- You are here:
- Home »
- Beer Talk »
- Desperados Fact File: Everything You Wanted to Know
Desperados Fact File: Everything You Wanted to Know
Desperados is the beer you pretend to your friends that you don’t like, but halfway through the night, you end up drinking one anyway. A tequila flavoured beer, what’s not to like? But how many calories are there in a bottle of Desperados? How strong is it? Is Desperados gluten-free? Or vegan? What beer is similar to Desperados?
A 330ml bottle of Desperados contains 195 calories. Despite its reputation, Desperados is only 5.9% abv. Because it is brewed with malted barley, Desperados is not gluten-free. However, it is vegan.
In this article, I will take a closer look at the above questions. I will also try to find some beers that are similar to Desperados. Just in case you want something a little different.
How Many Calories Are There in a Bottle of Desperados?
Thanks to the Desperados website, I found an accurate nutritional information section. Desperados contains 59 calories per 100ml. If you’re wondering, that is a LOT of calories for a beer. Most lagers are around 45-48 and Ales are often 35 calories or lower! I’ve used the calorie information to work out the calories for the different serving sizes.
- There are 148 calories in a 250ml bottle of Desperados
- There are 195 calories in a 330ml bottle of Desperados
- There are 295 calories in a 500ml can of Desperados
- There are 384 calories in a 650ml bottle of Desperados
How Much Alcohol is There in a Bottle of Desperados?
A bottle (or can) of Desperados contains 5.9% abv. This is quite high for a commercial lager, but there are many beers that are stronger. This was a bit surprising to me. When they first came out on the market, I genuinely believed they contained actual tequila and were therefore very strong. But apparently they only contain aromatics that come from tequila. Which is not the same thing.
Is Desperados Gluten-Free?
No. Desperados is, like almost all beers, brewed with malted barley. This is a source of gluten, so Desperados cannot be gluten-free.
Is Desperados Vegan?
Yes, because Desperados is not brewed with isinglass (or similar collagen products) it is free from animal products and therefore vegan-friendly. To learn more about isinglass and drinking beer as a vegan check out my article on the subject.
What Beer is Similar to Desperados?
Okay, here’s the thing. Most beer enthusiasts/beer nerds would throw up in their mouths at the mere mention of Desperados. But I have drunk it before, and for the most part, enjoyed it. I know, I should cancel the website now.
But I love beer, and there are very few beers that I have not enjoyed. I’m not going to lie, just to score some points with a bunch of bearded twats who spend their life laughing at how “terrible Carlsberg is”. I also like Carlsberg btw.
I was quite surprised to learn that Desperados is not the only beer/tequila brand out there. You’ve got Amigos beer, and X-Mark. Then there is Cubanisto which is lager mixed with rum. I tried this about 5 years ago and absolutely hated it. But taste is subjective!
Now, if you are looking for a spirit-imbued beer that even beer nerds can enjoy your best bet would be the Innis & Gunn Original Oak Aged Ale. Beer that is matured in bourbon barrels where it soaks up the flavour.
If you’re looking for something a little fancier than a Desperado, then a Corona margarita might be the drink for you. I had one while in Cyprus in 2015, changed my life. Okay maybe it didn’t change my life exactly, but it tasted amazing. A cocktail that really does mix proper tequila and beer (plus whatever else goes into a margarita).
Corona Cocktail
About the Author Matt Smith
Matt Smith is the owner of Beer N Biceps. He has a degree in Sports Science, 10 years of experience working in the fitness industry, and has written for hundreds of fitness websites. He is a lover of good quality beer and believes that drinking in moderation can form part of a healthy lifestyle.
