Bourbon is a uniquely American type of whiskey that’s made mostly from corn (in fact, it has to be at least 51 percent corn-derived). Also, for it to be true bourbon, ALL the magic has to happen in a charred oak barrel. But if you’re a bourbonite (or even a sub-bourbonite), you prolly already know all this.
But why-oh-why isn’t there any nutrition info on the label?
The feds, obviously.
Foods and drinks under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration are required to have a Nutrition Facts label, but alcoholic drinks are actually regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
This agency has no such requirements, so most alcoholic bevs don’t have a Nutrition Facts label (or even an ingredient list), because it’s not mandatory.
So, what’s the nutrient breakdown on bourbon? Let’s get these details flowing like a well-aged whiskey from a charred oak barrel.
A standard bourbon is usually 80 proof (40 percent alcohol), although they can go up to 100 proof.
Straight bourbon derives ALL its calories from alcohol (which provides 7 cals per gram (g), BTW), so it doesn’t contain any calories from carbs, fat, or protein.
Here’s the breakdown for a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof bourbon:
- Calories: 97
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbs: 0 g
- Alcohol: 14 g
However, mixed bourbon drinks usually contain added sugar and calories from simple syrups, flavored liqueurs, or sugary soda — unless you’re opting for something like a mix of bourbon and diet soda.
Depending on who you ask (or which search result you click on), there are anywhere from three to eight different types of bourbon.
Bourbons are categorized based on whether they contain wheat or rye (or both, or neither) and how much of those grains they contain. (Remember, they’re all at least 51 percent corn.)
Other categorizations you may see are cask-strength and single-cask. “Cask-strength” means the bourbon was taken straight from the barrel, with no dilution at all (“that’ll put hair on your chest”), and “single-cask” means that all the bourbon in a single bottle came from a single barrel (pinkies up!).
However, all these bourbon types have the same nutrient breakdown, because they derive all their calories from alcohol.
The only factor that will change the nutrient content among different types of bourbon is the proof. An 80 proof will always have fewer calories than a 100 proof, because it contains less alcohol.
This table shows the nutrient content of a 1.5-ounce shot of various proofs of bourbon:
Feelin’ fancy? Here’s the nutrient info for some of the most popular bourbon libations.
Bourbon sour
The traditional whiskey sour is usually made with bourbon along with lemon juice and sugar. The International Beverage Association describes the recipe as bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
This drink contains:
- Calories: 125
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Carbs: 7 g
- Alcohol: 14 g
Manhattan
The Manhattan is another classic cocktail that’s traditionally made with bourbon whiskey.
Want to make one at home? Mix whiskey, red vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters with ice, then strain the drink into a cocktail glass (or a coffee mug — whatever you have at home, really).
A Manhattan contains:
- Calories: 143
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Alcohol: 19 g
Old-fashioned
For a classic old-fashioned, you’ll first need a glass with a sugar cube in it. Add a few dashes of bitters and water, and then add ice and pour in your bourbon. Stirred, not shaken.
An old-fashioned will net you:
- Calories: 121
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Alcohol: 14 g
Mint julep
Bust out the fancy hats! It’s Derby time, and there’s nothing more refreshing in the Kentucky heat than a (very) strong drink. Right?
A mint julep is made with muddled mint sprigs, powdered sugar, water, and bourbon on ice.
A mint julep contains:
- Calories: 129
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Carbs: 3 g
- Alcohol: 19 g
If you’re getting ready to do up your weekend Kentucky-style (even if you’re counting macros), know that all the calories in straight bourbon come from alcohol — but bourbon mixed drinks can contain TONS of sugar too.
To keep your drink low in calories and/or sugar, opt for straight bourbon or bourbon and diet soda.
