Calories and Nutrition in Peppermint Schnapps Liqueur | Keto Diet Alcohol

Understanding Calories in Alcoholic Beverages

When following a healthy diet like the ketogenic diet, it's important to understand the calorie and carbohydrate content of everything you consume - including alcoholic beverages. While alcohol is not off limits on keto, some options are better than others. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down calories, carbs and nutrition for one popular alcoholic drink: peppermint schnapps.

What is Peppermint Schnapps?

Peppermint schnapps is a popular alcoholic liqueur with a minty flavor. It's made by infusing grain alcohol with peppermint oils and sometimes sugar. Traditional peppermint schnapps contains about 30% alcohol by volume (60 proof).

The peppermint flavor comes from distilling peppermint herbs and leaves into an essential oil, which is then added to the schnapps. Popular brands of peppermint schnapps include Rumple Minze, Yukon Jack, Arrow and Dr. McGillicuddy's.

Peppermint Schnapps Nutrition Facts

Like all alcoholic beverages, peppermint schnapps is high in calories and low in other nutrients. A typical 1.5 ounce (44 ml) shot of peppermint schnapps contains around 124 calories, all from alcohol:

• Calories: 124
• Fat: 0g
• Carbs: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Since peppermint schnapps is distilled from fermented grains, it contains no carbohydrates or sugar. This makes it a keto-friendly liquor option. However, the calories still need to be accounted for in your daily intake.

Drinking Peppermint Schnapps on a Keto Diet

One of the biggest concerns with drinking alcohol on the keto diet is that it can easily lead to overconsumption of calories and getting kicked out of ketosis. Here are some tips for enjoying peppermint schnapps without sabotaging your keto diet:

• Count the calories. A standard shot of peppermint schnapps has around 124 calories. Be sure to account for these "empty" calories in your daily intake.
• Watch your portions. It's easy to overpour when making cocktails at home. Stick to standard 1.5 ounce shot sizes.
• Skip sugary mixers. Drink peppermint schnapps straight up or mixed with zero-carb options like soda water or diet ginger ale.
• Stay hydrated. Alcohol is dehydrating. Be sure to drink plenty of water while imbibing.
• Don't drink on an empty stomach. Eat a balanced keto meal before drinking to help prevent overconsumption.

Overall, peppermint schnapps can fit into a well-formulated ketogenic diet when consumed in moderation. Just be mindful of your calories and carbs from mixers.

Keto-Friendly Peppermint Schnapps Cocktail Recipes

Enjoying the occasional low-carb cocktail with peppermint schnapps can be part of a healthy keto lifestyle. Here are some festive keto peppermint schnapps recipes to try:

Peppermint Patty

This refreshing cocktail is a sugar-free take on a peppermint patty candy. The perfect light and minty drink for the holidays.

• 1.5 oz (45ml) peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz (30ml) heavy cream or half and half
• 5 fresh mint leaves
• 1 drop liquid stevia (optional)

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass to serve. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Keto Peppermint Mocha

All the flavors of a holiday coffeehouse drink, but keto-friendly. Makes a nice after-dinner treat.

• 1.5 oz (45ml) peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz (30ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 oz (15ml) sugar-free chocolate syrup
• 4 oz hot brewed coffee
• Whipped cream for topping

Brew coffee and allow to cool slightly. Pour all ingredients except whipped cream into a tall glass filled with ice and stir well to combine. Top with whipped cream and grated chocolate if desired.

Holiday Nog

All the flavors of classic eggnog, minus the carbs and sugar. Perfect for sipping by the fire.

• 2 oz (60ml) peppermint schnapps
• 2 oz (60ml) heavy cream
• 1 whole egg
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 drop liquid stevia (optional)

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until frothy and chilled. Strain into glass and top with additional nutmeg.

Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint Schnapps

While alcohol should always be consumed in moderation, some research shows the peppermint oil used to flavor schnapps may have potential health benefits including:

Improved Digestion

Studies show peppermint oil can help relax intestinal smooth muscle to relieve gas, bloating, stomach pain and other IBS symptoms. The menthol in peppermint may also reduce nausea.

Decreased Nausea

Inhaling peppermint aromatherapy or consuming peppermint oil capsules has been shown to help reduce postoperative and chemotherapy-related nausea.

Enhanced Mental Focus

Some research finds peppermint aroma can improve concentration, motivation and athletic performance by stimulating certain areas of the brain.

Headache Relief

Applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples and forehead may relieve tension headache pain thanks to its ability to relax tight muscles.

Respiratory Benefits

Inhaling diffused peppermint oil can help open clogged respiratory airways. It also thins mucus for the treatment of coughs and colds.

That being said, more research is needed to confirm many of these supposed health benefits. Talk to your doctor before using peppermint supplements or essential oils.

Potential Side Effects of Drinking Peppermint Schnapps

When consumed in excess, peppermint schnapps may cause unpleasant side effects including:

• Dehydration
• Hangovers
• Impaired judgment
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slowed reaction time
• Drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Liver damage
• Alcohol poisoning

To reduce your risk of problems, always drink peppermint schnapps and other alcoholic beverages responsibly:

• Do not binge drink or have more than 23 drinks per day if you're a man and 1-2 if you're a woman
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Never drink on an empty stomach
• Do not drive or operate machinery after drinking
• Avoid alcohol if you have certain medical conditions or take medications that interact with it

Pregnant women should avoid peppermint schnapps and other alcohol entirely, as it can harm the developing baby.

Bottom Line

When consumed in moderation, peppermint schnapps can be part of a healthy, low-carb keto diet. It contains zero sugar and carbs, but calories from the alcohol still need to be accounted for. Enjoy the occasional keto-friendly peppermint schnapps cocktail, but be mindful of your intake and avoid overconsumption. While peppermint oil may offer some benefits, drinking too much can also lead to dehydration, impaired function and other issues. As with any alcohol, enjoy peppermint schnapps sensibly and in moderation.

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.