When it comes to enjoying a refreshing cocktail, it’s only natural to wonder about its nutritional content. One popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts is the Southern Tier Bourbon Smash. If you’re conscious about your calorie intake but still want to savor this delightful concoction, let’s dive into the details and find out how many calories are in a Southern Tier Bourbon Smash.
Understanding the Components
To determine the calorie count of a Southern Tier Bourbon Smash, it’s essential to break down its components. This bourbon-based cocktail typically includes bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and muddled mint leaves. Each ingredient contributes to the overall calorie content in its own unique way.
Calories in Bourbon
Bourbon serves as the primary spirit in a Southern Tier Bourbon Smash. On average, one ounce of bourbon contains around 64 calories. Since this cocktail typically includes a standard serving of two ounces, the bourbon alone contributes approximately 128 calories.
Calories in Lemon Juice
Lemon juice adds a burst of tangy flavor to the Bourbon Smash. Thankfully, lemon juice is relatively low in calories. Typically, one fluid ounce of lemon juice contains around 4 calories. With the cocktail’s typical serving of half an ounce, the lemon juice contributes just 2 calories.
Calories in Simple Syrup
Simple syrup, a mixture of sugar and water, is a common ingredient in many cocktails, including the Southern Tier Bourbon Smash. The calorie content of simple syrup varies depending on its concentration. On average, one fluid ounce of simple syrup contains around 64 calories. In a standard Bourbon Smash recipe, a quarter ounce of simple syrup is typically used, contributing approximately 16 calories.
Calories in Muddled Mint Leaves
Mint leaves not only provide a refreshing aroma to a Southern Tier Bourbon Smash but also a hint of flavor. While mint leaves are extremely low in calories, they are typically muddled with a small amount of sugar to enhance their taste. This extra sweetness does add a few extra calories, but it is negligible, amounting to just a couple of calories.
Total Calorie Count
Now that we have broken down the calorie content of each ingredient, let’s calculate the total calories in a Southern Tier Bourbon Smash. Adding up the individual calorie contributions, we have approximately 128 calories from bourbon, 2 calories from lemon juice, and 16 calories from simple syrup. This brings us to a total of roughly 146 calories per serving. However, keep in mind that variations in the amount of each ingredient used may slightly alter the final calorie count.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to indulge in a Southern Tier Bourbon Smash, it’s important to be aware of its caloric content. With an estimated calorie count of around 146 calories per serving, it can be enjoyed as an occasional treat or in moderation, depending on your dietary goals. Remember, understanding the components and their corresponding calorie contributions allows you to make more informed choices and enjoy your favorite cocktails responsibly.
