Calories and Nutrition in Hennessy Cognac

How Many Calories are in Hennessy Cognac?

Hennessy is one of the most popular cognac brands available today. Cognac is a variety of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France. It's made by distilling wine made from Ugni Blanc grapes.

Cognac like Hennessy has a smooth, complex flavor profile with hints of fruit, oak, and spice. It's often enjoyed slowly, with gentle heating allowing more aromas to emerge.

But besides its rich taste, Hennessy packs quite a caloric punch. Here's a detailed look at the nutritional content and calories in Hennessy and other cognac varieties.

Macronutrients in Hennessy

Hennessy contains virtually zero protein, fat, or carbohydrates. The main macronutrient supplied by Hennessy is alcohol.

Here are the macronutrients in one standard 1.5 ounce (44 ml) serving of Hennessy VSOP cognac (1):

• Protein: 0 grams
• Carbs: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Alcohol: 14 grams

So aside from trace amounts, Hennessy provides almost 100% of its calories from alcohol.

Calories in Hennessy

The calorie content of Hennessy depends on the specific variety you choose:

Hennessy VS

• 1.5 fluid ounce (44 ml) serving: 97 calories
• 750 ml bottle: 1,937 calories

Hennessy VSOP

• 1.5 fluid ounce (44 ml) serving: 97 calories
• 750 ml bottle: 1,937 calories

Hennessy XO

• 1.5 fluid ounce (44 ml) serving: 105 calories
• 750 ml bottle: 2,097 calories

As you can see, the calorie count of Hennessy cognac comes out to around 100 calories per standard serving of 1.5 fluid ounces (44 ml). This is regardless of variety.

There is a slight difference between the VS/VSOP and XO varieties. However, at just 8 calories more per serving, it's quite small.

Alcohol Content of Hennessy

Hennessy contains 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). This percentage is the same across VS, VSOP, and XO varieties.

Here's how much pure alcohol is found in each serving and bottle size (1):

1.5 fluid ounce (44 ml) serving

• Pure alcohol: 0.6 fluid ounces (14.4 ml)

750 ml bottle

• Pure alcohol: 300 fluid ounces (8,820 ml)

This high alcohol concentration is responsible for most of the calories in Hennessy. Each gram of ethanol provides about 7 calories (2).

Carbs in Hennessy

Hennessy contains no carbohydrates. All nutritional values are negligible, including sugar.

During the distillation process, the sugary grape juice used to make cognac is fermented and refined into pure ethanol alcohol.

This leaves behind no measurable carbs or sugar.

Comparing Calories in Different Alcohols

Hennessy clocks in at around 100 calories per 1.5 ounce (44 ml) serving.

Here's how its calorie count compares to other popular alcohols (3):

• Vodka: 96 calories per 1.5 ounces
• Gin: 97 calories per 1.5 ounces
• Rum: 97 calories per 1.5 ounces
• Tequila: 97 calories per 1.5 ounces
• Whiskey: 105 calories per 1.5 ounces
• Red wine: 125 calories per 5 ounces
• Beer: 153 calories per 12 ounces

As you can see, most distilled spirits like cognac, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila contain around 100 calories per serving.

However, wine and beer tend to be higher in calories. Cognac is one of the lowest-calorie options among these drink choices.

Lower Calorie Cognac Alternatives

Hennessy is well-known but certainly not the only quality cognac available. Here are a few lower-calorie cognac alternatives:

Camus V.S.O.P Elegance

• Around 86 calories per serving

Pierre Ferrand 1840 Original Formula

• Around 90 calories per serving

Maison Surrenne VS Cognac

• Around 70 calories per serving

Keep in mind that most cognacs will range from 70–100 calories per serving.

You can also make simple swaps, such as opting for wine or champagne instead of cognac, to reduce caloric intake.

Should You Drink Cognac on a Diet?

Hennessy and other cognacs are relatively low in calories compared to many alcoholic beverages.

However, alcohol does provide empty calories devoid of nutrition. It's also metabolized preferentially, meaning your body burns alcohol before other macros.

Moderation is key. Guidelines define moderate drinking as (4):

• 1 drink or less per day for women
• 2 drinks or less per day for men

If you choose to drink cognac, limit intake to moderate amounts alongside an overall healthy diet to prevent excess calorie intake.

Low-Calorie Cocktail Mixers

To lighten up the caloric impact of Hennessy or other cognac drinks, use low-calorie mixers like:

• Slimline tonic
• Seltzer or club soda
• Diet ginger ale
• Diet cola
• Fresh lime juice
• Iced tea

Avoid heavy cream, juices, and regular sodas or tonics that can rack up calories quickly.

Cognac for Dieting or Weight Loss

At around 100 calories per serving, cognac like Hennessy can fit into

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.