How Many Calories Are in a Shot of Tequila Pint? Debunking the Confusing Query

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila contains approximately 97 calories, with zero carbs or sugar. The query "how many calories are in a shot of tequila pint" is based on a common misconception, as a shot and a pint are entirely different measurements and serving sizes.

Quick Summary

This guide clarifies the calorie content of tequila by breaking down standard measurements, addressing the significant difference between a single shot and a "pint" bottle, and revealing the true calorie count for each.

Key Points

Shot vs. Pint: A single shot of tequila has about 97 calories, while a 375ml "pint" bottle contains roughly 820 calories, as they are different measurements entirely.
Empty Calories: Tequila's calories come from alcohol, not carbs, sugar, or fat, earning them the label "empty calories".
Mixers Add Up: Sugary mixers in cocktails like margaritas can dramatically increase the overall calorie count, sometimes exceeding 400 calories per drink.
Lower Calorie Options: To reduce calorie intake, opt for drinking tequila neat, on the rocks, or with low-calorie mixers like soda water and fresh citrus.
Proof Matters: The proof (alcohol percentage) affects the calorie count; a higher proof means more alcohol and therefore more calories per shot.

The Calorie Count of a Standard Tequila Shot

For anyone monitoring their calorie intake, understanding the baseline for a single serving of tequila is crucial. A standard 1.5-ounce (44 ml) shot of 80-proof tequila contains approximately 97 calories. A key benefit for those on low-carb diets is that pure tequila contains 0g of carbohydrates, 0g of sugar, and 0g of fat. This makes it a popular choice for people following diets like keto.

How Tequila Calories Are Calculated

The calories in distilled spirits like tequila come from the alcohol itself, not from carbs or sugar. One gram of pure alcohol contains 7 calories, which is almost as energy-dense as fat, which has 9 calories per gram. Therefore, the total calorie count is directly related to the alcohol content by volume (ABV).

80 Proof Tequila (40% ABV): 1.5 oz contains roughly 13.9 grams of alcohol, translating to approximately 97 calories.
Higher Proof Tequila: Higher proof spirits will contain more alcohol and thus more calories per serving. For example, a 100-proof tequila will have a higher calorie count per shot.

Demystifying the "Tequila Pint"

The phrase "shot of tequila pint" is a mix-up of measurements. A shot is a small serving, while a pint is a large volume. The term "pint" in the context of liquor can be confusing because its meaning varies depending on location and container size.

In the US, a standard liquid pint is 16 fluid ounces (approx. 473 ml). However, a "pint" bottle of liquor is a common industry term for a 375 ml bottle. The article assumes the user is asking about a full 375 ml bottle, often called a "pint" or "fifth" size.

Calculating Calories for a 375ml "Pint" Bottle

To find the calories in a 375 ml bottle of 80-proof tequila, you can multiply the calorie count of a single 1.5 oz shot by the number of shots in the bottle.

Shots per bottle: A 375 ml bottle holds approximately 8.45 standard 1.5 oz shots (375 ml / 44.36 ml).
Total calories: Multiplying 8.45 shots by 97 calories/shot gives you a total of approximately 820 calories for the entire 375 ml bottle of tequila.

Tequila Calories vs. Cocktails

One of the biggest pitfalls for those watching their calories is the addition of high-sugar mixers. While pure tequila is relatively low in calories and free of carbs, cocktails can completely change the nutritional profile. A classic margarita, for example, can contain over 400 calories due to sugary mixes, triple sec, and sweeteners. Choosing wisely is the key to maintaining your diet.

Strategies for Mindful Tequila Consumption

Stick to the Basics: Enjoying tequila neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of fresh lime is the lowest-calorie option.
Use Low-Calorie Mixers: Mix tequila with sparkling water, diet soda, or a sugar-free mixer to keep the calorie count low. A "skinny paloma" with fresh grapefruit juice and club soda is a great example.
Be Aware of Portions: It's easy for calories to add up quickly, especially with liquid intake. Using a jigger to measure shots ensures you are aware of your exact consumption.
Pair with Lean Snacks: Balance your drink with a protein-rich snack instead of fatty, carb-heavy options to manage overall meal calories.

A Comparison of Tequila Calories by Serving


Serving Size	Metric (approx.)	Standard 80-Proof Tequila	Notes
1 oz	30 ml	~65 calories	A common smaller pour.
1.5 oz Shot	44 ml	~97 calories	The standard serving size.
375 ml "Pint" Bottle	375 ml	~820 calories	Equivalent to about 8.5 shots.
750 ml Bottle	750 ml	~1,640 calories	A standard fifth of liquor, equal to two "pints".
Margarita (pre-made mix)	200 ml	300-450+ calories	Calories vary widely with sweeteners.

Conclusion

In summary, the notion of a "shot of tequila pint" is a confusing term that combines two vastly different measurements. A single standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof tequila contains approximately 97 calories, while a 375 ml "pint" bottle holds closer to 820 calories. The best way to manage your tequila calorie intake is to be mindful of serving sizes, avoid sugary mixers, and stick to the pure spirit, which is a surprisingly low-calorie option for a distilled liquor. Understanding these distinctions is key to making informed choices, whether for weight management or simply for mindful consumption. For more information on alcohol and health, consult resources from reputable organizations like the World Health Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, additive-free tequila contains zero sugar and zero carbohydrates. All of its calories come solely from the alcohol content.

Tequila is a relatively low-calorie option among distilled spirits, with a 1.5 oz shot containing approximately 97 calories. It's comparable to vodka and gin, which have similar calorie counts per serving.

A double shot of tequila, which is 3 ounces or 88 ml, contains approximately 200 calories, assuming a standard 80-proof spirit.

A "pint" of liquor, particularly in the US market, is a term for a 375 ml bottle. This is not to be confused with a standard US liquid pint (473 ml) or an Imperial pint (568 ml).

To reduce calories, use fresh lime juice instead of a sugary mix, or swap high-sugar mixers for calorie-free options like sparkling water or a diet soda.

The calories in tequila are primarily determined by its proof (alcohol content). While some aged tequilas may have negligible calorie differences due to slight sugar absorption from barrels, the proof is the main factor. Most tequilas of the same proof will have similar calorie counts, regardless of age.

A 1.5 oz shot of tequila has around 97 calories, whereas a 5 oz glass of wine typically has 120-125 calories. Per serving, tequila is often lower in calories, especially when considering portion sizes.