Calories in Alcohol: How Many Calories Are in Beer, Wine and Spirits?
Discover how many calories are in beer, wine, cocktails and spirits. Compare popular drinks, typical serving sizes and well-known brands.
Alcoholic drinks can add a surprising number of calories, even when they don't taste sweet. Those calories come from two main sources:
- Ethanol (alcohol) — about 7 kcal per gram [1]
- Carbohydrates and sugars — about 4 kcal per gram
How many calories a drink has depends on its alcohol strength, the serving size, residual sugar, mixers and how it's prepared. All values below are estimates — real products, recipes and markets vary.
Beer
A typical half-litre of lager lands around 200 kcal. Most of it comes from alcohol; the rest from malt carbohydrates. Stronger specialty beers carry more of both, while non-alcoholic beer keeps the carbohydrates but loses most of the alcohol calories.
| Drink | Serving | ABV | kcal / serving | kcal / 100 ml |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard lager | 500 ml | 4.5 % | ≈ 195 | ≈ 40 |
| Small lager | 300 ml | 4.5 % | ≈ 120 | ≈ 40 |
| Pilsner Urquell | 500 ml | 4.4 % | ≈ 195 | ≈ 40 |
| Budweiser Budvar Original | 500 ml | 5 % | ≈ 215 | ≈ 45 |
| Heineken | 500 ml | 5 % | ≈ 200 | ≈ 40 |
| Guinness Draught | 500 ml | 4.2 % | ≈ 175 | ≈ 35 |
| Light beer | 500 ml | 3.5 % | ≈ 145 | ≈ 30 |
| Wheat beer | 500 ml | 5.3 % | ≈ 225 | ≈ 45 |
| Strong / special beer | 500 ml | 6.5 % | ≈ 280 | ≈ 55 |
| Non-alcoholic beer | 500 ml | 0.5 % | ≈ 115 | ≈ 25 |
Brand rows are estimates calculated from each beer's typical label strength — check the label of your specific product for exact values.
Wine
A 150 ml glass of dry wine is usually 105–130 kcal. Sweeter wines contain residual sugar — grape sugar that wasn't fermented into alcohol — so they add carbohydrate calories on top. Dessert wines are both stronger and sweeter, which is why they're served in smaller glasses. Values vary between producers, so don't assume every wine from one brand is the same.
| Drink | Serving | ABV | kcal / serving | kcal / 100 ml |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry white wine | 150 ml | 12 % | ≈ 115 | ≈ 75 |
| Dry red wine | 150 ml | 13.5 % | ≈ 130 | ≈ 85 |
| Rosé wine | 150 ml | 12 % | ≈ 125 | ≈ 80 |
| Sweet white wine | 150 ml | 11 % | ≈ 150 | ≈ 100 |
| Prosecco / sparkling wine | 150 ml | 11 % | ≈ 110 | ≈ 75 |
| Champagne (brut) | 150 ml | 12 % | ≈ 105 | ≈ 70 |
| Dessert wine | 100 ml | 15 % | ≈ 135 | ≈ 135 |
Spirits and liqueurs
Unflavoured spirits contain essentially no sugar, so their calories depend almost entirely on strength and volume. A 40 ml shot of a 40% spirit is about 90 kcal; a 50 ml serving about 110 kcal. Whether it's vodka, gin, rum or whisky makes little difference at the same strength. Sweetened liqueurs are different: sugar — and in cream liqueurs also fat — can push calories much higher.
| Drink | Serving | ABV | kcal / serving | kcal / 100 ml |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodka (e.g. Absolut) | 40 ml | 40 % | ≈ 90 | ≈ 220 |
| Vodka, 50 ml | 50 ml | 40 % | ≈ 110 | ≈ 220 |
| Gin (e.g. Beefeater) | 40 ml | 40 % | ≈ 90 | ≈ 220 |
| White rum (e.g. Bacardi Carta Blanca) | 40 ml | 37.5 % | ≈ 85 | ≈ 205 |
| Dark rum | 40 ml | 40 % | ≈ 90 | ≈ 220 |
| Irish whiskey (e.g. Jameson) | 40 ml | 40 % | ≈ 90 | ≈ 220 |
| Tennessee whiskey (e.g. Jack Daniel's) | 40 ml | 40 % | ≈ 90 | ≈ 220 |
| Tequila (e.g. Olmeca) | 40 ml | 38 % | ≈ 85 | ≈ 210 |
| Brandy | 40 ml | 40 % | ≈ 90 | ≈ 220 |
| Herbal liqueur | 40 ml | 36 % | ≈ 95 | ≈ 240 |
| Cream liqueur (e.g. Baileys) | 50 ml | 17 % | ≈ 145 | ≈ 290 |
Brands are shown as examples of their category at their usual label strength; the calories are category estimates, not manufacturer figures.
Aperitifs and pre-dinner drinks
Aperitifs are often bittersweet liqueurs mixed with sparkling wine or soda. The values below cover the whole prepared drink using the recipe shown.
| Drink | Serving | ABV | kcal / serving | kcal / 100 ml | Recipe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aperol Spritz | 180 ml | 9.2 % | ≈ 160 | ≈ 90 | 90 ml prosecco, 60 ml Aperol, 30 ml soda |
| Hugo Spritz | 150 ml | 7.3 % | ≈ 125 | ≈ 85 | 100 ml prosecco, 20 ml elderflower syrup, 30 ml soda, mint |
| Campari Soda | 140 ml | 7.1 % | ≈ 95 | ≈ 70 | 40 ml Campari, 100 ml soda |
| Negroni | 90 ml | 27 % | ≈ 180 | ≈ 200 | 30 ml gin, 30 ml Campari, 30 ml sweet vermouth |
| Sweet vermouth | 100 ml | 16 % | ≈ 150 | ≈ 150 | — |
| Aperol on its own | 40 ml | 11 % | ≈ 65 | ≈ 160 | — |
Cocktails and mixed drinks
Cocktails vary the most. The amount of spirit, sugar syrup, juice, cream and soda all change the total. Using diet mixers or less syrup can lower calories noticeably.
| Drink | Serving | ABV | kcal / serving | kcal / 100 ml | Recipe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mojito | 200 ml | 9.4 % | ≈ 165 | ≈ 80 | 50 ml white rum, 20 ml sugar syrup, 25 ml lime, soda, mint |
| Gin and tonic | 190 ml | 8.4 % | ≈ 140 | ≈ 75 | 40 ml gin, 150 ml regular tonic |
| Cuba Libre | 200 ml | 7.5 % | ≈ 150 | ≈ 75 | 40 ml rum, 150 ml cola, 10 ml lime |
| Rum and cola (large) | 250 ml | 7.5 % | ≈ 190 | ≈ 75 | 50 ml rum, 200 ml cola |
| Vodka with orange juice | 190 ml | 8.4 % | ≈ 140 | ≈ 75 | 40 ml vodka, 150 ml orange juice |
| Margarita | 110 ml | 26.4 % | ≈ 220 | ≈ 200 | 50 ml tequila, 25 ml triple sec, 25 ml lime, 10 ml syrup |
| Espresso Martini | 100 ml | 20 % | ≈ 170 | ≈ 170 | 40 ml vodka, 20 ml coffee liqueur, 30 ml espresso, 10 ml syrup |
| Piña Colada | 170 ml | 11 % | ≈ 250 | ≈ 150 | 50 ml rum, 90 ml pineapple juice, 30 ml cream of coconut |
| Long Island Iced Tea | 165 ml | 17.9 % | ≈ 245 | ≈ 145 | 15 ml each vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec; 25 ml lemon, 15 ml syrup, 50 ml cola |
At a glance: all drinks compared
Sort the list to see which typical servings carry the fewest or the most calories.
| Drink | Serving | ABV | kcal / serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong / special beerBeer | 500 ml | 6.5 % | 280 |
| Piña ColadaCocktails | 170 ml | 11 % | 250 |
| Long Island Iced TeaCocktails | 165 ml | 17.9 % | 245 |
| Wheat beerBeer | 500 ml | 5.3 % | 225 |
| MargaritaCocktails | 110 ml | 26.4 % | 220 |
| Budweiser Budvar OriginalBeer | 500 ml | 5 % | 215 |
| HeinekenBeer | 500 ml | 5 % | 200 |
| Standard lagerBeer | 500 ml | 4.5 % | 195 |
| Pilsner UrquellBeer | 500 ml | 4.4 % | 195 |
| Rum and cola (large)Cocktails | 250 ml | 7.5 % | 190 |
| NegroniAperitifs | 90 ml | 27 % | 180 |
| Guinness DraughtBeer | 500 ml | 4.2 % | 175 |
| Espresso MartiniCocktails | 100 ml | 20 % | 170 |
| MojitoCocktails | 200 ml | 9.4 % | 165 |
| Aperol SpritzAperitifs | 180 ml | 9.2 % | 160 |
| Sweet white wineWine | 150 ml | 11 % | 150 |
| Sweet vermouthAperitifs | 100 ml | 16 % | 150 |
| Cuba LibreCocktails | 200 ml | 7.5 % | 150 |
| Light beerBeer | 500 ml | 3.5 % | 145 |
| Cream liqueur (e.g. Baileys)Spirits | 50 ml | 17 % | 145 |
| Gin and tonicCocktails | 190 ml | 8.4 % | 140 |
| Vodka with orange juiceCocktails | 190 ml | 8.4 % | 140 |
| Dessert wineWine | 100 ml | 15 % | 135 |
| Dry red wineWine | 150 ml | 13.5 % | 130 |
| Rosé wineWine | 150 ml | 12 % | 125 |
| Hugo SpritzAperitifs | 150 ml | 7.3 % | 125 |
| Small lagerBeer | 300 ml | 4.5 % | 120 |
| Non-alcoholic beerBeer | 500 ml | 0.5 % | 115 |
| Dry white wineWine | 150 ml | 12 % | 115 |
| Prosecco / sparkling wineWine | 150 ml | 11 % | 110 |
| Vodka, 50 mlSpirits | 50 ml | 40 % | 110 |
| Champagne (brut)Wine | 150 ml | 12 % | 105 |
| Herbal liqueurSpirits | 40 ml | 36 % | 95 |
| Campari SodaAperitifs | 140 ml | 7.1 % | 95 |
| Vodka (e.g. Absolut)Spirits | 40 ml | 40 % | 90 |
| Gin (e.g. Beefeater)Spirits | 40 ml | 40 % | 90 |
| Dark rumSpirits | 40 ml | 40 % | 90 |
| Irish whiskey (e.g. Jameson)Spirits | 40 ml | 40 % | 90 |
| Tennessee whiskey (e.g. Jack Daniel's)Spirits | 40 ml | 40 % | 90 |
| BrandySpirits | 40 ml | 40 % | 90 |
| White rum (e.g. Bacardi Carta Blanca)Spirits | 40 ml | 37.5 % | 85 |
| Tequila (e.g. Olmeca)Spirits | 40 ml | 38 % | 85 |
| Aperol on its ownAperitifs | 40 ml | 11 % | 65 |
Why alcohol contains so many calories
- Alcohol itself is energy. At 7 kcal/g, ethanol is nearly as energy-dense as fat (9 kcal/g) and almost double sugar (4 kcal/g).
- Spirits are dense, beer is big. Vodka has about 220 kcal per 100 ml, beer about 40. But a 500 ml beer (≈ 195 kcal) still has more total calories than a 40 ml shot (≈ 90 kcal).
- Sugar adds up. A Piña Colada (≈ 250 kcal) or Long Island Iced Tea (≈ 245 kcal) can match a big meal snack, while a gin and tonic is ≈ 140 kcal.
- Serving size matters most. A large rum and cola (250 ml, ≈ 190 kcal) has more calories than a classic Cuba Libre (200 ml, ≈ 150 kcal) made from the same ingredients.
How to estimate your intake
Multiply calories per drink by the number of drinks. For example, three drinks of about 150 kcal each come to around 450 kcal. Try it below — this is a calorie calculator only and does not estimate your blood alcohol level.
Calorie calculator
Pick drinks and servings to estimate your total. This does not estimate blood alcohol.
- Standard lager · 500 ml2390 kcal
- Aperol Spritz · 180 ml1160 kcal
Estimates; real products and recipes vary.
Want to know your blood alcohol level instead? Use the SoberClock calculator, and read how BAC is calculated or what to eat before drinking.
Frequently asked questions
Which alcoholic drink has the fewest calories?
Among common drinks, a single shot of an unflavoured spirit (≈ 85–90 kcal per 40 ml), a glass of brut champagne (≈ 105 kcal) and light beer are on the low end — as long as mixers are sugar-free.
How many calories are in a beer?
A standard 500 ml lager has roughly 195–215 kcal; a 300 ml small beer about 120 kcal. Strong beers can reach 280 kcal per half-litre.
How many calories are in a glass of wine?
A 150 ml glass of dry wine has about 105–130 kcal. Sweet wines are higher, around 150 kcal.
How many calories are in a shot of vodka?
About 90 kcal in 40 ml of 40% vodka, or about 110 kcal in 50 ml.
Are spirits lower in calories than beer?
Per serving, usually yes — a shot has less than a half-litre of beer. Per 100 ml, spirits are far more calorie-dense, and sugary mixers can erase the difference.
Why do cocktails contain so many calories?
They often combine one or more spirits with syrup, juice, liqueurs or cream. Each ingredient adds energy, so totals of 200–250 kcal are common.
Does non-alcoholic beer contain fewer calories?
Usually yes. A 500 ml non-alcoholic beer is around 100–120 kcal versus about 200 for lager, though some sweeter styles have more carbohydrates.
Does alcohol contain more calories than sugar?
Yes. Alcohol provides about 7 kcal per gram, sugar about 4 kcal per gram.
Which alcoholic drinks contain the most sugar?
Sweet liqueurs, cream liqueurs, dessert wines and cocktails with syrup, juice or regular cola.
Can alcohol affect weight management?
It can. Drinks add calories without making you feel full, and alcohol can lower inhibitions around food. Drinking less often or choosing smaller servings and sugar-free mixers reduces the impact [2].
Methodology and sources
Calories are calculated as alcohol volume × strength × 0.789 g/ml × 7 kcal/g, plus about 4 kcal per gram of carbohydrate (and 9 kcal per gram of fat for cream drinks), rounded to the nearest 5 kcal. Strengths are typical label values; carbohydrate amounts are typical estimates for the category or recipe. Branded rows are not official manufacturer nutrition data. Values differ between products, recipes, markets and serving sizes.
- [1] NHS. Calories in alcohol. nhs.uk
- [2] NIAAA. Rethinking Drinking — Alcohol calorie calculator. niaaa.nih.gov
- [3] USDA FoodData Central. fdc.nal.usda.gov
SoberClock provides estimates and educational information, not medical or legal advice.