How many calories in alcohol?

7 calories of alcohol per gram

The calories in alcoholic beverages come from alcohol, which contributes 7 calories per gram as opposed to 4 calories per gram for protein and carbohydrate and 9 calories per gram for fat. So if you take 7 calories per gram times approximately 14 grams of alcohol per jigger (1 1/2 ounces), this equals 98 calories. If the alcoholic beverage such as a liqueur also contains carbohydrate (like Kahlua), then the calories for this beverage will be higher.  Alcohol has been found to stimulate the appetite and one drink before meals has been prescribed for adults with a poor appetite. So in a person who already has a good appetite, alcohol will add additional calories which can lead to weight gain.

What is a Calorie?

A kilocalorie is what we conveniently call a calorie. It is a measure of heat energy. It's the energy necessary to raise the temperature of 1 kg of water by 1° Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit). How many calories in fats, carbohydrates and proteins? There are 9 calories in each gram of fat. Fat contains more than twice the number of calories in carbs or protein. There are under 4 calories in each gram of carbohydrates (3.75 calories), the same calories as per gram of protein. This compares with over 9 calories per gram of fat. There are just under 4 calories in each gram of protein. Although protein is essential for good health, it is better to lower your intake of animal protein (e.g. from cheese and meat) and increase your intake of vegetable protein (e.g. from beans, soybeans, lentils, nuts.)