How Many Calories in Bourbon? 7 Shocking Facts That Could Sabotage Your Diet
If you’ve ever found yourself sipping a smooth glass of bourbon and wondering, “Wait… how many calories in bourbon am I actually drinking?” — you’re not alone.
Bourbon is loved for its warm, rich flavor and relaxing kick, but here’s the truth: those little amber sips can add up, and not just in flavor. If you’re keeping an eye on your weight, sugar intake, or overall health, it’s worth knowing exactly what’s in your glass — and how it might sneakily affect your diet.
This isn’t about guilt or telling you to never enjoy your favorite drink. It’s about giving you the real facts so you can make choices that fit your lifestyle — without the diet sabotage sneaking in unnoticed.
Today, we’ll explore 7 shocking facts about bourbon and its calorie count that could change the way you enjoy it. You might be surprised by #4 and #6 — they catch almost everyone off guard.
1. The Calories in Bourbon Might Be Higher Than You Think
When you think about alcoholic drinks, you probably imagine sweet cocktails or beers being high in calories — but bourbon isn’t exactly “light.”
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof bourbon contains about 97 calories. That might not sound too bad at first, but here’s the catch:
- A “pour” at home or at a bar is often more than 1.5 ounces, especially if you’re making it yourself.
- Higher-proof bourbons (90-proof, 100-proof, or barrel strength) can pack significantly more calories per shot.
Here’s a quick look:
| Bourbon Proof | Alcohol % | Calories (1.5 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| 80 Proof | 40% | ~97 |
| 90 Proof | 45% | ~110 |
| 100 Proof | 50% | ~124 |
| 120 Proof | 60% | ~148 |
If you’re enjoying two or three glasses in a night, those calories add up fast — and they’re “liquid calories,” which don’t fill you up like food does.
2. Bourbon Has Zero Carbs — But That Doesn’t Mean It’s “Free”
One thing bourbon lovers often brag about is that it’s carb-free. And yes, that’s true — neat bourbon has zero grams of carbs and zero sugar.
Sounds perfect, right? Well, not so fast.
Calories in bourbon come entirely from alcohol, which means:
- Your body processes them differently than food calories.
- Alcohol calories can be stored as fat more easily if your body isn’t burning them right away.
So, even though bourbon won’t spike your blood sugar, it can still impact your waistline if you’re not careful.
3. Mixing Bourbon Can Double or Triple the Calories
Drinking bourbon neat or on the rocks keeps the calorie count relatively low. But start mixing, and things change.
Popular mixers like cola, ginger ale, and sweet syrups can skyrocket your drink’s calorie load:
- Bourbon + Cola: ~200 calories (per 8 oz drink)
- Bourbon + Sweetened Iced Tea: ~180 calories
- Bourbon Old Fashioned: ~150–180 calories
- Bourbon + Eggnog: 300+ calories
Pro tip: If you love mixed drinks, try soda water, a splash of lemon, or diet ginger ale to keep calories in check without sacrificing flavor.
4. Bourbon Can Slow Down Fat Burning
Here’s one of those facts people rarely talk about: when you drink alcohol, your body pauses fat burning to focus on processing the alcohol first.
That means:
- Even if you’re eating a healthy diet, bourbon calories can be stored more easily as fat.
- If you drink often, your weight loss progress may slow down — even if your calorie intake is “on track.”
This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy bourbon. It just means moderation matters, especially if you have fitness goals.
5. Bourbon Calories Are “Empty Calories”
You might have heard this term before: empty calories.
This means they give you energy (calories) but no real nutritional benefits — no vitamins, minerals, or protein.
Think about it like this:
If you have 200 calories to “spend,” you could have:
- A nutrient-packed snack like Greek yogurt with fruit
- Or two glasses of bourbon
The bourbon will taste great, but it won’t give your body the same nourishment — which can make you hungrier later.
6. Bourbon at Bars Often Means Bigger Servings
Here’s where the calorie creep happens without you noticing:
At a bar or restaurant, a “single” pour might actually be 2 ounces or more.
If you order a double or have a generous bartender, you could easily be drinking 150–200 calories per glass — without realizing it.
Pro tip: If you’re trying to keep track, ask for a single pour and sip slowly.
7. Those Nightly Glasses Can Add Up Over Time
If you enjoy bourbon regularly, the calories can stack up in ways that surprise you.
For example:
- 1.5 oz of bourbon per night (~97 calories) × 7 nights = 679 calories per week
- Over a year, that’s 35,000+ calories — roughly equivalent to 10 pounds of body fat
This doesn’t mean you should never have bourbon — but it’s worth knowing that “just one” can have a bigger impact than you might expect.
8. Bourbon Can Affect Your Sleep — Which Affects Your Diet
This one’s sneaky: even though bourbon might make you feel sleepy, alcohol can actually disrupt deep sleep.
Poor sleep can lead to:
- More cravings for high-calorie foods
- Less energy for workouts
- Slower metabolism
So, the calories in bourbon can affect you indirectly by making it harder to stick to your healthy habits.
9. There Are Lighter Ways to Enjoy Bourbon
If you love bourbon but want to keep calories low, here are some ideas:
- Neat or on the rocks (lowest calorie option)
- With soda water and a splash of citrus
- In a bourbon spritzer with club soda and a hint of bitters
- Infused bourbon with cinnamon or orange peel for extra flavor without sugar
These tweaks can help you enjoy the flavor while cutting down on calorie overload.
10. Moderation Is Key — Not Total Restriction
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to cut out everything you love. It’s about balance.
If bourbon brings you joy, you can keep it in your life — just be mindful of:
- Portion size
- Frequency
- Mixers and add-ons
You might even find you enjoy it more when you savor it slowly and intentionally.
Final Thoughts
So, how many calories in bourbon?
The answer depends on the proof, pour size, and whether you’re drinking it neat or mixed — but the average shot sits at 97–124 calories.
The 7 facts above aren’t here to scare you — they’re here to give you awareness. When you know what’s in your glass, you can make choices that work for your health, goals, and happiness.
Enjoy your bourbon. Savor the flavor. And remember: when it comes to both food and drinks, balance beats restriction every time.
