How Many Calories Are in 1 Shot of Mezcal? Your Complete Nutritional Guide

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof mezcal contains approximately 97 to 100 calories, with zero carbs and zero sugar. This makes the smoky agave spirit a relatively low-calorie choice compared to many other alcoholic beverages and sweetened cocktails. The calorie content, like all distilled spirits, primarily comes from the alcohol itself rather than from sugars or carbohydrates.

Quick Summary

A single 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof mezcal has around 97-100 calories. As a distilled spirit, it contains no carbs or sugar, making it a low-calorie option, similar to tequila. The final calorie count varies with alcohol by volume.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof mezcal has approximately 97-100 calories, similar to other hard liquors.
Zero Carbs and Sugar: Pure, distilled mezcal contains no carbohydrates or sugar, as the agave's sugars are converted to alcohol during distillation.
Alcohol is Key: The calorie content is directly related to the alcohol by volume (ABV), so higher proof mezcals will contain more calories.
Mezcal vs. Tequila: Calorie counts for mezcal and tequila are very similar for the same proof, as both are agave-based spirits.
Mixers Add Calories: The vast majority of calories in mezcal cocktails come from sugary mixers and added ingredients, not the pure spirit.
Gluten-Free: Mezcal is naturally gluten-free as it is made entirely from the agave plant.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Mezcal Shot

When you sip or shoot a glass of pure mezcal, almost all of the calories are derived directly from the alcohol content. Unlike beer or wine, which retain residual sugars and carbohydrates from their source materials, the distillation process for spirits converts nearly all the fermentable sugars from the agave into ethanol. This leaves you with a beverage that is effectively calorie-dense but nutritionally simple.

For a standard 1.5-ounce (44 ml) shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) mezcal, the calorie count is typically around 97 to 100 calories. This figure is consistent across most unflavored, pure distilled spirits of the same alcohol proof. This means a neat pour or a shot of mezcal is a straightforward caloric investment, and any significant calorie additions come from mixers in a cocktail.

Factors Influencing Mezcal's Calorie Count

While the base mezcal is consistent, several factors can alter the final calorie tally of your drink. Understanding these can help you better manage your intake.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

The primary driver of calories in mezcal is its alcohol content. Standard mezcal is around 40% ABV, or 80 proof, but artisanal varieties can have higher proofs, sometimes reaching up to 55% ABV. A higher proof means more ethanol per ounce, which in turn means more calories. A higher-proof mezcal will have a proportionally higher calorie count, so always check the bottle's label.

The Distillation and Production Process

Mezcal is defined by its smoky flavor, which comes from roasting the agave hearts in underground pits. While this production method significantly impacts the spirit's flavor profile, it does not alter the fundamental nutritional fact that mezcal, after distillation, is almost purely ethanol and water. Artisanal versus industrial production doesn't change the final calorie result, only the flavor and complexity.

Sweetened vs. Pure Mezcal

The biggest variable for mezcal's calorie content comes from what is added to it. A pure, unaged (Joven) mezcal has zero carbs and zero sugar. However, the picture changes completely when you add mixers.

High-Calorie Cocktails: Drinks like a mezcal margarita, for example, can add significant calories from agave nectar, lime juice, and triple sec. A single margarita could contain hundreds of calories.
Lower-Calorie Mixers: For those looking to keep calories down, using zero-calorie mixers is key. Options include soda water, a splash of lime, or a low-sugar juice.

How Mezcal's Calories Compare to Other Spirits

Mezcal holds its own as a relatively low-calorie choice when compared to other popular alcoholic beverages. Here is a comparison based on a standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof spirits and other drinks.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Carbohydrates	Sugars
Mezcal (80 Proof)	1.5 oz	97-100	0 g	0 g
Tequila (80 Proof)	1.5 oz	97-100	0 g	0 g
Vodka (80 Proof)	1.5 oz	97-100	0 g	0 g
Whiskey (80 Proof)	1.5 oz	97-100	0 g	0 g
Light Beer	12 oz	100-110	5-7 g	0 g
Red Wine	5 oz	125	4 g	1 g

This comparison highlights that for pure, distilled spirits like mezcal, the calorie count is consistent. The major caloric differences emerge when mixers and sweeteners are introduced.

How to Enjoy Mezcal While Managing Caloric Intake

If you are mindful of your calorie intake, you can still enjoy mezcal by following a few simple strategies. The key is to control what goes into your glass.

Drink it Neat: The best way to experience the full, smoky flavor of mezcal and keep calories at a minimum is to sip it straight, as is traditional.
The Mezcal & Soda: A classic highball with mezcal and soda water, garnished with a lime or orange slice, is a refreshing and low-calorie cocktail.
Low-Calorie Margarita: Instead of pre-made mixes, create your own by combining mezcal, fresh lime juice, and a zero-calorie sweetener or a tiny amount of agave nectar.
Portion Control: Stick to the standard 1.5-ounce pour size. As with any alcohol, moderation is the most important factor for health and caloric management.
Pair with Healthy Food: If you are having mezcal with a meal, opt for lighter dishes like grilled fish, vegetables, or fresh salads instead of heavy, fried foods.

Conclusion

In short, a single shot of 80-proof mezcal contains about 97-100 calories, primarily from the alcohol itself. It is a spirit with no carbohydrates or sugar, making it a solid low-calorie base for cocktails or a good option to enjoy on its own. While the complex flavors and production techniques vary among different brands and agave types, the nutritional breakdown remains consistent for pure mezcal. To keep your calorie count in check, focus on avoiding sugary mixers and practice moderation. Mezcal's low sugar content compared to many other drinks makes it a favorable choice for those monitoring their intake, provided it's consumed without high-calorie additions.

Resources

For additional nutritional information and an exploration of mezcal production, you can visit the National Institutes of Health website at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12027386/

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a standard shot of pure mezcal is relatively low in calories compared to many mixed drinks, beer, or wine. It's comparable to other 80-proof distilled spirits.

Pure mezcal has no sugar or carbs. The natural sugars from the agave plant are fully fermented and distilled into alcohol, leaving a finished product with zero of these components.

For the same proof (e.g., 80 proof), mezcal and tequila have very similar calorie counts, around 97-100 calories per 1.5-ounce shot. Both are agave spirits.

The majority of calories in pure spirits come from the alcohol itself. Calorie differences arise when beverages contain added sugars, carbs, or other ingredients, as is the case with many beers, wines, and cocktails.

No, the specific type of agave used (e.g., Espadín, Tobalá) does not significantly impact the final calorie count of the distilled spirit. The primary determinant of calories is the alcohol by volume (ABV).

Yes, mezcal is naturally gluten-free. It is made exclusively from the agave plant and does not contain any grains, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

To keep your mezcal drink low-calorie, consume it neat or use zero-calorie mixers like soda water, ice, and a lime twist. Avoid sugary mixers and pre-made cocktail mixes.

While mezcal, like all alcohol, should be consumed in moderation, some proponents point to its natural ingredients and traditional production methods. Some believe the agave-derived compounds can aid digestion, though distillation reduces this effect.