Tequila has had a mixed reputation over the years. For a while, tequila was relegated to college bars and wild nights, associated with heavy hangovers and quick shots.
But now tequila is having something of a renaissance. Thanks to artisan tequila makers and an emphasis on enjoying the drink properly, tequila has become a top choice for those who like a drink with a bite.
Tequila has also risen in popularity thanks to its lower calorie count. A shot of tequila can contain as little as 100 calories, and if it’s made from pure agave nectar, it’s also low in carbohydrates.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at how many calories are in a shot of tequila.
If you prefer your tequila with something to soften the edges, we’ll also explore the calorie counts of different tequila cocktails and mixers. Let’s see why tequila has become the go-to drink for a calorie-conscious night out.
How Many Calories Are In A Tequila Shot?
A typical shot of tequila contains between 90 and 110 calories, making it a popular drink for people who are on a diet. Tequila does contain some calories, as all alcohol does, but it’s lower in calories than wine, beer, and many other drinks.
There are three main types of tequila: blanco (sometimes known as silver or plata), reposado, and anejo. Blanco isn’t aged, reposado has been aged for a short period of time, and anejo has been aged for several months at least.
As the basic recipe is the same, it’s only the aging process that differs, it doesn’t matter whether you choose blanco, reposado, or anejo tequila. They all have a similarly low number of calories.
However, what can make a difference is what sugar the tequila is made of. If you’re trying to cut down on calories, it’s often better to choose 100% agave nectar tequila.
This can deliver plenty of taste without extra sugars, making for a lower-calorie drink. Other types of tequila, those that use a mixture of sugars, might contain more calories and carbohydrates.
How Many Calories Are In A Tequila Shot With Salt And Lime?
Tequila can have a very powerful taste which some find overwhelming on its own. For that reason, many people choose to serve their tequila with something extra.
One of the most popular methods for drinking tequila shots is with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime. The salt and lime can help offset the initially overpowering taste of the tequila. But will these additions add to the calorie count?
Realistically, a touch of salt and lime is unlikely to contain many calories. If you were doing a lot of tequila shots in a small space of time, then all that salt might start to add up.
However, if you’re doing that many shots in one night, then the salt levels will probably be the least of your worries!
If you decide to mix your tequila to make a cocktail, then prepare for a few more calories. A standard margarita contains 200 to 300 calories, and a tequila sunrise is likely to contain 250 to 350 calories.
For a healthier tequila cocktail, try a Paloma. Made with tequila, grapefruit juice, lime, soda water, and a light touch of agave nectar, a Paloma can have as little as 110 calories.
If you’re in Mexico, or somewhere authentically Mexican, you might enjoy your tequila with a shot of sangrita. Sangrita is a tomato and citrus juice shot with a touch of hot sauce that’s served alongside good tequila.
You’re meant to sip the sangrita between shots of tequila, cleansing the palate and refreshing your taste buds.
There are many recipes for sangrita around, as it’s the kind of thing everyone has their own recipe for! That said, a typical shot of sangrita contains between 30 and 50 calories.
Finally, for a low-calorie alcoholic drink that’s easy to enjoy but not loaded with sugars, try mixing tequila with soda water or diet tonic water. With plenty of ice and a squeeze of lime, it’s a low-calorie choice for a warm day.
Tequila shots have a reputation for being a quick drink on a night out, but good tequila is worth drinking on its own and drinking slowly. Especially if you choose a reposado or anejo tequila!
What Alcohols Are Low Calorie?
The alcohol with the lowest calorie count tends to be vodka. A single measure of vodka can contain less than 100 calories. Vodka mixed with soda water is a popular drink choice. Enjoy with a slice of lemon for more flavor without the calories.
Whisky and gin both contain similar calorie levels to tequila — roughly 110 calories in each shot. Be careful when choosing gin, as flavored gins sometimes seem like low-calorie options, but actually contain high levels of sugar and flavorings.
Tequila might be low-calorie, but you still need to be careful when drinking it. First, the obvious reason — tequila is low in calories but high in alcohol. Several tequila shots might have fewer calories than a beer, but it’s not exactly a healthier choice.
Second, it can be surprising how quickly those calories add up! Four shots of tequila can be over 400 calories. And unless you’re sipping your tequila shot, that’s 400 calories in quick succession.
Final Thoughts
A shot of tequila can contain less than 100 calories, even when enjoyed with salt and lime. This makes it a popular choice of alcoholic drink for those on a diet.
Tequila is a versatile drink and can be enjoyed in many ways, but if you’re looking to reduce calories, stay away from sugary cocktails. Try tequila with diet soda or tonic water and a squeeze of lime instead.
Tequila might be a low-calorie drink, but it isn’t exactly a healthy drink. What it loses in calories it makes up for in alcohol content.
Choose a high-quality tequila made with agave nectar and try sipping it, instead of shots. Good quality tequila is still low-calorie, and it’s a drink worth savoring.
One of the most common things I talk to my clients about is calories, but so few of them actually know anything about them.
Calories is not a dirty word. If you remove emotion from it, it is simply a unit of energy.
We need calories to live and thrive, and knowing how many to consume is important to ensure that you’re living a healthy lifestyle.
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