How much alcohol is in one shot of tequila? Understanding ABV and Standard Servings

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) tequila contains approximately 0.6 fluid ounces of pure ethanol. Knowing exactly how much alcohol is in one shot of tequila is crucial for responsible consumption and understanding its potency relative to other alcoholic beverages.

Quick Summary

The amount of alcohol in a tequila shot depends on its ABV and the size of the pour, which is typically 1.5 fluid ounces in the US. The standard 40% ABV for many tequilas translates to 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol per shot, with content varying by brand and market. The Mexican Official Standard (NOM) permits a range of 35% to 55% ABV for tequila, though most exported products meet the destination country's minimums.

Key Points

Standard Alcohol Content: A typical tequila shot (1.5 oz) is 40% ABV (80 proof), containing 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol.
Varying ABV: Tequila's ABV can range from 35% to 55%, with most brands exported to the U.S. being at least 40% ABV.
Shot Size Differences: While 1.5 ounces is a common standard, pour sizes can vary by location and establishment.
ABV vs. Proof: In the U.S., proof is simply double the ABV percentage; for example, 40% ABV equals 80 proof.
Individual Factors: How a shot of tequila affects you depends on personal factors like body weight, food intake, and tolerance, not just the raw alcohol content.
Standard Drink Equivalent: A single 1.5-ounce tequila shot contains the same amount of alcohol as a 12-ounce 5% ABV beer or a 5-ounce 12% ABV glass of wine.

The amount of alcohol in a single shot of tequila is a combination of two key factors: the spirit's alcohol by volume (ABV) and the specific pour size. While many assume all shots are equal, this can vary slightly depending on where you are and the brand of tequila you choose. Understanding this can help you better manage your alcohol intake.

What is the standard alcohol content of tequila?

Most tequilas available in the United States and many other international markets are bottled at 40% ABV, which is equivalent to 80 proof. The proof is simply double the ABV percentage in the U.S.. However, tequila's alcohol content can vary significantly, especially depending on where it was produced and for which market it is intended.

Mexican regulations allow tequila to have an ABV of 35% to 55%. Exporters must comply with the minimum ABV requirements of the destination country, which is 40% for the U.S. and 38% for Europe. Some premium or high-proof tequilas may reach up to 55% ABV, but these are less common on the mass market.

Calculating the alcohol in a standard shot

To calculate the pure alcohol content, you multiply the volume of the shot by the ABV. For a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 40% ABV tequila, the calculation is straightforward:

Shot Volume: 1.5 fluid ounces
ABV: 40% or 0.40
Pure Alcohol: 1.5 oz x 0.40 = 0.6 fluid ounces

This is why a 1.5-ounce shot of 40% ABV spirits is considered one standard drink in the United States, as defined by the NIAAA. This measure allows for a consistent comparison of alcohol intake across different types of beverages.

Shot size variations

While 1.5 fluid ounces is the most common standard for a shot in the U.S., it is not universally regulated and can vary. Some establishments may pour slightly less, such as 1.25 ounces, while Utah state law specifies a shot as 1 fluid ounce. This minor variation can alter the total alcohol content, so it's wise to be aware that your mileage may vary.

Tequila types and alcohol content

The five main types of tequila—Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, and Joven—do not necessarily differ in alcohol content. The primary difference lies in the aging process and resulting flavor profile, not the strength.

Blanco (Silver): Unaged, clear, and bottled shortly after distillation. Has a crisp, fresh agave flavor. Most commonly 40% ABV.
Reposado (Rested): Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months. The wood imparts smoother, oakier flavors. Alcohol content typically remains at 40%.
Añejo (Aged): Aged for a minimum of one year. This creates a richer, more complex flavor, often with hints of caramel or vanilla. Again, usually 40% ABV.
Extra Añejo: Aged for more than three years. Offers the deepest and most complex flavors, often likened to fine cognac. Alcohol content is generally consistent with other types.
Joven (Gold): Often a mixto (not 100% agave) that is colored with additives. The quality can be inconsistent, though some versions are blends of Blanco and aged tequilas.

Tequila vs. other alcoholic beverages: A comparison

To put a tequila shot into perspective, here's how its alcohol content compares to other common drinks, based on the U.S. standard drink size of 0.6 fl oz of pure alcohol.


Beverage	Standard Serving Size	Typical ABV	Alcohol (fl oz)
Tequila	1.5 oz	40%	0.6
Beer	12 oz	5%	0.6
Wine	5 oz	12%	0.6
Malt Liquor	8 oz	7%	0.6
Liqueurs	Varies	15–40%	Varies

This table illustrates that a single tequila shot, despite its smaller volume, contains the same amount of pure alcohol as a standard glass of wine or a can of beer. The higher concentration of alcohol in spirits is why it's recommended to drink them slowly.

Factors affecting intoxication from a tequila shot

It's important to remember that the amount of alcohol in the glass is only one piece of the puzzle. How that alcohol affects you depends on a number of individual factors.

Body Weight: A person with a lower body mass will have a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) from the same amount of alcohol than a person with a higher body mass.
Gender: On average, women tend to feel the effects of alcohol more quickly than men due to differences in body composition and the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol.
Food Intake: Drinking on an empty stomach allows for faster alcohol absorption into the bloodstream, leading to a quicker onset of effects. Food can slow this process.
Metabolism: Everyone processes alcohol at a different rate. Metabolism slows with age, which can increase alcohol's effects on older adults.
Tolerance: Regular drinkers develop a higher tolerance and will require more alcohol to feel the same effects as a novice drinker.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a standard shot of tequila contains a precisely measurable amount of alcohol, but its effect on an individual is not as straightforward. A typical 1.5-ounce shot of 40% ABV tequila contains 0.6 fluid ounces of pure alcohol, which is considered one standard drink. However, with varying shot sizes and individual factors at play, it's essential to understand the underlying principles of ABV, serving size, and responsible drinking. Knowing the numbers is the first step toward making informed choices and enjoying spirits safely.

Learn more about responsible drinking guidelines from the CDC.

Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate the pure alcohol, you multiply the shot size in fluid ounces by the Alcohol by Volume (ABV) percentage. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of 40% ABV tequila contains $1.5 * 0.40 = 0.6$ fluid ounces of pure alcohol.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume) is the percentage of alcohol in the total volume of a beverage. In the U.S., proof is a number that is double the ABV. For example, 40% ABV is 80 proof.

No, while 40% ABV is the most common, the percentage can range from 35% to 55% depending on the brand and market. Mexican law requires tequila to be within this range.

A standard 1.5 oz shot of 40% ABV tequila contains the same amount of pure alcohol (0.6 fl oz) as a standard 12 oz can of 5% ABV beer. The alcohol is simply more concentrated in the shot.

Yes, it is possible for a person to feel the effects of intoxication from a single shot of tequila, especially if they have a low tolerance, smaller body mass, or have not eaten recently.

Yes, while 1.5 fluid ounces is the widely accepted standard in the U.S., shot sizes are not legally mandated everywhere and can range from 1 to 1.5 ounces depending on the location and establishment.

Generally, no. The different types of tequila (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo) are distinguished by their aging process and flavor profile, not typically by a change in alcohol content, which remains consistently around 40% ABV for most products.

No, the 100% agave designation indicates that all the sugars used for fermentation came from the blue agave plant, ensuring a higher quality spirit. The ABV is still most often 40%, but the lack of added sugars means fewer impurities.