of calories in a shot of whiskey depends on its alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. For example, a standard whiskey at 40% ABV will have about 100 to 120 calories per 1.5 oz shot. However, single-cask or cask-strength whiskies with a higher ABV, typically 50% to 60%, will have a slightly higher caloric content per millilitre.
Flavoured whiskies may contain added sugars, making them slightly more calorific. Additionally, adding mixers like cola or ginger ale can significantly increase the calorie count of your drink. If you're looking to keep the calorie count low, stick to soda water or enjoy your whiskey neat.
It's important to note that the calories in alcohol are metabolised first by the body, ahead of burning fat. This can impact weight loss goals, so it's essential to monitor your alcohol intake if you're trying to lose weight. Going out for a couple of drinks can easily add 500 calories or more to your daily intake, and alcoholic drinks often have little to no nutritional value.
To maintain a healthy weight, it's recommended that men and women do not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread across 3 or more days. This guideline can help keep the health risks associated with alcohol consumption low. Additionally, drinking on an empty stomach is not advisable, and choosing healthier snack options when drinking can also help maintain a balanced diet.
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Calories in a double shot of gin
Alcoholic beverages contain calories that can quickly add up, with most alcoholic drinks offering little to no nutritional value. The calories in a double shot of gin will depend on the volume of the pour and the ABV of the gin, as well as the mixer that is added.
A 25ml measure of gin, which is considered a single shot, contains around 54 calories. A double shot, therefore, would contain around 108 calories. However, this is without a mixer. If you add a regular, non-diet tonic, the calories rise to around 149 for a double. This is based on a gin with an ABV of 37.5%. If you opt for a diet or slimline mixer, you will add zero calories to the neat gin.
The calorie content of a gin and tonic can vary significantly depending on the brand and type of gin and tonic used. For example, some tonics contain no calories, while others, especially flavoured and sweetened varieties, can contain notable amounts of sugar and flavourings, which will increase the calorie count.
It is important to note that the calories in alcoholic drinks are not always disclosed on labels or menus, and they can have a noticeable impact on your waistline and health. Alcohol itself is responsible for a high number of deaths each year, and drinking more than the recommended limit can cause serious health problems.
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Calories in a double shot of vodka
Alcoholic drinks contain calories that can add up quickly, with little to no nutritional value. A typical 6-ounce glass of wine or 12-ounce beer has about 140 calories, the same as a can of Coke. Cocktails mixed with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream can be even higher in calories.
When it comes to vodka, a spirit with a typical alcohol content of 40%, a single shot (25ml) contains around 55 calories. A double shot (50ml) of vodka contains approximately 110 calories. The calories in alcohol are metabolised first by the body, taking precedence over burning fat, which is not ideal if you're trying to lose weight.
It's important to note that these calorie counts are for straight vodka shots or vodka mixed with a calorie-free mixer. If you mix vodka with a sugary drink like cola or tonic water, you'll be adding additional calories to your drink. For example, a double vodka and cola made with a 50ml measure of vodka can contain around 168 calories.
To put this into perspective, the UK Chief Medical Officers' (CMO) low-risk drinking guidelines recommend that both men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. This equates to no more than seven double shots of vodka per week to stay within the low-risk guidelines. Drinking above these guidelines increases the risk of long-term health problems, including heart and liver damage, higher chances of various cancers, and adverse effects on appearance, fertility, and mental health.
If you're mindful of your calorie intake and want to enjoy a drink, opting for lower-calorie alternatives like a vodka soda or "ranch water" (tequila, seltzer, and lime) can be good choices, as they typically contain around 100 calories each. Additionally, drinking a long soft drink, like a diet cola with ice, between alcoholic drinks can help slow your pace and reduce your overall calorie consumption.
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Calorie-saving mixers
A standard double shot (50 ml or 1.7 oz) of alcohol is around 100 to 120 calories, depending on the alcohol's percentage. Cocktails mixed with soda, juice, cream, or ice cream can have especially high-calorie counts.
Low-calorie soda
While low-calorie soda doesn't promote weight loss, it can flavour your drink without adding many calories. Brands like Zevia use sweeteners like Stevia, which is lower in calories than artificial sweeteners. A good rule of thumb is that any gin, rum, tequila, vodka, or whiskey has 100 to 120 calories per 1.5 oz shot, before you add any mixers.
Ice
Ice takes up space in your glass, reducing the amount of alcohol and mixers you can add. As it melts, it also waters down your drink, helping to combat alcohol's dehydrating effects.
Citrus juices
A squeeze of lemon or lime juice adds flavour for fewer calories and less sugar than other mixers. Lemon juice goes well with gin and a packet of sugar, while lime juice pairs nicely with white rum, mint leaves, and a natural sweetener like stevia.
Low-calorie tonic water
Tonic water often contains lots of sugar, usually from high-fructose corn syrup. However, some brands, like Q Mixers' Light Tonic Water, use alternatives like erythritol to keep the calorie count low. Each can has just 20 calories and 4 grams of added sweetener.
Grapefruit bitters and soda
Hella Cocktail Co.'s Grapefruit Bitters and Soda is a low-calorie mixer, with just 5 calories per 12-ounce can. It adds a nice twist to your drink without increasing the calorie count.
Muddled berries
Instead of using processed sugars, you can naturally sweeten your drink with muddled berries. They infuse your cocktail with vitamins and nutrients while adding a nice flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
A double shot of alcohol, which is about 3 ounces, will have around 200 calories. This is because a standard 1.5-ounce shot of liquor is generally around 100 calories.
A standard shot is 1.5 ounces or 40% alcohol content.
Yes, liqueurs tend to be higher in calories than liquors. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof rum has 97 calories, while a 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey has 96 calories.
Cocktails can be significantly higher in calories, especially if they are mixed with soda, juice, or cream. A canned cocktail can have over 300 calories per can.
