Why does a standard shot of liquor have so many calories for its relatively small size?

Question

Why does a standard shot of liquor have so many calories for its relatively small size?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Fats contain 9 calories per gram while protein and carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram.

In terms of caloric density, alcohol is closer to fat than it is to carbs or proteins. So a shot that’s 40% alcohol isn’t that different from a drink made of 40% fat, which you’re not doing even if you’re drinking melted ice cream.