Brandy is a spirit distilled from wine, typically made from grapes, and aged in oak barrels to develop its characteristic color and flavor. The distillation process concentrates the alcohol content, which is the primary source of its caloric value. Understanding the calorie count requires looking at the standard serving size and how alcohol contributes to energy intake.
The Calorie Count of Standard Brandy
A standard serving of unflavored brandy contains approximately 96 to 97 calories. This figure is based on a typical pour size of 1.5 fluid ounces, the recognized standard for a single serving of distilled spirits in the United States. Most brandy is bottled at 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume, or ABV), which corresponds directly to the 96-calorie count.
Variations like Cognac and Armagnac fall within this same caloric range when bottled at 80-proof. The aging process and specific grape varietals do not significantly alter the final calorie count, as calories are determined by alcohol concentration. The calorie content for a 1.5-ounce pour remains consistent across standard brandies.
What Determines Brandy’s Caloric Content
The caloric content of pure, unflavored brandy comes almost entirely from ethanol (alcohol). Ethanol provides approximately seven calories per gram, which is nearly double the four calories per gram found in carbohydrates or protein. Since brandy is a distilled spirit, the distillation process removes virtually all carbohydrates, sugars, and fats from the final product.
A 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof brandy contains about 14 grams of alcohol, translating directly to the 96-97 calorie total. The alcohol by volume (ABV) or proof is the most important factor determining the calorie count. A higher proof spirit contains a greater concentration of alcohol, resulting in a higher calorie count per serving; for instance, a 100-proof brandy (50% ABV) contains closer to 123 calories for the same 1.5-ounce serving.
Calorie Comparison and Mixed Drinks
When comparing brandy to other common distilled spirits, the calorie count is nearly identical at the same proof level. An 80-proof serving of vodka, gin, rum, or whiskey also contains approximately 96 calories, because the calories are derived from the same ethanol content. Calorie distinctions only become noticeable when comparing spirits of different proofs or beverages like wine or beer, which contain residual sugars and lower alcohol concentrations.
The most significant variable affecting the final calorie count is the addition of mixers. While a neat pour of brandy is under 100 calories, combining it with sugary sodas, juices, or liqueurs can easily double or triple the total.
A simple cocktail like a Brandy Sour, which includes sugar syrup and lemon juice, can contain between 150 and 180 calories per serving. A brandy and cola can easily reach 200 calories or more due to the high sugar content of regular soda.
To manage the calorie intake of a mixed drink, choosing low-calorie alternatives for mixers is an effective strategy. Using club soda, diet sodas, or a splash of water instead of sweetened beverages keeps the calorie count close to that of the base spirit.