Maker’s Mark is a popular bourbon whiskey that has been produced by the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky since 1958. The bourbon is known for its distinctive square bottles sealed with red wax.
Measuring alcohol by the “shot” is imprecise, as shot sizes can vary. However, a typical shot of liquor contains around 1.5 ounces or 44 ml. So two shots would equal approximately 3 ounces or 88 ml. Knowing this, we can estimate the calorie content of two shots of Maker’s Mark bourbon.
Calories in Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages contain calories, just like other foods and drinks. The calories come from the alcohol itself, as well as any carbohydrates or proteins in the beverage.
Ethanol, the type of alcohol found in spirits like bourbon, contains 7 calories per gram. The other ingredients in bourbon, like water and flavorings, contain negligible calories.
To determine the calories in a serving of liquor, you need to know the alcohol by volume (ABV). This tells you the percentage of the drink that is pure alcohol. The higher the ABV, the more calories it will have.
Maker’s Mark Alcohol Content
According to the Maker’s Mark website, their bourbon has an alcohol by volume of 45%. This means 45% of Maker’s Mark is pure alcohol, and 55% is water and other ingredients.
Knowing the ABV allows us to calculate the number of calories just from the alcohol content of a serving.
Calculating Alcohol Calories in Maker’s Mark
Now we can calculate the number of alcohol calories in one shot and two shots of Maker’s Mark:
One 1.5 oz Shot of Maker’s Mark
– ABV of Maker’s Mark: 45%
– Volume of 1 shot: 1.5 oz
– 45% of 1.5 oz is 0.675 oz alcohol
– There are 29.57 ml per 1 oz
– So 0.675 oz x 29.57 ml/oz = 19.96 ml alcohol
– There are 7 calories per gram of alcohol
– The density of ethanol is 0.79 g/ml
– So 19.96 ml x 0.79 g/ml = 15.77 grams of alcohol
– 15.77 grams x 7 calories/gram = **110 calories**
Two 1.5 oz Shots of Maker’s Mark
– 2 shots x 1.5 oz per shot = 3 oz total
– 45% of 3 oz is 1.35 oz alcohol
– 1.35 oz x 29.57 ml/oz = 39.92 ml alcohol
– 39.92 ml x 0.79 g/ml = 31.54 grams alcohol
– 31.54 grams x 7 calories/gram = **221 calories**
So according to these calculations, there are approximately 110 calories in one shot of Maker’s Mark bourbon, and 221 calories total in two shots.
Other Calories in Maker’s Mark
The calculations above only account for the calories from the alcohol content of Maker’s Mark. The bourbon also contains some calories from carbohydrates, including corn, barley malt, and wheat.
According to CalorieKing, one 1.5 oz shot of Maker’s Mark contains 123 calories total. This includes 110 calories from alcohol plus 13 calories from carbs and protein.
Therefore, the total calories for two shots would be approximately 246 calories.
Summary of Calories in 2 Shots of Maker’s Mark
– 110 calories per 1.5 oz shot from alcohol
– 13 additional calories per shot from carbs/protein
– So 123 calories total per shot
– 2 shots x 123 calories = **246 calories total**
So for a quick answer, two shots or 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark bourbon contains approximately 246 calories. But the majority (221 calories) comes just from the alcohol itself.
Daily Calorie Recommendations
To put the calorie count of Maker’s Mark into context, here are some guidelines for daily calorie needs:
– Sedentary women: 1,600-2,000 calories/day
– Sedentary men: 2,000-2,600 calories/day
– Active women: 2,000-2,400 calories/day
– Active men: 2,400-3,000 calories/day
So two shots of Maker’s Mark at 246 calories represents around 12% of the recommended daily intake for sedentary women, and just over 8% for sedentary men. For active adults, two shots would provide 10-12% of calorie needs.
This assumes Maker’s Mark is the only alcohol consumed. Drinking more would increase the calorie intake substantially. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting alcohol to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. One Maker’s Mark shot is considered a single drink.
Ways to Reduce Calories in Maker’s Mark
If you want to enjoy Maker’s Mark bourbon but reduce the calorie impact, here are some options:
Drink It on the Rocks
Adding ice will water down the whiskey and lower the overall calorie content per glass. This cuts down on calories absorbed while preserving flavor.
Mix with Zero-Calorie Beverages
You can mix Maker’s Mark with zero-calorie mixers like diet soda, seltzer water, or unsweetened tea. Combining 2 oz whiskey with 6 oz zero-cal mixer cuts the calories by about one third.
Use Smaller Shot Sizes
Rather than 1.5 oz shots, opt for 1 oz pours to trim about 40 calories per glass. This lets you enjoy the flavor with moderation.
Share a Cocktail
Turn your whiskey into a cocktail by adding bitters, herbs, spices, or fruit garnish. Then share with a friend to split the calories.
Pre-Drink Calorie-Free Beverages
Hydrate with water or unsweetened drinks before having Maker’s Mark shots. This can help fill you up faster so you drink less.
Eat Less Elsewhere in Your Diet
Cut calories earlier in the day to “save up” for Maker’s Mark. Have a light meal with salads, broth-based soup, or lean protein.
Health Impacts of Bourbon
While consuming Maker’s Mark in moderation has minimal effect on calories, drinking too much can impact health. Potential risks include:
Weight Gain
At 7 calories per gram, excess alcohol contributes significantly to overall calorie intake. This can lead to weight gain over time.
Liver Damage
Heavy drinking taxes the liver, which helps metabolize alcohol. This can lead to fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
Increased Cancer Risk
Alcohol consumption raises the risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast cancer. The risk is dose-dependent, so more drinks means higher risk.
High Blood Pressure
Drinking heavily impacts blood pressure. It can cause hypertension by changing blood vessel function and altering electrolyte balance.
Heart Disease
Heavy alcohol use can induce arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart), stroke, and heart muscle damage leading to congestive heart failure.
Digestive Issues
Alcohol can irritate the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and ulcers.
Hormone Disruption
Chronic drinking interferes with hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol. This can impact fertility, bone density, and cognitive function.
Conclusion
In summary, two 1.5 ounce shots of Maker’s Mark bourbon contains approximately 246 calories. This comes primarily from the alcohol content, which provides 221 calories. The remaining 25 calories are from carbohydrates and protein.
While an occasional two shots fits into most calorie budgets, drinking in excess can promote weight gain and negatively impact your health. The Dietary Guidelines recommend up to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. Drinking responsibly allows you to enjoy Maker’s Mark without the risks of heavy alcohol consumption. Sipping neat or on the rocks, using zero-calorie mixers, and sharing cocktails can help moderate your calorie intake.
