How many calories are in 1 oz of tequila?

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, one fluid ounce of 80-proof tequila contains approximately 64 calories. These calories come entirely from the alcohol itself, with pure tequila containing zero carbs, sugar, or fat. This makes understanding how many calories are in 1 oz of tequila essential for those watching their intake.

Quick Summary

One ounce of standard 80-proof tequila contains 64 empty calories, with no carbohydrates or fat. The total calorie count is significantly affected by the spirit's proof and the addition of sugary mixers in cocktails.

Key Points

64 Calories per Ounce: One fluid ounce of standard 80-proof tequila contains approximately 64 calories, derived exclusively from the alcohol itself.
Proof Matters: Higher-proof tequilas have a higher alcohol concentration and, therefore, a higher calorie count per ounce. For example, 100-proof tequila has about 82 calories per ounce.
Mixers are the Major Calorie Source: While pure tequila is low-calorie, cocktails like margaritas often contain hundreds of calories from added sugars and syrups.
Tequila is Carb-Free: Pure, distilled tequila has no carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb or keto diets when consumed without high-sugar mixers.
Consider 'Empty' Calories: Tequila provides energy but no significant nutritional value, so its calories are considered 'empty' and should be factored into your total daily intake.
Compare Your Drinks: On a per-serving basis, 80-proof tequila has a comparable calorie count to other hard liquors like vodka and whiskey, but less than many beers or wines.

The Calorie Breakdown of 80-Proof Tequila

For those monitoring their calorie intake, understanding the baseline for pure spirits is key. A single fluid ounce (28.0 g) of 80-proof tequila, which has an alcohol content of 40%, contains 64 calories. These are often referred to as 'empty calories' because they provide energy without any meaningful nutritional value, such as vitamins or minerals. Unlike many other beverages, pure distilled tequila contains no fat, protein, or carbohydrates. This makes it a popular choice for those on low-carb diets, such as keto, as long as it is consumed neat or with zero-calorie mixers.

How Proof Influences Calories

The proof of a spirit is a significant factor in determining its calorie count. A spirit's proof is twice its alcohol by volume (ABV). The higher the proof, the higher the alcohol content and, consequently, the higher the calorie count.

80-Proof Tequila (40% ABV): Approximately 64 calories per ounce.
90-Proof Tequila (45% ABV): About 73 calories per ounce.
100-Proof Tequila (50% ABV): Around 82 calories per ounce.

This simple math shows that a slight increase in proof can add up over multiple servings. When enjoying premium or high-proof tequilas, it is important to be mindful of this caloric difference.

Tequila vs. Other Popular Spirits: A Calorie Comparison

To put tequila's calorie count into perspective, it helps to compare it to other common alcoholic beverages. This table shows the average calorie content for a standard 1.5-ounce (44 ml) serving of various spirits at 80 proof.


Spirit (80 Proof)	Calories per 1.5 oz Serving	Notes
Tequila	~96-98	Calorie-free from carbs or sugar.
Vodka	~97	Comparable to tequila for 80-proof varieties.
Gin	~97	Similar caloric content to vodka and tequila.
Whiskey	~97	Also contains comparable calories per serving.
Wine	~120	A 5-ounce glass of wine is typically higher in calories.
Beer (Light)	~100	Varies widely by brand and serving size.

As the table illustrates, the base calorie count for most distilled spirits is quite similar per ounce, assuming the same proof. The real caloric differences emerge when mixers are introduced.

The Silent Calorie Culprit: Mixers and Cocktails

While a shot of pure tequila is a relatively low-calorie drink, a typical tequila cocktail tells a different story. A single standard margarita can contain over 400 calories due to the added sugar from syrups, triple sec, and juices.

Classic Margarita: Tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup or simple syrup. This combination can easily load on hundreds of calories. For example, a margarita with a 1.5 oz shot of tequila can have an average of 146 calories, before considering the high-sugar mixer.
Paloma: Tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. Using a high-sugar grapefruit soda can significantly increase the calorie count. Opting for a skinny version with fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water is a low-calorie alternative.
Tequila Sunrise: Tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. Both orange juice and grenadine are high in sugar, turning this into a very calorie-dense drink.

Smart Strategies for Calorie-Conscious Tequila Consumption

For those who want to enjoy tequila without derailing their health goals, consider these tips:

Stick to Sips: Enjoying premium 100% agave tequila neat or on the rocks avoids all the extra calories from mixers. This allows you to savor the flavor without the added sugar.
Choose Zero-Calorie Mixers: Sparkling water, club soda, or diet soda are excellent zero-calorie options. A classic "ranch water"—tequila, lime juice, and club soda—is a perfect example.
Make Your Own "Skinny" Cocktails: Instead of pre-made mixes, use fresh citrus juice and a natural, calorie-free sweetener (like stevia or monk fruit) to control the sugar and calorie content of your cocktails.
Watch Your Portions: A single shot is 1.5 ounces, but many people free-pour much more. Use a jigger to measure your servings accurately to keep a better handle on your total calorie count.
Stay Hydrated: Alternating alcoholic drinks with a glass of water can help reduce overall consumption and mitigate the effects of alcohol on your metabolism.

Conclusion: The Calorie Count is in the Details

Ultimately, the number of calories in 1 oz of tequila is a simple fact: 64 calories for the standard 80-proof variety. However, this seemingly low number can be misleading if you are not mindful of mixers and serving sizes. Pure tequila is a low-calorie, no-carb spirit, but the cocktails it creates can be quite the opposite. By choosing your mixers wisely and being aware of the spirit's proof, you can easily manage your calorie intake while still enjoying this popular spirit.

For more information on the calorie content of various alcoholic beverages, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans provides valuable context on moderate consumption and calorie accounting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, higher-proof tequila has more calories. The calories in spirits come from the alcohol, so a higher alcohol percentage (or proof) means a higher calorie count per ounce.

A standard shot is 1.5 ounces. Therefore, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila contains approximately 96 calories.

When compared to sugary cocktails, beer, or wine, pure tequila is a lower-calorie option on a per-serving basis. The key is to consume it neat or with low-calorie mixers to keep the calorie count down.

Pure, distilled tequila (especially 100% agave) contains no carbohydrates, fat, or sugar. This is why it's a popular choice for low-carb diets. Any carbs or sugar are introduced through mixers.

To reduce the calories in your margarita, use fresh lime juice instead of a pre-made mix. Sweeten with a small amount of agave nectar or a natural, zero-calorie sweetener, and top with a splash of sparkling water.

The calorie count in 100% agave tequila is based on its proof, just like any other spirit. However, it guarantees no added sugars during production, which keeps it carb-free. Lower-quality tequilas (mixtos) might contain added sugars, which could affect carb count but not the calories from the pure alcohol.

The calorie difference between blanco and añejo tequilas is usually minimal and is more related to their proof than their aging process. Añejo can absorb some flavor from the barrel but its base calories are determined by its alcohol content.