Calories in alcoholic drinks
In alcoholic drinks most of the energy comes from the alcohol itself, which supplies about 7 kcal (29 kJ) per gram, nearly as much as fat. That is why neat spirits contain no carbohydrate or sugar yet still have about 231 kcal per 100 g at 40% ABV, and why the energy in beer and wine rises with strength.
Typical traits of alcoholic drinks
- Alcohol is the main source of energy. Ethanol provides 7 kcal per gram; carbohydrate in beer and wine adds a smaller share.
- Strength drives the count. Higher ABV means more kilojoules per glass, regardless of the drink's sugar content.
- Zero carbs is not zero energy. Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey and tequila have no carbohydrate but are among the most energy-dense drinks.
- Mixers often add more. Cola, tonic, juice and syrups can double the energy of a spirit-based drink.
- Serving size varies by country. A US shot is 44 ml, a UK single 25 ml and an Australian nip 30 ml, so per-drink figures differ.
Where the energy comes from
Averaged across the 10 alcoholic drinks below, most of the energy comes from alcohol. The bar shows the average share contributed by each macronutrient (4 kcal per gram for protein and carbohydrate, 9 for fat, 7 for alcohol).
Top 5 rankings
The highest and lowest alcoholic drinks for the figures people compare most. Every name links to the full nutrition breakdown.
Lowest in calories
per 100 g
- Guinness35 kcal
- Beer43 kcal
- Prosecco75 kcal
- White wine82 kcal
- Red wine85 kcal
Calorie table: all 10 alcoholic drinks
Energy in kcal and kJ with protein, carbohydrate, fat and alcohol. Lowest: Guinness at 35 kcal; highest: Vodka at 231 kcal per 100 g.
| Food | kcal | kJ | Protein g | Carbs g | Fat g | Alcohol g |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beer Regular, all | 43 | 180 | 0.5 | 3.5 | 0 | 3.9 |
| Gin 80 proof (40% ABV) | 231 | 967 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33.4 |
| Guinness brand Guinness Draught stout, 4.2% ABV per 100 ml | 35 | 146 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3.3 |
| Prosecco Sparkling wine | 75 | 314 | 0.1 | 2.3 | 0 | 9.5 |
| Red wine Table wine | 85 | 356 | 0.1 | 2.6 | 0 | 10.6 |
| Rum 80 proof (40% ABV) | 231 | 967 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33.4 |
| Tequila 80 proof (40% ABV) | 231 | 967 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33.4 |
| Vodka 80 proof (40% ABV) | 231 | 967 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33.4 |
| Whiskey 80 proof (40% ABV) | 231 | 967 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 33.4 |
| White wine Table wine | 82 | 343 | 0.1 | 2.6 | 0 | 10.3 |
Other food categories
- Fruit · 87 kcal avg
- Vegetables · 44 kcal avg
- Beans, lentils & soy · 135 kcal avg
- Grains, bread & pasta · 256 kcal avg
- Nuts & seeds · 601 kcal avg
- Dairy, eggs & alternatives · 200 kcal avg
- Meat & poultry · 237 kcal avg
- Fish & seafood · 137 kcal avg
- Oils, sauces & condiments · 276 kcal avg
- Sweets & snacks · 410 kcal avg
- Drinks · 28 kcal avg
To compare categories side by side, see the energy density chart on the food index. To convert any figure between units, use the kilojoule and calorie converter.
Source: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy and FNDDS); branded products from the manufacturer's label. Values are averages; individual samples vary.