Tequila is a distilled spirit from Mexico, made exclusively from the fermented sugars of the blue agave plant. To accurately assess its energy content, a standard serving size must be established. In the United States, a standard “shot” is 1.5 fluid ounces, which is the volume used for nutritional comparisons across most spirits. This analysis focuses on the pure, unmixed spirit, as mixers dramatically change the overall energy content.
The Baseline Calorie Count
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of pure, 80-proof tequila contains approximately 96 to 97 calories. This applies to the most common form of the spirit, which has 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). The nutritional profile of pure tequila is clean, featuring virtually no carbohydrates, fats, or protein. This makes tequila one of the lowest-calorie options among common distilled spirits when served neat.
The purity of 100% agave tequila means that all original agave sugars are converted into alcohol during fermentation and removed during distillation. Consequently, this spirit has zero grams of sugar and zero grams of carbohydrates per serving. This simple composition makes pure tequila a preferred choice for individuals monitoring sugar or carbohydrate intake.
What Drives the Calorie Count
The entire caloric content of a shot of pure tequila is derived solely from the alcohol itself, known as ethanol. Ethanol is a macronutrient that provides approximately 7 calories per gram consumed. This energy density is substantially higher than that of carbohydrates and protein, which both provide about 4 calories per gram.
The liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol because it is treated as a toxin, meaning ethanol energy is used before other nutrient sources. This metabolic process explains why distilled spirits contribute a notable number of calories despite lacking carbohydrates. The 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof tequila contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, accounting for the 96 to 97 total calories.
Factors That Alter Tequila’s Calorie Content
The calorie count fluctuates based on the spirit’s alcohol concentration, or proof. Higher-proof tequilas, such as 100-proof (50% ABV), contain more ethanol per ounce than the standard 80-proof variety. Since ethanol is the sole source of calories, a higher-proof tequila results in a shot with a slightly higher calorie total.
Another factor is the distinction between 100% agave tequila and “mixto” tequila. Mixto tequilas are only required to use a minimum of 51% agave sugars for fermentation. The remaining 49% of fermentable sugars often come from cheaper sources like cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
These added non-agave sugars introduce extra carbohydrates, increasing the calorie count beyond the ethanol baseline. Mixtos may also contain added flavorings or colorings, further contributing to the total energy content. Aged tequilas, such as Reposado or Añejo, do not see significant calorie changes from the aging process and remain close to the Blanco varieties.
The Impact of Tequila Mixers
While pure tequila is relatively low in calories, most tequila is consumed in mixed drinks, where the calorie count escalates quickly. The addition of sugary sodas, juices, and sweetened liqueurs transforms a 97-calorie pour into a high-calorie beverage. For example, a traditional margarita made with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice can contain 200 to 300 calories per serving.
Frozen or oversized restaurant margaritas often use pre-made, sugary mixes and can easily contain 400 to 600 calories or more per glass. Even a Tequila Sunrise, which includes orange juice and grenadine, can contain close to 190 calories.
To keep the calorie count low, consumers should opt for simple, unsweetened mixers. A popular, low-calorie choice is the “Ranch Water,” which combines tequila with fresh lime juice and sparkling water or club soda. This drink typically keeps the total calorie count around 100 to 120 calories, staying close to the pure spirit’s baseline.