How Much Is One Shot of Tequila? Your Guide to Bar vs. Bottle Costs

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

In the U.S., a standard shot is typically 1.5 ounces, but the price can vary wildly, from a mere dollar or two at home to upwards of $20 at a premium bar. Navigating the real cost of a shot of tequila requires understanding more than just the liquid in your glass.

Quick Summary

The price for a shot of tequila varies widely based on brand, age, bar markup, and location. It can cost $5 to over $25 at a bar, while a single shot from a bottle purchased for home use is significantly cheaper.

Key Points

Standard U.S. Shot Size: A standard pour for a shot in the United States is 1.5 fluid ounces.
Bar Markup is Significant: Shots at a bar are priced significantly higher than their production cost to cover the establishment's overhead, often leading to prices of $5-$25 or more.
At-Home is Cheaper: When purchasing a 750ml bottle, the cost per 1.5oz shot can be as low as $1-$3, offering substantial savings.
Aging Increases Price: Longer aging processes in oak barrels, for reposado, añejo, and extra añejo tequilas, directly increase the final cost.
Agave Market Impacts Price: Agave shortages and the quality of the raw materials are major factors that influence the price of tequila globally.
Not All Shots Are Equal: The quality of the tequila and the location (bar vs. home) are the primary determinants of what you will pay for one shot of tequila.

What Is a Standard Tequila Shot?

Before diving into the cost, it's essential to understand the quantity. While there is no official federal regulation, the widely accepted standard for a single shot in the United States is 1.5 fluid ounces, which is equivalent to approximately 44 milliliters. However, the actual pour size can vary from one establishment to another. In some regions or larger corporate bars aiming to maximize profits, shots may be as small as 1.25 ounces. Conversely, a neat pour (served without ice and meant for sipping) is often a larger, 2-ounce serving. This means when you ask, "how much is one shot of tequila?", the first variable is the volume itself.

Bar Pricing: The High Cost of Convenience

When you order a shot of tequila at a bar, you are paying for far more than just the liquor. Bar pricing includes a significant markup to cover operational costs like rent, labor, and overhead, not to mention the profits. This markup is why a single shot can cost more than you might pay for a good portion of the bottle at a liquor store.

Bars operate on a concept called "pour cost," where they aim to have the cost of the liquor represent only a small percentage of the menu price, often targeting 15-20%. For example, if a bar pays $75 for a bottle of aged tequila, they will aim to recoup that cost within the first 4-5 shots sold. This practice explains why a high-end añejo could command a $15-$25 price tag for a single shot.

Here is a breakdown of the typical bar pricing for different types of tequila:

Well/Mixto Tequila: Often used in mixed drinks or for cheap shots. Expect to pay $5 to $10.
Mid-range 100% Agave Tequila: Brands like Espolòn or Milagro. Shots typically run from $8 to $15.
Premium & Aged Tequila: Brands like Don Julio 1942 or premium añejos. Shots can start at $15 and go much higher, depending on rarity and prestige.

At-Home Pricing: The Smart Way to Save

Buying a bottle of tequila to enjoy at home offers substantial savings. A standard 750ml bottle of liquor contains approximately 17 shots (at 1.5 oz per shot). This allows you to calculate the cost per shot directly.

For example, consider a popular mid-range tequila that costs $30 for a 750ml bottle.

Cost per shot: $30 / 17 shots = $1.76 per shot.

Compare this to the $8-$15 price you might pay at a bar for the same product, and the savings are evident. The price can be as low as $0.60 per shot for more affordable brands.

What Factors Influence the Price of Tequila?

The cost of tequila is not arbitrary. Several key factors, from production to marketing, affect the final price of the bottle and, consequently, each shot.

Agave Quality and Shortages: Tequila must be made from Blue Weber agave, a plant that takes 7-10 years to mature. Agave shortages, which happen periodically, can drive up the base cost of the raw materials, leading to higher tequila prices. Higher quality agave harvested at peak maturity results in more flavorful tequila but also higher costs.
Aging Process: How long and in what type of barrel a tequila is aged significantly affects the price.
- Blanco/Silver: Unaged or aged for less than two months. Generally the most affordable.
- Reposado: Aged 2 months to a year in oak barrels.
- Añejo: Aged 1 to 3 years in oak barrels.
- Extra Añejo: Aged for over 3 years. The most expensive and complex, often reserved for sipping.
Brand Reputation and Scarcity: Prestigious and well-established brands often carry a higher price tag due to their name recognition and perceived quality. Limited edition or specialty releases also command premium pricing.
Production Methods: Traditional, artisanal production methods can be more labor-intensive and result in higher costs compared to more modern, large-scale techniques.
Taxes and Tariffs: Government taxes and tariffs in both Mexico and the importing country add to the final retail price.

Bar vs. Home Tequila Shot Costs: A Comparison


Tequila Type	Estimated Bar Cost (per 1.5 oz shot)	Estimated At-Home Cost (per 1.5 oz shot from a 750ml bottle)
Well/Mixto Blanco	$5 - $8	$0.60 - $1.20
Mid-range 100% Agave	$8 - $15	$1.75 - $3.00
Premium Reposado	$12 - $20	$2.50 - $4.00
Ultra-Premium Añejo	$20 - $50+	$5.00 - $10.00+

The Art of the Tequila Shot

For many, a tequila shot is a simple, quick way to consume alcohol. However, connoisseurs argue that higher-quality tequilas, especially aged expressions like añejos, are best savored slowly to appreciate their complex flavors. The ritual of salt and lime is often paired with cheaper, more aggressive-tasting tequilas to help temper the burn. For tips on responsible drinking, consult authoritative sources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Conclusion: Balancing Cost and Quality

Ultimately, the answer to "how much is one shot of tequila?" depends on where you are drinking and what you're drinking. While a night out at a bar offers a social experience, it comes at a significant premium per shot. For casual drinkers and those looking to save money, purchasing a bottle for home is the most cost-effective option. By understanding the factors that influence tequila pricing and the considerable markup at bars, you can make a more informed decision about when to splurge and when to save.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bars significantly mark up liquor prices to cover operational costs such as rent, labor, and other business expenses, often aiming for an 80% profit margin on alcohol sales.

A standard tequila shot in the United States is 1.5 fluid ounces, or about 44 milliliters, though this can vary slightly by bar.

Yes, the type of tequila (blanco, reposado, añejo) and the quality of the brand are the biggest determinants of a shot's price, with aged and premium options costing much more.

You can opt for a "well" tequila, which is a less expensive brand used for basic mixed drinks and shots, resulting in a lower price point.

Factors include the cost of blue agave (which can increase due to shortages), the length of the aging process, the brand's reputation, and production methods.

No. A shot is typically 1.5 ounces and meant for quick consumption, while a neat pour is a larger, often 2-ounce, serving intended for sipping.

To calculate the cost, divide the bottle price by the number of shots it contains. A standard 750ml bottle yields about 17 shots (1.5 oz each), so $30 bottle / 17 shots ≈ $1.76 per shot.