Calories in Old Fashioned Cocktails: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes
Per 1 cup (247g)
Per 100g
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy, March 2026.
The Old Fashioned is a classic whiskey-based cocktail made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and an orange peel. Per 100g it contains 49 calories, 3.2g protein, 6.2g carbs, and 1.2g fat. A standard serving (about 1 cup or 247g) delivers around 121 calories. The calorie count is moderate for a cocktail, primarily from the alcohol itself since the sugar addition is minimal. The sodium content is notable at 346mg per 100g. For anyone tracking their intake, an Old Fashioned is a lower-sugar cocktail choice compared to sugary mixers like juice or soda-based drinks. However, alcohol itself provides 7 calories per gram, suppresses fat oxidation, and disrupts sleep and recovery. Drinking on non-training days and keeping it to one drink limits the impact on body composition goals.
Nutrition Highlights
Calories by Serving Size
| Serving | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (247g) | 121 | 7.9g | 15.3g | 3g | 3.2g |
| 1 can (529g) | 259.2 | 16.9g | 32.8g | 6.3g | 6.9g |
| 100g | 49 | 3.2g | 6.2g | 1.2g | 1.3g |
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Full Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 49 | 2% |
| Protein | 3.2g | 6% |
| Total Fat | 1.2g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6.2g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3g | 5% |
| Sugars | 1.2g | 2% |
| Sodium | 346mg | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
Vitamins & Minerals (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | 0.4g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 17mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 163mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 10mg | 2% |
| Phosphorus | 48mg | 4% |
| Zinc | 0.6mg | 5% |
| Selenium | 3mcg | 5% |
| Niacin (B3) | 1mg | 6% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
Health Benefits of Old Fashioned Cocktails
Compared to sugary cocktails like margaritas, pina coladas, or rum and coke, the Old Fashioned is a relatively lean choice. The minimal sugar content (around 1.2g per 100g) means fewer empty carbs from sweeteners. The calorie count is primarily from the whiskey itself rather than added syrups.
Bitters used in an Old Fashioned traditionally contain herbal extracts including gentian root, which has historically been used to support digestion. The amounts are small but add complexity to the drink without adding calories.
From a practical standpoint, if you are going to drink alcohol, choosing a lower-sugar option like an Old Fashioned over a cocktail loaded with juice or simple syrup is the smarter move for body composition. Alcohol suppresses fat oxidation for several hours after consumption and can disrupt sleep quality, which affects recovery and muscle building.
For those who drink socially but still care about their physique, the strategy is to choose lower-calorie options, eat enough protein on drinking days to preserve muscle, and keep drinking to non-consecutive days away from hard training sessions.
Dietary Considerations
The Old Fashioned is gluten-free when made with bourbon (corn-based) but not when made with rye whiskey, which contains gluten. It is not vegan if the whiskey is filtered through bone char, though most modern bourbons are vegan-friendly. The cocktail is not suitable for keto due to the alcohol content, which disrupts ketosis and fat burning. For weight loss, alcohol in general is a challenge since it adds calories without nutritional value and lowers inhibitions around food choices. If you drink, keep portions controlled, avoid adding sugary mixers, and choose a night you are not training the next morning.
Daily Intake (100g)
100g of old fashioned provides 2% of a 2,000-calorie diet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in an Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned cocktail contains about 121 calories per standard serving (approximately 247g or 1 cup). Per 100g the calorie count is 49. The exact count depends on how much whiskey and sugar are used.
Is an Old Fashioned good for weight loss?
No alcoholic drink is ideal for weight loss, but an Old Fashioned is lower in sugar and total calories than many cocktails. Alcohol itself blocks fat burning and adds calories without nutrients. Drinking less frequently and sticking to one drink minimizes the damage.
How much protein is in an Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned contains 3.2g of protein per 100g per USDA data, which is likely from trace amounts in the bitters or other ingredients. In practical terms, cocktails are not a meaningful protein source.
How does an Old Fashioned compare to other cocktails calorie-wise?
An Old Fashioned at about 121 calories per serving is lower in calories than a margarita (around 250 calories), pina colada (around 300-400 calories), or a Long Island Iced Tea (around 780 calories). It is one of the lower-calorie cocktail options since it skips sugary juice or soda mixers.
Is an Old Fashioned keto-friendly?
Not really. While the carb count is relatively low, alcohol itself interferes with ketosis by being prioritized as fuel over fat. If you are strictly keto, any alcohol will pause fat burning while your body processes the alcohol.
What is in an Old Fashioned cocktail?
A classic Old Fashioned contains whiskey (usually bourbon or rye), a small amount of sugar (sugar cube or simple syrup), aromatic bitters, and an orange peel garnish. Some variations add a cherry. It is stirred with ice and served over a large ice cube.
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