Calories in Tequila
A 1.5 oz shot of tequila has about 97 calories. See how many calories are in tequila by serving size and in popular cocktails like margaritas, plus a full calorie table.
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Quick answer
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila has about 97 calories. Plain tequila contains no carbs, sugar or fat — all of its calories come from the alcohol itself.
How Many Calories Are in Tequila?
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila has about 97 calories. Like other distilled spirits, plain tequila contains no carbohydrates, no sugar and no fat — all of its calories come from the alcohol itself, which provides roughly 7 calories per gram. The agave plant’s natural sugars are fermented and distilled away, leaving essentially just ethanol and water.
Because the calories are tied entirely to alcohol content, the proof is the only variable for the spirit itself. Most tequila is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), which is the basis for the ~97-calorie figure.
Tequila Calories by Serving
| Tequila | Serving | ABV | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard shot | 1.5 oz | 40% | ~97 |
| Double shot | 3 oz | 40% | ~194 |
| Per ounce | 1 oz | 40% | ~64 |
| Higher-proof shot | 1.5 oz | 45% | ~110 |
| Mini bottle | 50 ml (1.7 oz) | 40% | ~110 |
Blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas have essentially the same calorie count — aging in barrels changes the flavor and color but not the alcohol content or calories.
Why Tequila Has No Carbs
Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is rich in natural sugars. During fermentation, yeast converts those sugars into alcohol, and distillation then separates the alcohol from any remaining solids and sugars. The result, especially in 100% agave tequila, is a spirit with zero grams of carbs and sugar on its nutrition profile. Cheaper mixto tequilas (made with up to 49% non-agave sugars) can contain trace residual sugars, but the difference is small.
Tequila Cocktails: Where Calories Add Up
The tequila is rarely the calorie problem — the mixers are. A classic margarita made with fresh lime and a measured pour of triple sec runs about 200 to 300 calories, but frozen, pre-mixed or restaurant margaritas loaded with sweet-and-sour mix and added syrup can climb past 500.
| Tequila drink | Approx. calories |
|---|---|
| Tequila soda with lime | ~97 |
| Tequila shot, neat | ~97 |
| Paloma (with diet soda) | ~120 |
| Classic margarita | ~250 |
| Frozen / restaurant margarita | ~400–550 |
The Lowest-Calorie Way to Enjoy Tequila
To keep tequila drinks light, choose it neat, on the rocks, or in a “skinny” build with soda water and fresh lime — all of which stay near 97 calories. A Paloma made with diet grapefruit soda is a low-calorie classic. Where calories spiral is in sugary mixers, pre-made margarita mix and syrups, so skipping those and squeezing in fresh citrus instead is the single best move for a lighter tequila drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a shot of tequila?
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) tequila has about 97 calories. All of those calories come from alcohol, since 100% agave tequila contains no carbohydrates, sugar or fat.
Does tequila have carbs or sugar?
Pure 100% agave tequila has zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. The agave sugars are converted to alcohol during fermentation and distillation. Some cheaper mixto tequilas may contain trace added sugars.
Is tequila lower in calories than other liquors?
Tequila is among the lower-calorie spirits at the same proof. At 80 proof, tequila, vodka, gin and rum all have about 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot, since calories track with alcohol content.
How many calories are in a margarita?
A classic margarita has about 200 to 300 calories, and frozen or restaurant versions with sweet-and-sour mix or extra syrup can exceed 400 to 500. The mixers and sweeteners add far more calories than the tequila itself.
What is the lowest-calorie way to drink tequila?
The lowest-calorie way is tequila on the rocks, neat, or as a 'skinny' drink with soda water and fresh lime. A tequila and soda stays near 97 calories, while sugary mixers can double or triple the count.
Sources
- FoodData Central — food composition database — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)