How much alcohol is usually in tequila?

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Tequila's Alcohol By Volume (ABV) can vary significantly by type and country, with most bottled tequilas falling between 35% and 55% ABV. For example, in the United States, regulations require tequila to be at least 40% ABV, whereas in Mexico, the minimum is 35%.

Quick Summary

Tequila's alcohol content typically ranges from 35% to 55% ABV, or 70 to 110 proof, influenced by Mexican legal standards and country-specific export laws. Standard bottles are most commonly 40% ABV, but the aging process and specific type can lead to variations in strength.

Key Points

Standard Range: Most tequila falls within a 35% to 55% ABV range, but 40% ABV (80 proof) is the industry standard for most commercial bottles.
Market Regulations: Export laws play a major role; for example, tequila sold in the United States must be at least 40% ABV, influencing producers worldwide.
Proof vs. ABV: In the U.S., proof is double the ABV percentage, so a 40% ABV tequila is 80 proof.
Aging's Impact: The tequila's type (blanco, reposado, añejo) refers to its aging process and flavor profile, not its alcohol content, which is adjusted post-distillation.
Quality and Content: Both 100% agave and mixto tequilas are produced within the same legal ABV range, though the former is often perceived as higher quality due to its agave purity.
Responsible Consumption: Understanding tequila's alcohol content helps in managing consumption, which is especially important given its higher potency compared to drinks like beer or wine.

Tequila's Alcohol Content: The Standard Range

At its core, a tequila's alcohol content is measured by Alcohol By Volume (ABV), and in the United States, by proof. A key fact to remember is that proof is simply double the ABV percentage. For commercial sale, Mexican law stipulates that tequila must have an ABV between 35% and 55%. However, most bottles you encounter on the shelves will be closer to the 40% ABV (80 proof) mark. The exact percentage can depend on the specific market where the tequila is sold. For instance, tequilas sold in the U.S. and Canada must have a minimum of 40% ABV, a standard that influences what most producers bottle for international distribution.

How Aging Influences Tequila's Strength

While the 40% ABV mark is common, the aging process can play a role in the final strength and flavor. Contrary to some popular belief that longer aging always means a stronger spirit, the alcohol percentage is usually set by dilution after distillation and before bottling. The key difference between tequila types is not a rising alcohol content with age, but rather the unique flavors and characteristics imparted by the wood barrels.

Blanco (Silver) Tequila: Bottled immediately or aged for less than two months, blanco is the purest expression of the agave spirit. Its ABV typically aligns with the standard 40% found on most store shelves, reflecting a clean, un-aged profile.
Reposado (Rested) Tequila: Aged for a minimum of two months but less than a year in oak barrels, reposado mellows the spirit and adds notes of oak and spice. Its ABV remains within the standard range, typically around 40%.
Añejo (Aged) Tequila: Aged for at least one year but less than three years, añejo gains a deeper amber color and a more complex flavor profile with notes of caramel and vanilla. The ABV is still generally standardized, with the aging process focused on flavor.
Extra Añejo (Extra Aged) Tequila: Aged for a minimum of three years, this is the most aged category. Extra añejos develop a rich, complex character, often with the smoothest finish. Like other aged tequilas, the alcohol content is carefully controlled and bottled at a standard percentage.

The Difference Between 100% Agave and Mixto Tequilas

Beyond aging, the type of tequila—whether it’s 100% blue agave or a mixto—can also be a factor, though not in the typical ABV. 100% agave tequila, as the name suggests, is made exclusively from the sugars of the blue agave plant. Mixto tequilas, however, are made with a minimum of 51% agave sugars, with the remaining percentage coming from other sugars like cane sugar. While this affects flavor and quality, both types are bottled within the same legal alcohol content range, though many high-end, 100% agave tequilas focus heavily on a balanced 40% ABV.

Comparing Tequila with Other Common Spirits

To put tequila's potency in context, here is a comparison with other popular spirits. While all are potent, their average ABV reveals a certain standard for most distilled liquor.


Spirit	Typical ABV Range	Common ABV	Notes
Tequila	35%–55%	40%	Varies by regulation, 40% for U.S. market.
Vodka	40%–95%	40%	Many brands standardizing at 80 proof.
Whiskey	36%–50%	40%	Cask strength varieties can be much higher.
Rum	36%–50%	40%	Overproof rums are bottled at much higher strengths.
Gin	36%–50%	40%	Flavored versions can be slightly lower.

Conclusion: Standardizing Strength

In conclusion, while the legal ABV range for tequila is quite broad, most commercially available tequila is bottled at 40% ABV, or 80 proof. This is a result of a combination of factors, including export requirements for major markets like the United States and a long-standing industry standard. The specific type of tequila—whether it’s a blanco, reposado, or añejo—primarily affects its flavor profile rather than its final alcohol content. While high-proof varieties can be found, the 40% ABV figure serves as the reliable benchmark for what to expect when pouring a glass of tequila. Responsible enjoyment is always recommended, regardless of the bottle's proof.

Understanding the Factors Behind Tequila's Alcohol Content

Legal Regulations: By Mexican law, tequila must have an ABV between 35% and 55%, but many countries, including the U.S., mandate a 40% minimum for imported products.
Proof Calculation: The U.S. proof is simply twice the ABV. A tequila that is 40% ABV is therefore 80 proof.
Aging Process: The type of tequila (blanco, reposado, añejo, etc.) doesn't typically dictate its final ABV. Instead, aging affects the flavor and color, while the ABV is set during bottling.
Industry Standard: A large majority of tequilas on the market are bottled at 40% ABV, reflecting a long-standing industry practice for balance and consistency.
Market Influences: Export markets heavily influence bottling standards. To meet U.S. import laws, producers will consistently bottle at or above the 40% threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of tequila usually contains 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), which equates to 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol.

No, not all tequila is 40% ABV. While 40% ABV (80 proof) is the most common strength for commercial tequila, particularly for the U.S. market, Mexican law allows for a range between 35% and 55% ABV.

The age of the tequila, such as añejo versus blanco, does not typically mean a difference in alcohol content. The aging process primarily imparts flavor and color, while the ABV is adjusted to a standard level before bottling.

To calculate a tequila's proof from its ABV, simply double the ABV percentage. For example, a tequila with 40% ABV is 80 proof in the United States.

Different countries have their own regulations for importing and selling spirits. For example, the United States requires a 40% ABV minimum for tequila, while Mexico mandates a 35% minimum for domestic sales.

Yes, it is possible to find overproof or high-proof tequilas, though they are less common. Mexican law allows for a maximum of 55% ABV, so some specialty brands produce spirits at the higher end of this scale.

Higher ABV does not necessarily indicate better quality. The quality of tequila is more dependent on the production process, the percentage of agave used (100% agave vs. mixto), and the aging process, which impact the flavor profile.