Is Wine or Tequila Less Calories? The Definitive Guide

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of pure tequila contains approximately 97 calories, while a 5-ounce glass of dry wine can contain around 120 to 125 calories. When comparing serving sizes, it is clear that pure tequila is typically less calories per serving than wine, especially when consumed neat.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the caloric, carbohydrate, and sugar content of standard servings of tequila and wine. It details how preparation methods and drink types influence calorie count, and offers tips for making lower-calorie choices for weight management.

Key Points

• Tequila has fewer calories per standard serving: A 1.5-ounce shot of pure tequila contains approximately 97 calories, while a 5-ounce glass of dry wine has about 120-125 calories.

• Tequila is free of carbs and sugar: 100% agave tequila contains zero carbohydrates and sugar, deriving all calories from alcohol, unlike wine which contains residual carbs and sugars.

• Mixers are a major factor: Sugary mixers can inflate the calorie count of a tequila drink (like a margarita) far beyond a glass of wine, so moderation and smart mixing choices are crucial.

• Serving size is key: When comparing based on per-ounce, wine has fewer calories, but standard serving sizes make tequila the lower-calorie choice.

• Dry wine is lower in calories: Opting for a dry red or white wine with a lower ABV can help reduce the caloric load compared to sweeter, fortified wines.

• Moderation is most important: For weight management, limiting overall alcohol consumption is more impactful than choosing between these two options.

• Purity matters: Choose 100% agave tequila to ensure no added sugars, and dry wines to minimize residual sugar content.

Alcohol can be a significant source of empty calories, so understanding the nutritional differences between various drinks is essential for anyone monitoring their intake. When comparing a standard shot of tequila to a standard glass of wine, pure tequila generally has fewer calories and significantly fewer carbohydrates and sugars. This difference is especially pronounced when considering how each beverage is typically served, as mixers can drastically increase the caloric impact.

The Calorie Breakdown: Wine vs. Tequila

To make an informed decision, it's crucial to look beyond just the raw calorie count and consider the standard serving sizes and the presence of carbs and sugar. Pure distilled spirits, like 100% agave tequila, have no carbohydrates or sugar, with all calories coming directly from the alcohol itself. Wine, being a fermented product of grapes, retains some residual sugar and carbohydrates.

Factors Influencing Caloric Content

• Type of Wine: Dry wines (red, white) have fewer calories and sugar than sweet dessert wines or fortified wines. A five-ounce glass of dry red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, contains around 125 calories, while a sweeter dessert wine can have much more. The alcohol by volume (ABV) also plays a role; wines with a higher ABV will have more calories.
• Type of Tequila: For the lowest calories, opt for 100% blue agave tequila. Cheaper "mixto" tequilas may contain added sugars and coloring to fill the rest of the bottle, increasing their calorie and sugar content. Blanco (silver) tequila is often the purest form and may be a slightly lower-calorie option than aged (reposado or añejo) tequilas, though the difference is minimal.
• Mixers and Preparation: This is where the real calorie bombs are hidden. A neat shot of tequila is low-calorie, but turning it into a margarita with a sugary mix and simple syrup can add hundreds of calories. Similarly, a wine spritzer with soda water is lower in calories than a glass of a heavy, sweet wine.

Comparison Table: Wine vs. Tequila

Feature	Tequila (1.5 oz shot)	Dry Wine (5 oz glass)	Sweet Wine (5 oz glass)
Calories	~97 kcal	~120–125 kcal	150+ kcal
Carbohydrates	0g	~4g	15g+
Sugar	0g (100% agave)	<1g (Dry)	>10g
Preparation	Neat, on the rocks, or with a low-cal mixer (soda water, lime)	Straight from the bottle, or as a spritzer	Often straight, but can be made lighter

Making a Smarter Choice for Calorie Control

When weight management is a priority, understanding the caloric and nutritional makeup of your drink is key. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the best option based on your preferences:

• For the lowest calories: A shot of 100% agave tequila, served neat or on the rocks, is the clear winner. By avoiding sugary mixers, you keep the calorie count to a minimum while also eliminating carbohydrates and sugar. This is especially beneficial for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
• For the lowest calories per ounce: If you are focused on per-ounce comparisons, wine contains fewer calories. A 5-ounce glass contains more calories than a 1.5-ounce shot of tequila, but a single fluid ounce of red wine (~25 kcal) is lower than a single fluid ounce of tequila (~65 kcal). However, this comparison is often misleading since drinking habits are based on serving sizes, not per-ounce metrics.
• For nutritional benefits: While tequila offers some theoretical benefits from agave (which are often lost during distillation), red wine contains antioxidants like resveratrol. However, any potential benefits are overshadowed by the risks of excessive alcohol consumption.

The Role of Mixers

Mixers are frequently the hidden culprits behind high-calorie alcoholic beverages. A seemingly innocent drink can quickly become a sugar-filled cocktail. Always opt for low-calorie alternatives:

• Tequila: Instead of a traditional margarita mix, use fresh lime juice and a splash of soda water. This combination creates a refreshing and low-calorie alternative.
• Wine: Transform a glass of dry wine into a spritzer with sparkling mineral water to reduce both the calorie and alcohol content per serving.

The Final Verdict

For most people watching their calorie intake, a standard serving of pure tequila will contain fewer calories than a standard glass of wine. When consumed neat or with zero-calorie mixers, tequila has a clear advantage, containing no carbs or sugars. For wine drinkers, choosing a dry variety and minding the serving size can help keep calories in check. Ultimately, both can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The key to minimizing the caloric impact is being mindful of portion sizes and avoiding sugary additions.

Conclusion

For those focused on minimizing caloric intake, pure tequila offers a lower-calorie and zero-sugar option per serving compared to wine. The primary considerations are the serving size and the mixers used, as sugary additions can dramatically increase calories in both beverages. While red wine contains some antioxidants, the caloric and sugar content of 100% agave tequila makes it the more favorable choice for weight-conscious consumers. Moderation remains the most important factor, regardless of which beverage you choose.

Optional Outbound Link: Learn more about the components of a healthy diet from the NIH

References

CNN. Which alcoholic beverages are more diet-friendly? Business Insider. 6 delicious, low-calorie alcoholic drinks. Quora. Which is lower in calories wine or tequila? CNN. Which alcoholic beverages are more diet-friendly? Live Science. Cheers? Counting the Calories in Alcoholic Drinks. Medical News Today. The health benefits of tequila: Are they real? KetoSkream. Hidden Carbs and Sugars In Alcoholic Beverages. Medical News Today. The health benefits of tequila: Are they real? Transform Personal Training. Tequila vs. Wine. Medical News Today. The health benefits of tequila: Are they real? Popsugar. Is Tequila the Healthiest Type of Alcohol? 2 Experts Weigh In. Fitelo. Alcohol For Weight Loss: Good Or Bad In Your Fat Loss Journey? JM Nutrition. Best Alcohol For Weight Loss. Casa Mexico Tequila. Tequila Nutrition Facts and 7 Reasons Why Tequila Should Be Your...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for weight loss, wine or tequila?

For weight loss, a shot of pure 100% agave tequila is generally a better choice than a glass of wine because it contains fewer calories and zero carbs and sugar per serving, as long as it's consumed neat or with a low-calorie mixer.

Is there sugar in tequila?

Pure 100% blue agave tequila contains no sugar. Any sweetness or calories come from the alcohol itself. Some lower-quality tequilas, known as "mixto," may contain added sugars.

How many calories are in a shot of tequila?

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 100% blue agave tequila contains approximately 97 calories.

How many calories are in a glass of wine?

A standard 5-ounce glass of dry wine, like red or white, typically has about 120 to 125 calories. Sweeter wines contain more calories.

Do mixers add a lot of calories to alcoholic drinks?

Yes, mixers are often the main source of extra calories and sugar in alcoholic beverages. For example, a margarita mix can add hundreds of calories to a tequila drink.

What's a low-calorie mixer for tequila?

For a low-calorie option, mix tequila with fresh lime juice, soda water, or sparkling mineral water. These contain minimal to zero calories and no added sugar.

Which type of wine has the fewest calories?

Dry wines, especially dry white or sparkling wines, tend to have the fewest calories and lowest sugar content. Avoid sweet dessert wines and fortified wines if you're counting calories.