How Many Calories in a Shot of Tequila
A standard 1.5 oz shot of tequila has about 97 calories. See tequila shot calories by size and proof, why it has zero carbs, 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. All of those calories come from alcohol, since 100% agave tequila contains no carbs, sugar or fat.
How Many Calories Are in a Shot of Tequila?
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila has about 97 calories. Like all distilled spirits, plain tequila contains no carbohydrates, no sugar and no fat, so every calorie comes from the alcohol itself, which provides roughly 7 calories per gram. That makes tequila one of the lighter ways to drink, calorie for calorie, when you take it neat or on the rocks.
The proof of the bottle is the only real variable. Most tequila is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), which is the basis for the ~97-calorie shot. A few higher-proof or cask-strength bottles run a little higher.
Tequila Shot Calories by Size
| Pour | Volume | ABV | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per ounce | 1 oz | 40% | ~64 |
| Standard shot | 1.5 oz | 40% | ~97 |
| Generous shot | 2 oz | 40% | ~130 |
| Double shot | 3 oz | 40% | ~194 |
| Higher-proof shot | 1.5 oz | 45% | ~110 |
Blanco (silver), reposado and añejo tequilas all carry essentially the same calories. Barrel aging changes flavor and color but does not change the alcohol content, so the count stays put.
Why a Tequila Shot Has Zero Carbs
Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is naturally high in sugar. During fermentation, yeast converts those agave sugars into alcohol, and distillation then strips the alcohol away from leftover sugars and solids. The finished spirit, especially 100% agave tequila, lists 0 grams of carbs and 0 grams of sugar on its nutrition profile. Cheaper mixto tequilas may carry trace residual sugars, but the difference is negligible for a single shot.
Macros in a Standard Tequila Shot
| Nutrient | Per 1.5 oz shot |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~97 |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Alcohol | ~14 g |
Because tequila is “empty calories” from alcohol, it offers no protein, vitamins or fiber. The body also prioritizes burning alcohol over fat, which is why drinking calories add up quickly even when the number per shot looks small.
Keeping Tequila Drinks Light
The shot itself is rarely the calorie problem — the mixers are. A tequila and soda with fresh lime stays near 97 calories, and a Paloma made with diet grapefruit soda lands around 120. By contrast, a classic margarita runs 200 to 300 calories, and frozen or pre-mixed restaurant margaritas loaded with sweet-and-sour syrup can top 500. Sipping tequila neat, on the rocks, or with soda water and citrus is the simplest way to keep the count close to that 97-calorie baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a single shot of tequila?
A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) tequila has about 97 calories. Every one of those calories comes from alcohol, because 100% agave tequila has no carbs, sugar or fat.
How many calories are in a double shot of tequila?
A 3-ounce double shot of 80-proof tequila has about 194 calories. Doubling the pour simply doubles the alcohol, and therefore doubles the calories, since there are no other macronutrients.
Does a shot of tequila have carbs or sugar?
A shot of pure 100% agave tequila has zero carbohydrates and zero sugar. The agave sugars are fermented into alcohol and distilled off, so only ethanol and water remain in the finished spirit.
Is a shot of tequila fewer calories than beer or wine?
Often yes. A 97-calorie tequila shot is lower than a typical 12-ounce beer (~150 calories) or a 5-ounce glass of wine (~120 to 125 calories), as long as you skip sugary mixers.
Does a tequila shot with lime and salt add calories?
Barely. A lime wedge adds only 1 to 2 calories and a pinch of salt adds none, so a traditional shot with salt and lime stays at roughly 97 to 99 calories.
Sources
- FoodData Central — food composition database — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)