The question of how many calories are in a mulligan drink is more complex than it first appears, as the name refers to several distinct beverages, not a single classic cocktail recipe. The calorie count depends entirely on whether you're enjoying a popular ready-to-drink (RTD) canned version or a homemade concoction inspired by a specific brand. This guide will clarify the nutritional differences and provide a calorie breakdown for each type, helping you make an informed choice.
What is a Mulligan Drink?
The term "Mulligan" in the context of beverages has been popularized by golf-themed canned cocktail brands and specific distillery promotions. It's not a historical cocktail with a fixed recipe like an Old Fashioned. Instead, the name refers to a 'do-over' in golf, a fitting theme for a refreshing drink on the course. The most prominent versions include ready-to-drink vodka cocktails and a tea-infused bourbon recipe.
The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Mulligan
Multiple brands offer RTD cocktails under the "Mulligan" name, often marketed to golfers. One well-known example is TK Mulligan, which features several flavors, including:
- The Crush: A blend of six-times distilled vodka and orange juice balanced with citrus soda.
- The Transfusion: Combines vodka, tangy grape juice, lime, and ginger ale.
- The Wedge: Swaps the orange juice of The Crush for lemonade. These canned options provide a consistent and easy-to-track calorie count, making them a popular choice for those monitoring their intake.
The Homemade Bourbon Mulligan
Another prominent version of the drink was promoted by Elijah Craig Bourbon for the 2024 PGA Championship. This recipe features green tea-infused bourbon mixed with lemonade and a splash of soda water. The calorie total for this homemade variant can fluctuate based on the specific type of lemonade and how much sugar is added.
Calorie Breakdown for Different Mulligan Variations
To accurately determine the calorie content, you must consider the specific ingredients and their quantities. Here is a comparison of the different mulligan options.
TK Mulligan RTD Calories
According to the manufacturer and nutritional information available from retailers like Total Wine, the various TK Mulligan canned cocktails are all formulated to have a consistent calorie count:
- Calories: 139 calories per can
- Sugar: 8g per can
- Carbohydrates: 8g per can These cocktails are typically 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), ensuring a moderate calorie intake for a pre-mixed drink.
Estimated Calories for a DIY Bourbon Mulligan
For a homemade version, you need to calculate the calories from each component. Based on the Elijah Craig recipe (2 oz green tea-infused bourbon, 4 oz lemonade, splash of soda water), here is an estimate:
- 2 oz Bourbon: Approximately 129 calories (assuming 80 proof at ~97 calories per 1.5 oz).
- 4 oz Lemonade: This is the most variable ingredient. A standard sugar-sweetened lemonade contains about 120 calories per 8 oz, so 4 oz would be 60 calories. Diet lemonade would be virtually zero.
- Splash of Soda Water: Zero calories.
Adding these up, a DIY bourbon mulligan with regular lemonade is approximately 189 calories. Using diet lemonade would reduce this to around 129 calories.
Factors Influencing a Mulligan's Calorie Count
Beyond the specific recipe, several other elements can impact the final calorie total of your drink. These are important to consider, especially when making a cocktail from scratch.
- Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Mixers: Many cocktail calories come from the mixers, not the alcohol itself. Opting for diet or zero-sugar lemonade and iced tea, or simply using a smaller amount of sweetened mixers, can dramatically lower the calorie count.
- Alcohol Proof: The higher the proof (alcohol percentage) of the spirit, the more calories it contains. An 80-proof bourbon has about 97 calories per 1.5 oz, while a 94-proof would have more.
- Added Sugars: If you add simple syrup, honey, or extra sugar, you are adding pure calories. A simple syrup adds about 15-16 calories per teaspoon, and many cocktail recipes call for a significant amount.
- Serving Size: The calorie counts provided for RTDs are for a standard can (typically 12 oz). A homemade cocktail might be larger, and consuming more than one will cause the calories to accumulate quickly.
Calorie Comparison: Mulligan vs. Other Cocktails
| Cocktail Type | Standard Serving | Approximate Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TK Mulligan (RTD) | 12 oz can | 139 cal | Ready-to-drink, consistent nutrition |
| DIY Bourbon Mulligan | ~6 oz | ~189 cal | Varies with lemonade choice, can be lower |
| Vodka Soda | 8 oz | 96-120 cal | Very low calorie, no sugar from mixer |
| Mojito | 6 oz | ~143 cal | Can vary based on sugar content |
| Margarita | 4 oz | ~168 cal | Can vary significantly with mixes |
| Whiskey Sour | 3 oz | ~125 cal | Classic recipe is generally lower in sugar |
How to Reduce Calories in Your Mulligan
For those who enjoy a mulligan but want to manage their calorie intake, here are some simple tips, especially for homemade versions:
- Use Sugar-Free Mixers: This is the most effective way to cut calories. Replace regular lemonade with a sugar-free or diet version. Use a splash of lime juice and club soda instead of a sugary mixer.
- Limit Sugary Syrups: If a recipe calls for simple syrup or honey, use it sparingly or substitute with a non-nutritive sweetener.
- Go Lighter on the Alcohol: Reduce the amount of bourbon or vodka from 2 oz to 1.5 oz to cut approximately 30-40 calories.
- Add More Water or Soda: For homemade drinks, use less lemonade or iced tea and top off with more zero-calorie soda water to maintain volume without adding calories.
- Infuse Your Own Tea: For the bourbon mulligan recipe, infusing your own green tea into the bourbon will ensure no extra sugar is added from pre-sweetened tea mixes.
Conclusion
In summary, the calorie count for a mulligan drink is not a fixed number. A consumer can expect a standardized calorie count of 139 calories in a branded ready-to-drink can like TK Mulligan. However, for a homemade bourbon mulligan, the total depends on the ingredients and proportions, with an estimated calorie count of approximately 189 when using standard sweetened lemonade. For calorie-conscious drinkers, choosing low-sugar or diet mixers and monitoring portion sizes are the most effective ways to enjoy a mulligan without significantly impacting their daily intake.
Authoritative Outbound Link
For more information on the calorie content of various alcoholic beverages, consider visiting the MedlinePlus page on alcoholic drink calories: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000886.htm.
