Units and calories in whisky

Find out how many units of alcohol and calories there are in whisky, and how that relates to the UK low risk drinking guidelines.

Whisky is a strong alcoholic drink. Legally, any whisky (or ‘whiskey') sold in the UK must be at least 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).¹ That means 40% of the drink is pure alcohol – and if the ABV is higher, the percentage of alcohol will be higher too.

To keep health risks from alcohol low, if you choose to drink, it’s important to stick to the UK Chief Medical Officers' (CMOs’) low risk drinking guidelines. That means no more than 14 units a week, spread over three or more days, with several drink-free days, and no bingeing.²

Regularly drinking more than the low risk drinking guidelines increases your risk of developing a range of health problems including heart and liver disease, and seven types of cancer.³ The risk of developing these types of cancer starts to increase even at low levels of drinking – so the less you drink, the more you reduce your risk.⁴

How much alcohol is in whisky?

Checking a whisky’s ABV (alcohol by volume) tells you what percentage of the drink is made up of pure alcohol. For example, a 50% ABV whisky contains 50% pure alcohol.

A good way to keep track of how much you’re drinking is to know how many units of alcohol are in your drink. One unit of alcohol is 10ml of pure alcohol – and the number of units you are drinking depends on the drink’s size and strength.

A single (25ml) measure of 40% ABV whisky contains:

1 unit

of alcohol

Drinking more than 14 single measures of whisky in a week would mean you are drinking above the UK’s low risk drinking guidelines of no more than 14 units a week.

Pubs and bars usually serve spirits like whisky in 25ml measures, about one unit of alcohol, or ‘doubles’ which is a 50ml measure and about two units of alcohol.

If you drink whisky as part of a mixed drink or a cocktail, it’s worth remembering there can be several measures – even if the drink doesn’t taste particularly strong. If you drink whisky at home, a good way to avoid accidentally pouring too much and to keep track of your units is by using a unit measuring cup.

How many calories are there in whisky?

Alcohol contains around seven calories a gram, almost as many as one gram of fat.⁵ A typical single 25ml whisky can contain 56 calories.⁶

If you mix whisky with a sugary mixer like lemonade or ginger beer you could end up drinking far more calories than you realise. For example, a double whisky and coke can contain around 178 calories.⁷

To work out the number of alcohol units and calories you consume, use our Unit and Calorie Calculator below.

How to reduce your units and calories from whisky

Check the Alcohol by Volume

When ordering a drink, or buying a bottle, always be sure to check the alcohol content so you can track your units accurately.

Mind your measures at home

Units and calories in whisky mount up quickly, especially when consuming in quantities over a 25ml single measure. Stick to singles when you’re out and use a unit measuring cup when at home to keep track of how much you’re drinking.

Be careful with cocktails

Cocktails can often be ‘free poured’ by eye or served using larger measures than a standard 25ml single so it can be difficult to know how much alcohol you’re really drinking. Ask the bartender to tell you how they’re making your drink so you can keep track of your units.