How many calories are in 1 shot of Jose Cuervo tequila? An in-depth nutritional breakdown

December 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of Jose Cuervo Especial contains approximately 96 calories, while the 100% agave Tradicional variety clocks in at around 100 calories. This minor difference can be attributed to the differing sugar content and agave purity in each product, a key factor for anyone watching their intake.

Quick Summary

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of Jose Cuervo Especial contains about 96 calories, whereas the Tradicional version has roughly 100 calories. The calorie source is the alcohol itself, as pure tequila contains no fat, carbs, or sugar.

Key Points

Calorie Count Varies: A 1.5 oz shot of Jose Cuervo Especial has ~96 calories, while Tradicional has ~100 calories.
Source of Calories: Calories in pure tequila come exclusively from the alcohol, which contains about 7 calories per gram.
Zero Carbs and Fat: Both Jose Cuervo Especial and Tradicional are carb-free and fat-free in their pure form.
Impact of Mixers: The calorie count drastically increases when mixed with sugary sodas, juices, or pre-made margarita mixes.
Especial vs. Tradicional: Especial is a mixto tequila (51% agave), while Tradicional is 100% agave, causing the slight calorie difference.
Low-Calorie Options: To reduce calories, consume tequila straight, on the rocks, or with a low-calorie mixer like club soda.

Breaking Down the Calories in Jose Cuervo Tequila

For those monitoring their caloric intake, understanding the nutritional value of your favorite spirits is crucial. The calorie count for a standard 1.5-ounce shot of Jose Cuervo, like many distilled spirits, is relatively low, but it varies slightly depending on the product line. The key difference in Jose Cuervo's product range lies in its composition, which directly impacts the final calorie count.

Jose Cuervo Especial vs. Tradicional: A Calorie Comparison

The most significant factor contributing to the slight calorie difference between Jose Cuervo's product lines is the agave content. Jose Cuervo Especial is a 'mixto' tequila, meaning it is made with a minimum of 51% blue agave and supplemented with other sugars. The added sugars from cane or grain subtly increase the final calorie count per gram. Conversely, Jose Cuervo Tradicional is a 100% blue agave tequila, which means all of its fermentable sugars come directly from the agave plant.

A 1.5 fl oz shot of Jose Cuervo Especial (Gold or Silver) contains approximately 96 calories.
A 1.5 fl oz shot of Jose Cuervo Tradicional (Reposado) contains approximately 100 calories.

The difference is minimal, but for strict calorie counters, it is a noteworthy distinction. The 100% agave composition also tends to result in a cleaner, less sugary taste, which some prefer.

Where Do Tequila Calories Come From?

Unlike many other foods and beverages, the calories in pure distilled spirits like tequila do not come from fats, carbs, or protein. The calories are derived entirely from the alcohol content itself. Alcohol contains roughly 7 calories per gram, which is a key figure in understanding alcohol nutrition. Both Jose Cuervo Especial and Tradicional, like other pure tequilas, have 0 grams of fat, carbohydrates, and sugar per shot. This makes pure tequila a suitable choice for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets.

The Real Calorie Culprits: How Mixers and Cocktails Affect Your Intake

While the calorie count of a straight tequila shot is quite manageable, the total can skyrocket when mixed with other ingredients. Here is a list of common mixers and how they impact the total calorie count:

Sugary Sodas: A standard 12-ounce can of soda contains around 140 calories and is packed with sugar. Combining this with a shot of tequila can quickly double or triple your drink's calorie load.
Margarita Mix: Pre-made margarita mixes are often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors, adding a significant number of calories and a lot of sugar to your drink. A single serving can easily add 150-200+ calories.
Fruit Juices: While natural juices contain some vitamins, they are also high in sugar. A standard 4-ounce pour of orange juice adds about 56 calories, on top of the tequila.
Sweet and Sour Mix: Similar to margarita mixes, these are heavy on sugar and can inflate the calorie total dramatically.

Strategies for Low-Calorie Tequila Drinks

To enjoy Jose Cuervo while keeping calories low, consider these alternatives:

Tequila Soda: Mixing a shot of tequila with club soda and a lime wedge is a low-calorie option. Club soda is calorie-free, and a lime wedge adds negligible calories.
Fresh Lime Juice: For a simple, healthier margarita, use fresh lime juice instead of a sugary mix. A single lime contains only about 10-15 calories.
On the Rocks: Enjoying Jose Cuervo on the rocks or with a small amount of water is the best way to keep your drink purely low-calorie.

Jose Cuervo Nutrition Comparison


Feature	Jose Cuervo Especial (Gold/Silver)	Jose Cuervo Tradicional (Reposado/Silver)
Agave Content	51% Blue Agave ('Mixto')	100% Blue Agave
Calories (1.5 oz shot)	~96 calories	~100 calories
Carbohydrates	0g	0g
Sugar	0g	0g
Fat	0g	0g
Primary Calorie Source	Alcohol	Alcohol

Conclusion

In summary, a single 1.5-ounce shot of Jose Cuervo Especial contains around 96 calories, while the 100% agave Tradicional has approximately 100 calories. The crucial takeaway is that the calories in pure tequila come solely from the alcohol content itself, as it is free of fat, carbs, and sugar. The real impact on your daily calorie intake comes from the mixers you choose. For a low-calorie drink, stick to straight tequila, on the rocks, or mix with non-caloric options like club soda and fresh lime juice. Understanding this nutritional breakdown allows for more mindful choices when enjoying a tequila-based beverage.

Learn more about Jose Cuervo's products and facts on their official website: cuervo.com/tequila-facts/.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, pure Jose Cuervo tequila, including both the Especial and Tradicional varieties, contains 0 grams of carbohydrates and 0 grams of sugar per serving.

The slight calorie difference comes from the composition. Tradicional is 100% agave, while Especial is a mixto (51% agave, 49% other sugars). Different fermentation processes and trace elements can lead to a minor caloric variation.

Yes, pure Jose Cuervo tequila is keto-friendly because it contains zero carbohydrates. It is the sugary mixers and additions that can make a tequila drink non-compliant with a ketogenic diet.

To reduce calories in a tequila cocktail, avoid sugary mixers like soda, juice, or pre-made margarita mix. Instead, use calorie-free options such as club soda, fresh lime juice, or diet sodas.

The calories in tequila, like all pure distilled spirits, come directly from the alcohol itself. Alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram.

For the Especial line, the calorie count is the same for both gold and silver varieties, at around 96 calories per 1.5 oz shot. The color difference in Especial Gold comes from added caramel coloring and a slightly different aging process.

A margarita is significantly higher in calories than a straight shot of Jose Cuervo. A standard 1.5 oz shot is about 96-100 calories, while a single margarita made with a sugary mix can range from 150 to over 300 calories, depending on the ingredients and serving size.