If you’re on a diet, you may be curious how many calories are in whiskey. Fortunately, it has far fewer calories than other alcoholic drinks.
Distillation removes all sugar, fat and carbohydrates that are typically present in alcohol through the process of distillation.
Whiskey Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 123.
- Protein: 0 grams.
- Fat: 0 grams.
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams.
- Fiber: 0 grams.
- Sugar: 0 grams.
It’s low in calories
Consuming whiskey in moderation offers several health advantages. It helps control diabetes, strengthens the heart’s health and lowers the risk of strokes. Furthermore, it boosts immunity and decreases cancer risks.
Whiskey not only has an irresistible taste, but it’s also low in calories. A single serving usually only contains 60-70 calories, as opposed to other drinks like beer or wine which may have up to 150.
Whisky is particularly beneficial for dieters since it contains zero carbs and has a low sugar content. Furthermore, it helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, decreasing the risk of diabetes.
Dieters may find that having a shot or two of whiskey after dinner helps to suppress appetite and prevent overeating. Furthermore, it has been known to promote sleep by stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain that lead to sleep.
It’s low in carbohydrates
Alcohol may not be ideal for everyone, but there are ways to enjoy a drink with friends without compromising your health. With the proper combination of low carb spirits and mixers, you can have an enjoyable night without regret!
Whiskey is a dark, hard liquor made from grains (usually rye, wheat or barley) fermented with yeast to turn their carbohydrates into alcohol. With an alcohol content ranging from 35-50% by volume and no added sugars or carbohydrates, whiskey makes for an ideal keto diet option.
To minimize carb intake in your drinks, steer clear of liqueurs and most mixers that contain high amounts of carbohydrates. Instead, opt for low-carb mixers such as seltzer water or diet soda drinks to minimize carbohydrates in each sip.
Wine is another low-carb option. Unsweetened/unflavored champagne, dry red and dry white wines can all be enjoyed in moderation with a glass containing between 4-5g net carbs depending on their flavor and alcohol content.
It’s low in fat
Whiskey is an ideal drink for those trying to shed some pounds. With no fat and zero carbs, it’s an ideal substitute for high-calorie cocktails that are packed with sugar.
Additionally, it contains antioxidants which may help prevent heart disease and cancer. Ellagic acid, found in this fruit, has been demonstrated to kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth.
Additionally, whiskey helps thin your blood, decreasing the likelihood of developing blood clots which could lead to serious health complications like stroke.
In addition to these health advantages, moderate drinking of whiskey has been linked to improved immunity. Studies show that people who drink a daily glass of whiskey tend to experience lower rates of the common cold and have improved antibody responses when exposed to vaccines.
It’s low in protein
Alcoholic drinks tend to be high in calories, so it’s important to monitor how much you consume. Fortunately, whiskey has a lower calorie count compared to other alcoholic drinks.
On average, 1 1/2 ounce servings of whiskey contain around 105 calories; however, this number may differ depending on how you drink it.
Although whiskey has a relatively low calorie count, it does contain some carbohydrates. This comes from the trace amounts of sugar and other complex carbs left behind after distillation.
Whiskey’s relatively low calorie count is due to the distillation process, which removes most of the fat and carbohydrates from the alcohol. However, sugar concentration does increase over time as whiskey ages; thus, higher proof whiskeys will contain more sugar than lower proofs.
How Should Whiskey Be Consumed?
There are several ways to drink whiskey, and the best way depends on personal preference. One way to drink whiskey is straight, which involves pouring the whiskey into a small glass tumbler, such as a lowball glass, and smelling the whiskey 2 or 3 times before tasting it. Then, roll the whiskey around in your mouth before swallowing.
Another way to drink whiskey is neat, which is without any mixer or ice. Neat whiskey is usually a two-ounce serving at room temperature in a lowball glass. Many aficionados enhance the aromas and soften the finish by adding a few drops of water.
Drinking whiskey out of a Glencairn glass is also a popular way to have this spirit because the whiskey has the opportunity to breathe and it provides the right shape to swirl it around and smell it.
Experts recommend adding a few drops of water to a particularly special whiskey or Scotch, as the water helps bring out flavors that might otherwise be overshadowed by the flavors and aromas of pure alcohol. Diluting whiskey with water can also help to reduce the alcohol content and open up the flavors.
Whiskey Vs. Bourbon: What Is The Difference?
Distillers make whiskey from grains like corn and rye and age it in wooden barrels. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that must be made in the US, distilled from at least 51% corn, and aged in new oak-charred barrels.
Bourbons are all whiskies, but not all whiskies are bourbons. Bourbon has more extensive technical requirements than whiskey, which makes it unique.
Bourbon must process and develop in a new charred oak barrel, contain 51% corn, be produced in the United States, and cannot be more than 80 ABV. On the other hand, both whiskey and bourbon can age in oak barrels (usually), and neither contains any additives.
In summary, the main differences between whiskey and bourbon are that bourbon is a type of whiskey that must meet specific criteria to be classified as bourbon.
