Calories in an Official Spiked Monster
For those specifically asking about the official "spiked" Monster drink, the product is called The Beast Unleashed. This flavored malt beverage has a 6% ABV and comes in flavors like Mean Green, White Haze, and Peach Perfect. Its calorie count is notably low, designed for the hard seltzer market. Each 12-ounce can contains only 130 calories, 0 grams of sugar, and just 3 to 4 grams of carbohydrates. This is a crucial distinction, as many people confuse this product with a standard Monster energy drink that has alcohol added to it. The Beast Unleashed is formulated differently, with the energy blend, caffeine, and sugar removed.
The Calorie Impact of DIY Monster Cocktails
In contrast, mixing alcohol with a standard Monster energy drink creates a vastly different and far more calorie-dense beverage. A typical 16-ounce can of original Monster energy drink, for example, contains approximately 210 to 230 calories, mostly from sugar. When you add a shot of liquor to this, the calorie count rises dramatically. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of vodka contains around 97 calories, for example. The combination would easily push the total calorie count well over 300, and potentially higher depending on the amount of alcohol added.
Why the DIY mix is more caloric
- Sugar content: The high sugar content in standard energy drinks contributes most of the calories. The Beast Unleashed eliminates this to keep the count low.
- Alcohol's density: Pure alcohol contains approximately seven calories per gram, which is nearly as high as pure fat (nine calories per gram). This means that the added alcohol significantly increases the total energy content of the mixed drink.
- Serving size: A can of Monster is often larger than a typical cocktail mixer, and the high sweetness can mask the taste of the alcohol, leading to overconsumption of both calories and alcohol.
Health implications beyond calories
While calories are a key consideration, the health implications of drinking energy drinks, particularly when mixed with alcohol, go beyond just the energy content. Mixing a stimulant (caffeine) with a depressant (alcohol) can mask the signs of intoxication, potentially leading to binge drinking and an increased risk of alcohol poisoning. The stimulant effect can also cause heart palpitations and disrupt sleep patterns. In contrast, The Beast Unleashed contains no caffeine, eliminating the dangers associated with combining caffeine and alcohol.
Comparison Table: Monster Unleashed vs. DIY Monster Cocktail
| Feature | The Beast Unleashed (12 oz can) | DIY Monster Cocktail (16 oz can + 1.5 oz vodka) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~130 calories | ~307-327+ calories |
| Sugar Content | 0 grams | 54-66+ grams |
| Alcohol Content | 6.0% ABV | Variable, depending on alcohol added |
| Caffeine | Zero caffeine | High caffeine (~165 mg per 16oz can) |
| Carbohydrates | 3-4 grams | 55+ grams |
| Type | Hard Seltzer (Flavored Malt Beverage) | Mixed Drink/High-Calorie Cocktail |
Different flavors and calorie variations
It's important to note that while the original Monster energy drink has a high-calorie count, Monster's zero-calorie, or "Ultra," versions do exist. If someone were to mix alcohol with a sugar-free Monster, the calorie count would be much lower, derived almost entirely from the added spirits. This would be a closer comparison to the calorie count of The Beast Unleashed, though the high caffeine content remains a major difference. The various flavors of The Beast Unleashed (Mean Green, White Haze, Peach Perfect, etc.) all maintain the same nutritional profile of 130 calories per 12 oz can.
Conclusion
When you ask about the calories in a "spiked" Monster, the answer depends entirely on the product in question. The official Monster alcoholic beverage, The Beast Unleashed, is a zero-sugar, zero-caffeine hard seltzer with only 130 calories per 12 oz can. Conversely, a homemade cocktail mixing a standard, high-sugar Monster energy drink with spirits will contain more than double the calories. This significant difference is due to both the sugar in the energy drink and the added alcohol. For those monitoring their calorie intake, distinguishing between these two beverage types is essential.
Visit Monster's FAQ page for more information on The Beast Unleashed
