Calories in tequila

80 proof (40% ABV). 231 kcal (967 kJ) per 100 g. Choose a portion below and every figure on the page updates.

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from blue agave, and at the standard 80 proof (40% ABV) it contains 231 kcal (967 kJ) per 100 g. All of that energy comes from the alcohol itself, which supplies about 7 kcal per gram. Neat tequila has no carbohydrate, sugar, fat or protein, because the agave's sugars do not carry over through distillation.

Where the energy comes from

Share of total energy contributed by each macronutrient, using the standard 4/4/9 kcal per gram factors, and 7 kcal per gram for alcohol:

Things worth knowing

• A US shot of 1.5 fl oz (44 ml) has about 97 kcal (406 kJ), an Australian 30 ml nip about 65 kcal (271 kJ) and a UK 25 ml single about 54 kcal (225 kJ).
• The classic salt-and-lime shot adds almost nothing, but a margarita is a different drink: USDA lists a typical 225 g margarita at about 275 kcal (1151 kJ), including about 36 g of sugar.
• Stronger bottles carry more energy. At 100 proof (50% ABV), distilled spirits have about 295 kcal per 100 g, or roughly 124 kcal (519 kJ) in a 1.5 fl oz shot.
• Blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas at the same ABV have essentially the same calories; ageing changes colour and flavour, not energy. "100% agave" describes the raw material, not a lighter drink.

Converting these figures

One 1 shot (1.5 fl oz, 44 ml) of tequila is 97 kcal, which is 406 kJ. To convert any other figure, divide kilojoules by 4.184 for calories, or use the converter on the home page.

It takes 103 g of tequila to reach 1,000 kJ (239 kcal). See how that compares with other foods on the 1000 kJ to calories page.