How many calories does a 12 oz Dos Equis have?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the official Dos Equis website, a standard 12-ounce serving of Dos Equis Lager Especial contains 131 calories. The calorie count can differ slightly for different versions of the beer, so it is important to know which one you are enjoying when considering your caloric intake.

Quick Summary

A 12 oz serving of Dos Equis Lager Especial contains 131 calories, while the Ambar Especial has approximately 146 calories. The total calorie count is influenced by a beer's alcohol by volume (ABV) and its carbohydrate content, with heavier beers generally having more calories.

Key Points

Lager Especial Calories: A 12 oz Dos Equis Lager Especial contains 131 calories.
Ambar Especial Calories: A 12 oz Dos Equis Ambar Especial contains approximately 146 calories.
ABV and Calories: The higher ABV (alcohol by volume) of Ambar Especial (4.7% vs 4.2%) accounts for its higher calorie count.
Carbohydrates Impact: Both beer types contain carbohydrates, which contribute to the total calorie count, alongside the alcohol.
Moderation is Key: For those monitoring calories, choosing the lighter Lager Especial and watching serving size are effective strategies.
Comparison to Other Beers: Dos Equis Lager is moderately caloric compared to light beers like Michelob Ultra (95 cal) but lighter than some craft beers.

Calorie Breakdown for Dos Equis Lager Especial

For those who enjoy the crisp, golden pilsner-style Mexican lager, the calorie count is relatively straightforward. A 12-ounce serving of Dos Equis Lager Especial contains approximately 131 calories. This makes it a moderately light option among imported beers, sitting well below many heavier, craft-style ales. Its balanced flavor and clean finish are a result of its ingredients and brewing process, which contributes to its specific nutritional profile.

Nutritional Facts for Dos Equis Lager Especial (12 oz)

Calories: 131
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 1g
ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 4.2%

It is important to remember that these figures are based on a standard 12-ounce serving. If you are drinking from a larger bottle or can, or pouring a glass at a bar, the serving size and total calorie count will be different. For example, a 24-ounce can would have roughly double the calories.

Calorie Count for Dos Equis Ambar Especial

For those who prefer a richer, Vienna-style lager, Dos Equis also offers its Ambar Especial. This beer, known for its distinctive amber color and hints of caramel, has a slightly different nutritional profile due to its brewing process and higher alcohol content. A 12-ounce serving of Dos Equis Ambar Especial contains approximately 146 calories.

Nutritional Differences in Ambar Especial

Calories: 146 (per 12 oz)
Carbohydrates: 11.6g (per 12 oz)
ABV: 4.7%

The slightly higher ABV (alcohol by volume) in the Ambar variety is a key factor in its increased calorie count. Alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram, nearly double the caloric density of carbohydrates and protein. This makes ABV a significant contributor to a beer's overall energy content.

Comparison: Dos Equis vs. Other Popular Beers

To put the calorie count of Dos Equis into context, it is useful to compare it with other well-known beers. This can help you make more informed choices based on your dietary goals.


Beer	Type	Calories (per 12 oz)	Carbs (g)	ABV (%)
Dos Equis Lager Especial	Mexican Lager	131	11	4.2
Dos Equis Ambar Especial	Vienna-style Lager	146	11.6	4.7
Bud Light	Light Lager	110	~7	~4.2
Michelob Ultra	Light Lager	95	2.6	~4.2
Corona Extra	Pale Lager	148	13	4.6
Guinness Draught	Stout	125	10	~4.2
Heineken	Pale Lager	142	9.8	5

As the table shows, Dos Equis Lager is comparable to many other standard lagers but has more calories than typical light beers. The Ambar variety is in a similar range to other imported full-bodied lagers like Corona Extra and Heineken.

What Factors Influence Beer Calories?

Several key factors contribute to a beer's calorie content:

Alcohol Content (ABV): As mentioned, alcohol is a major source of calories. Higher ABV beers, such as IPAs or stouts, will naturally have a higher calorie count than lower-ABV options.
Carbohydrates: These come primarily from residual sugars and starches left over from the fermentation process. Beers with more carbohydrates, especially from adjuncts like corn starch, will have higher calorie counts. Dos Equis Lager, for instance, is brewed with corn starch.
Ingredients: The type and amount of malted barley, grains, and other fermentable sugars used during brewing directly affect the final calorie and carbohydrate counts.
Serving Size: This is the most direct factor. A larger serving, such as a 16-ounce pint, will contain significantly more calories than a 12-ounce bottle.

Mindful Consumption for Calorie Control

For those monitoring their caloric intake, being mindful of their beer choices is key. Here are some strategies:

Opt for Lighter Alternatives: When available, consider a lower-calorie light beer, though this is not a Dos Equis option. For those sticking with Dos Equis, the Lager Especial is the lighter choice.
Watch Your Serving Size: A standard 12-ounce bottle or can is one serving. Be aware that larger glasses or pours from the tap may contain more.
Moderate Intake: Consuming fewer beers is the most effective way to reduce calorie intake from alcoholic beverages.
Pair with Healthy Food: If you are consuming beer, pair it with balanced and healthy food choices rather than heavy, high-calorie pub fare.

Conclusion

So, how many calories does a 12 oz Dos Equis have? A standard 12-ounce bottle of Dos Equis Lager Especial contains 131 calories, while the richer Ambar Especial has approximately 146 calories. The difference primarily comes down to the slightly higher alcohol and carbohydrate content in the Ambar version. By understanding these nutritional differences and being mindful of your serving sizes, you can continue to enjoy Dos Equis as part of a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle.

Optional Outbound Link: Learn more about the Dos Equis Lager Especial straight from the source on their official product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dos Equis Ambar has more calories, with approximately 146 per 12-ounce serving, compared to Dos Equis Lager Especial's 131 calories for the same size.

Dos Equis Lager Especial (131 calories) is considered a moderate-calorie beer, falling between a very low-calorie light beer and a high-calorie craft ale. Dos Equis Ambar (146 calories) is slightly higher but still within a standard range.

A 12 oz serving of Dos Equis Lager Especial contains approximately 11 grams of carbohydrates.

A 12 oz Dos Equis Lager Especial contains 131 calories, which is slightly less than a 12 oz Corona Extra, which has 148 calories.

Yes, excessive consumption of any alcoholic beverage, including beer, can contribute to weight gain due to its caloric content. Moderation and a balanced diet are key to managing weight.

The alcohol by volume (ABV) for Dos Equis Lager Especial is 4.2%.

Dos Equis Ambar has more calories primarily because it has a slightly higher alcohol content (4.7% ABV) compared to the Lager (4.2% ABV). Alcohol is a major source of calories in beer.