🌿📊 The Calories and Nutrition Facts of Mezcal

Mezcal, the traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, has gained popularity around the world in recent years.

Its smoky flavor and versatility in cocktails have made it a favorite among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike. But what about its nutritional value?

How many calories are in mezcal, and what are its health benefits and drawbacks?

Let’s take a closer look.

🍰 How many calories are in mezcal?

ℹ️ On average, a 1.5-ounce shot of mezcal contains around 97 calories.

Like other alcoholic beverages, mezcal contains calories, but the exact number varies depending on the brand and type.

However, flavored and sweetened versions of mezcal, as well as mezcal-based cocktails, can contain significantly more calories.

It’s important to keep in mind that calories are not the only factor to consider when it comes to nutrition. Alcohol can have a number of negative effects on the body, such as increasing appetite and reducing inhibitions, which can lead to overeating and poor food choices.

🤔 Does Mezcal Offer Health Benefits?

The short answer is: No.

Like tequila, mezcal is made from the agave plant, which contains compounds called agavins.

Agavins are a type of carbohydrate that the body does not digest, meaning they have a low glycemic index and do not cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

Mezcal is also believed to have antioxidant properties. The smoky flavor of mezcal comes from the roasting of the agave plant, which creates compounds called phenols.

Phenols are antioxidants that can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. That being said…

🤒 Health Drawbacks of Mezcal

It’s important to remember that it is still an alcoholic beverage and should be consumed in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption can have a number of negative effects on the body, such as increasing the risk of liver disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.

Drinking liquor doesn’t offer any health benefits.

🍹 Mezcal Cocktails and Calories

While mezcal can be enjoyed on its own, it’s also a popular ingredient in cocktails. Here are the calorie counts for some popular mezcal-based cocktails:

• Smoky Margarita: 190 calories
• Mezcal Paloma: 175 calories
• Mezcal Mule: 200 calories
• Oaxacan Old Fashioned: 160 calories
• Mezcalita: 185 calories
• Mezcal Sour: 155 calories
• Mezcal Negroni: 195 calories
• Naked and Famous: 165 calories
• Prickly Lady: 150 calories
• Mezcal Mojito: 150 calories
• Harvest Ole: 150 calories

It’s important to remember that these calorie counts are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used. To minimize the calorie content of mezcal cocktails, it’s best to use fresh, low-calorie mixers and avoid sugary syrups and other additives.

Conclusion

Mezcal is a unique and flavorful spirit that should be consumed in moderation. More importantly than calories, you should be aware of potential health risks of alcohol and liquor in general.