How Many Calories in a Shot of Tequila

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant and is often consumed as a shot, a cocktail base, or sipped neat. While it’s lower in calories than many creamy or sugary drinks, alcohol still contributes to your daily intake. If you're counting calories, it's important to know how many are in each shot of tequila and how it fits into your broader nutritional goals.

Calories in a Standard Shot of Tequila

A standard shot of tequila in the UK is 25 millilitres. This amount contains approximately 55 to 60 calories, depending on the alcohol content. Most tequilas are around 40 percent alcohol by volume, and it's the alcohol itself—not sugar or carbs—that provides the calorie content. In a larger 35 millilitre pub measure, often used for spirits in other countries, the calorie count rises to around 80 to 85. If tequila is mixed into a cocktail with juice, syrup, or soft drinks, the total calorie load increases significantly, sometimes topping 200 calories per drink.

Nutritional Breakdown of Tequila

Tequila contains no fat, protein, or carbohydrates. The calories come entirely from the alcohol, which provides seven calories per gram. There are no sugars in pure tequila, and it has zero fibre, vitamins or minerals of note. That said, high-quality tequila made from 100 percent agave does not contain any additives or sweeteners. Lower-end or mixed tequilas may include small amounts of added sugars, but these are still minimal in a standard shot.

Benefits of Tequila in Moderation

When compared to other alcoholic drinks, tequila is relatively low in calories. It’s free from mixers, dairy, or processed ingredients when consumed straight, making it one of the lighter choices for those watching their intake. Some people find it easier to control their calorie intake by sipping tequila slowly rather than drinking sugary cocktails or beer. A neat shot of tequila may also avoid the bloating or sugar crash that comes with more carbohydrate-heavy drinks.

Downsides of Tequila and Alcohol Calories

While tequila may be low in calories per shot, it still contributes to your overall intake without offering any nutritional benefit. Alcohol calories are often referred to as “empty calories” because they don’t provide satiety, fuel recovery, or support metabolic function. The more you drink, the easier it is to consume more calories than intended—especially when paired with salty snacks or late-night meals. Tequila also impacts liver function and decision-making, which can affect your food choices and energy balance beyond the drink itself.

Excess alcohol intake can disrupt sleep, impair digestion, and increase fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. Drinking multiple shots, or choosing tequila-based drinks with sugary mixers, can quickly turn a low-calorie drink into a high-calorie habit.

Glycaemic Index and Blood Sugar Response

Pure tequila has a glycaemic index of zero because it contains no carbohydrates or sugar. This means it doesn’t cause a direct rise in blood sugar levels. However, the impact of alcohol on blood sugar is more complex. It can initially suppress glucose production in the liver, causing blood sugar levels to drop, particularly if consumed on an empty stomach or in large quantities. This is especially relevant for people with diabetes, who should monitor their levels closely and eat a balanced meal when drinking.

When tequila is combined with sugary mixers, the glycaemic index of the drink increases sharply. Cocktails such as margaritas can contain more than 20 grams of sugar, raising blood sugar quickly and dramatically.

How Tequila Is Made

Tequila is produced by harvesting blue agave plants, which are cooked and crushed to extract a sugary juice. This juice is then fermented and distilled to create the final spirit. Tequila must be made in designated regions of Mexico to earn its name, and only spirits made with 100 percent agave are considered the purest form. Some tequilas are aged in barrels to develop flavour, but this doesn’t significantly affect their calorie content. The end result is a clear or golden spirit with a smooth, sometimes smoky taste, free from added carbohydrates or fats.

Lighter Alternatives and Smarter Drinking Choices

If you're aiming to reduce calorie intake while drinking, tequila is one of the better options. Choosing it neat or with soda water and lime keeps added sugars to a minimum. Avoiding creamy liqueurs, sugary premixed drinks or large beers can make a noticeable difference over time. For even lower-calorie choices, spirits like vodka, gin, and white rum also fall in the same calorie range as tequila when served straight. The key is moderation, simplicity, and awareness of the total impact alcohol has on your daily intake.

Summary

A single 25 millilitre shot of tequila contains about 55 to 60 calories, with all of that coming from alcohol. It contains no sugar, fat, or carbohydrates, and has a glycaemic index of zero. While tequila is one of the lower-calorie alcoholic options, it still contributes empty calories and can affect appetite, energy levels, and decision-making. Consumed occasionally and without sugary mixers, tequila can fit into a calorie-conscious lifestyle more easily than many other drinks. Like any alcohol, it’s best enjoyed in moderation, with a clear understanding of its impact beyond the glass.