Alcoholic beverage, distilled, all (gin, rum, vodka, whiskey) 100 proof
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a potent, clear spirit distilled from grains or sugarcane, with a sharp, clean bite and a smooth, warming finish. Nutritionally, it's a source of pure, empty calories—295 kcal per 100g—with zero protein, carbs, fat, or micronutrients. Its high alcohol content (50% ABV) is its defining characteristic.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its clean, versatile canvas that can be transformed by mixers and other ingredients into complex cocktails. Its cultural significance in celebrations, toasts, and social gatherings makes it a centerpiece of conviviality.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is its high caloric density from alcohol, which can contribute to weight gain and offers no satiety. Excessive consumption poses serious health risks, including liver damage and impaired judgment. To counteract, practice strict portion control (e.g., a 1.5 oz shot), always consume with food to slow absorption, and hydrate with water between drinks.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy (7 kcal per gram of alcohol)
- Can be part of social rituals and culinary traditions
- Used as a base for a wide variety of cocktails
- Some studies link moderate consumption to potential cardiovascular benefits (context-dependent)
- Acts as a solvent for extracting flavors in infusions and tinctures
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'proof' system originated in 16th-century England, where sailors would test the strength of rum by soaking a gunpowder pellet in it; if the gunpowder still ignited, the rum was 'proof' of its high alcohol content.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 57.5 g |
| Energy | 295 kcal |
| Energy | 1234 kj |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Ash | 0.01 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 0.00 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.04 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 0.00 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 4.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 2.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.04 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.01 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 42.5 g |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
Why does 100-proof alcohol have no carbs or sugar?
During distillation, alcohol (ethanol) is separated from the fermented mash, leaving behind sugars, proteins, and fats. The final product is essentially pure ethanol and water.
Is this the same as drinking 'straight' alcohol?
Yes, 100-proof (50% ABV) is a common strength for spirits sold 'neat' or for mixing. It's stronger than the standard 80-proof (40% ABV) found in most vodka, gin, or whiskey.
Can I use this for cooking?
Absolutely. It's used to flambé dishes, deglaze pans, and in marinades. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind concentrated flavor. Use it carefully due to its high flammability.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.95 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.50 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.