How many calories are in a tequila smash?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for a homemade tequila smash can vary significantly, with some recipes reaching over 250 calories per serving, depending on the fruit and sweetener used. Understanding the components of this refreshing cocktail is key to accurately calculating how many calories are in a tequila smash and making smarter choices for your diet. Whether you prefer a handcrafted version or a convenient canned option, the total depends heavily on the recipe.

Quick Summary

Calorie content for a tequila smash varies based on ingredients and portion size. A standard homemade recipe can contain around 200–270 calories, while canned versions are typically lower. The type of sweetener and fruit significantly impacts the final count.

Key Points

Tequila's Contribution: A standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof tequila adds approximately 97 calories to the cocktail, with higher proof adding slightly more.
Sweeteners and Fruit Impact: Added sweeteners like simple syrup or agave nectar, along with the type and quantity of fruit, are the primary drivers of calorie variation in a homemade smash.
Calorie Range for Homemade: A classic, homemade tequila smash can contain anywhere from 200 to over 270 calories, depending on the recipe and portion sizes.
Low-Calorie Options: To reduce calories, use sugar-free sweeteners, sparkling water instead of soda, and rely more on the natural flavor of fresh, muddled fruit.
Canned vs. Homemade: Pre-made canned tequila smashes, like White Claw, are typically lower in calories (~100 kcal) but offer less customization and a less complex flavor profile.
Customization is Key: Crafting a smash at home gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing you to tailor the calorie count to your preferences and dietary needs.

Understanding the Components of a Tequila Smash

To determine how many calories are in a tequila smash, one must first examine its core ingredients. The basic formula involves tequila, fresh fruit, a sweetener, and often sparkling water or club soda. Each component contributes to the final calorie total, with the most significant variations coming from the sweetener and choice of fruit.

The Calorie Contribution of Tequila

On its own, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila contains approximately 97 calories. Tequila is a distilled spirit, meaning it has no carbohydrates or fat. The calories come purely from the alcohol itself. A higher-proof tequila will have a slightly higher calorie count per ounce, but the difference is minimal for a single cocktail serving. The quality of the tequila (blanco, reposado, or añejo) does not impact the calorie count, as the distillation process removes sugars and carbohydrates.

Sweeteners and Fruit: The Main Calorie Drivers

While the tequila provides a stable base of calories, the muddled fruit and sweetener are the main culprits behind a high-calorie smash. Many recipes call for simple syrup, which is a mix of sugar and water. A single ounce of simple syrup can add over 50 calories. Agave nectar, another common sweetener, is often considered healthier but is still a concentrated sugar source. Conversely, natural fruit, while containing some sugar, also provides fiber and nutrients. The type of fruit used also matters. For example, blackberries, commonly used in smashes, offer a different calorie profile than tropical fruits like mango or pineapple.

Calculating Calories for a Classic Recipe

Let’s break down the calorie calculation for a typical homemade tequila smash. A common recipe might include:

2 oz tequila (approx. 130 calories)
1 oz simple syrup (approx. 60 calories)
1/2 oz lime juice (minimal calories)
1/4 cup muddled fruit (e.g., blackberries, approx. 15-20 calories)
Club soda (0 calories)

This would put the total calorie count around 205-210 calories. However, a heavier hand with the simple syrup or using sweeter fruit juices can easily push this number higher. Some recipes found online indicate counts as high as 268 calories.

How to Create a Low-Calorie Tequila Smash

For those watching their caloric intake, several substitutions can significantly lower the calorie count of a tequila smash without sacrificing flavor.

A Low-Calorie Recipe

Swap Simple Syrup: Replace traditional simple syrup with a sugar-free alternative, or use a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia. You can also make your own simple syrup with a zero-calorie sweetener. Another option is to rely on the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Embrace Sparkling Water: Use an unsweetened, flavored sparkling water instead of club soda to add a hint of flavor without extra calories. Club soda is already a zero-calorie mixer, but a flavored option can enhance the taste.
Increase the Fruit Ratio: Add more fresh, muddled fruit and less sweetener. The fiber in the fruit helps manage the sugar load, and the intense flavor means you need less added sugar. Focus on berries or citrus for a naturally lower sugar option.

Homemade vs. Canned Tequila Smashes

The rise of ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails has created another option for enjoying a tequila smash. The calorie count for these products is often lower, but it’s crucial to read the label. A White Claw Tequila Smash, for instance, contains only 100 calories per can.

Canned vs. Homemade Tequila Smash Comparison


Feature	Homemade Tequila Smash (Classic)	Canned Tequila Smash (e.g., White Claw)
Calorie Count	~200-270 calories	~100 calories
Sugar Content	Varies widely, can be high	Typically 1-2g
Ingredients	Tequila, simple syrup, fresh fruit, lime, soda	Tequila, sparkling water, sugar, natural flavors
Customization	High control over sweetness and flavor	Fixed flavor profile
Convenience	Requires preparation	Ready-to-drink
Taste	Fresh, complex, and customizable	Often lighter, less complex flavor

Conclusion

The calorie content of a tequila smash is not fixed, but instead a reflection of its ingredients. A classic homemade version can range from about 200 to over 270 calories, largely depending on the amount of added sugar. Canned options offer a lower-calorie alternative, often around 100 calories, but with a different taste profile. For a lighter, homemade version, you can reduce calories by using sugar-free sweeteners and prioritizing the natural flavors of muddled fruit. Ultimately, whether you prefer the fresh complexity of a custom-made drink or the convenience of a canned seltzer, understanding the nutritional factors allows for a more informed choice.

For more information on the nutritional facts of tequila, see this article by Casa Mexico Tequila.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make a tequila smash less sugary, you can replace simple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener, use a smaller amount of agave nectar, or rely solely on the natural sweetness from the muddled fresh fruit.

Canned tequila smashes often have a lower calorie count and sugar content compared to many homemade recipes, but this varies by brand. It's best to check the nutritional label of the specific product.

A classic tequila smash can contain upwards of 200-270 calories, while a low-calorie version, made with sugar-free alternatives and sparkling water, can easily be brought under 150 calories.

The type of tequila (blanco, reposado, or añejo) does not significantly impact the calorie count, as the calories come from the alcohol itself, not from any residual sugars.

You can, but using real fruit juice will likely increase the sugar and calorie content. Freshly muddled fruit adds flavor and fiber without as much concentrated sugar.

Tequila has a similar calorie count to other 80-proof spirits like vodka and whiskey, at around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot. The total calorie count of a cocktail depends on the mixers added.

The best way is to manually add up the calories for each ingredient. Use a nutritional calculator for your specific fruit and sweetener amounts, and factor in the calories from the tequila itself.