Understanding Tequila Calories and Nutrition Facts
Tequila is a popular Mexican spirit that has been gaining more traction worldwide in recent years. Made from the blue agave plant, this alcoholic drink packs a flavorful punch. But like most spirits, tequila is not generally consumed for its nutritional value. Its calorie and carb content, however, may still be a concern for some people trying to watch their diet and alcohol intake.
What Exactly is Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the fermented sugars extracted from the blue agave plant. It carries an alcohol content between 38-40%. The specific process used to make tequila is governed by Mexican law. This includes using only blue agave plants grown in specific regions of Mexico.
There are two main categories of tequila - 100% agave tequila made only from the blue agave, and mixtos which contains 51% blue agave sugar with added sugars. 100% agave tequila is generally more premium.
Calorie and Carb Content in Tequila
Like most distilled spirits, tequila itself does not contain carbs or protein. The calories in tequila come mainly from the alcohol itself. A standard 1.5oz shot of pure tequila contains:
- 97 calories
- 0g carbs
- 0g protein
The majority of calories - about 70% - come from the alcohol content itself. Since carbs and protein amounts are practically negligible, whats accounting for the remaining 30% of calories?
Understanding Proof and Alcohol Percentages
Tequila typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage of 38-40%. This means 38-40% of tequila comes from pure alcohol, with the rest accounting for traces of compounds that provide its color, flavor, and aroma.
Proof is a concept used to measure alcohol percentage, defined as twice the ABV number. So an 80 proof tequila contains 40% alcohol content.
Calorie Count in Casamigos Tequila
Casamigos is a luxury brand of tequila launched in 2013. Co-founded by actor George Clooney, this premium tequila is an ultra-smooth spirit made from 100% blue agave plants.
As a 100% agave spirit, Casamigos provides more flavor and commands a higher price point than mixto offerings. But from a caloric standpoint, Casamigos nutrition should align with standard tequila.
Casamigos Tequila Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1.5oz serving of Casamigos Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo tequila varieties:
- Casamigos Blanco - 100 calories, 0g carbs, 0g protein
- Casamigos Reposado - 100 calories, 0g carbs, 0g protein
- Casamigos Aejo - 100 calories, 0g carbs, 0g protein
As expected, a standard shot of Casamigos contains right around 100 calories, regardless of the specific variety. There are zero carbs or protein in the tequila itself.
Understanding Proof of Casamigos
All types of Casamigos tequila including Blanco, Reposado, and Aejo have an 80 proof. This means 40% alcohol by volume, with 100% coming from premium blue agave plant sugars.
So in a 1.5oz shot of Casamigos, about 70 calories (or 70% of the total) come directly from the alcohol itself. The rest would come from non-alcohol compounds providing subtle flavor differences between Casamigos varieties.
Does Mixing Change the Calories?
Mixing tequila definitely changes its nutritional profile. While distilled spirits contain minimal direct carbs and calories, tequila-based cocktails and mixes derive calories and carbs from added ingredients:
- Fruit juices
- Soda mixes
- Syrups
- Salt/sugar rims
For example, mixing Casamigos with orange juice or sugary margarita mix adds a carb load you wont find in the tequila itself. Similarly, a salted rim will pack extra sodium and calories absent in a straight shot.
Estimating Calories in Mixed Drinks
Its difficult to provide an estimate for mixed tequila drinks as recipes can vary enormously. But as some rules of thumb for a 6oz drink:
- Soda mixes add about 100 calories
- Fruit juices pack around 150 calories
- Margarita mixes can provide 300+ calories
Youll also need to account for any sour mix, purees, salt or sugar. When mixing tequila in cocktails, the majority of calories often come from added mixers and flavors rather than the base spirit itself.
Keto-Friendliness of Tequila and Casamigos
Can You Drink Tequila on Keto?
Straight tequila is one of the most keto diet-friendly spirits. Since pure tequila contains zero carbs, it remains aligned with keto guidelines as long as your intake thresholds are met. Most keto diets allow for:
- 20-50g net carbs per day
- 5-10% of total calories from alcohol
As an unsweetened base spirit, tequila fits nicely for low carb diets. Just be careful of added sugars and salt in tequila cocktails that can quickly rack up carbs.
Drinking Casamigos Tequila on Keto Diets
As a premium 100% blue agave tequila containing no added sugars or carbs, Casamigos also fits into a keto diet and lifestyle. Enjoying Casamigos straight up remains keto-friendly as long as measured reasonably and accounted for.
Other low carb mixers like unsweetened club soda or zero-carb tonic allow keto dieters to make no-carb tequila drinks. Casamigos also pairs nicely with sparkling waters or a squeeze of citrus to brighten things up.
Ultimately calories still matter on a keto diet, so be sure to pour sensible serving sizes. But with no direct carbs or sugars, Casamigos offers keto dieters an ultra-smooth tequila to be savored.
FAQs
What are the basic nutrition facts in tequila?
Tequila contains around 97 calories per 1.5oz serving. It has zero grams of carbs, protein or fat. The calories come from the alcohol content itself.
Does Casamigos have more calories than a typical tequila?
No. Casamigos contains around 100 calories per standard shot, which is quite normal for an 80 proof tequila.
What should you mix Casamigos tequila with on a keto diet?
On a keto diet, it's best to enjoy Casamigos tequila straight up or mixed with zero-carb beverages like club soda or sparkling water. Skip sweet mixes that can add excess carbs.
Can you drink Casamigos tequila on a low-carb or no-carb diet?
Yes, Casamigos on its own fits nicely into a low-carb or no-carb diet plan, thanks to its impressive smoothness and zero-carb nutrition facts.
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.
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