Tequila Alcohol Content
Most tequila is 40% alcohol by volume, or 80 proof. Don Julio, Casamigos, and Jose Cuervo Especial are all 40%.2,3,4 A 1.5 oz shot is 1.0 standard drink.
Blanco, reposado, and añejo tequila are aged for different lengths of time, but the aging does not change the strength on the label.2,5 Premixed margaritas are much weaker. The Jose Cuervo Classic Margarita is 9.95%.6
Tequila ABV by Brand
These strengths are printed on labels approved by the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB):
How Many Standard Drinks Are in Tequila?
One U.S. standard drink is 14 grams of pure alcohol, the amount in a 1.5 oz shot of 40% liquor.1 At 40% ABV, here is how Tequila adds up:
| Serving | ABV | Standard drinks |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 oz shot | 40% | 1.0 |
| 2 oz pour | 40% | 1.3 |
| 375 ml bottle | 40% | 8.5 |
| 750 ml bottle | 40% | 16.9 |
| 1.75 L bottle | 40% | 39.5 |
A bar margarita made with 2 oz of tequila has 1.3 standard drinks from the tequila alone, before any triple sec.
Tequila vs Other Drinks
| Drink | Typical ABV | Standard drinks per 1.5 oz shot |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila | 40% | 1.0 |
| Vodka | 40% | 1.0 |
| Whiskey | 40% | 1.0 |
| Rum | 40% | 1.0 |
| BuzzBallz Tequila Rita | 15% | 0.4 |
To count any mix of drinks, use the standard drink calculator.
How Much Tequila Does It Take to Get Drunk?
That depends on your weight, your sex, and how fast you drink. Enter your weight below to see how many shots of tequila reach each level.
Actual BAC depends on metabolism, food, and time.
Try our BAC calculator for more detailed tracking
Tequila Alcohol FAQ
What proof is tequila?
Most tequila is 80 proof, or 40% ABV. Don Julio, Casamigos, and Jose Cuervo Especial are all 80 proof.
Is tequila stronger than vodka?
No. Most tequila and most vodka are both 40%, so a shot of either is one standard drink.
Is añejo tequila stronger than blanco?
No. Don Julio Blanco and Don Julio Añejo are both 40%. Aging changes the flavor and color, not the alcohol.
How many shots are in a 750 ml bottle?
A 750 ml bottle holds about 17 shots of 1.5 oz. A 1.75 L bottle holds about 39.
How many shots of tequila does it take to get drunk?
Each 1.5 oz shot is 1.0 standard drinks. How many it takes depends on your weight, your sex, and how fast you drink. The calculator on this page shows your number.
To see how Tequila affects your blood alcohol level, use the BAC calculator.
Sources
- NIAAA. What is a standard drink?
- TTB COLA 25024001000892. Don Julio Blanco label, 40% alc./vol. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.
- TTB COLA 14132001000629. Casamigos Blanco label, 40% alc./vol. (80 proof). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.
- TTB COLA 25105001000896. Jose Cuervo Especial Gold label, 40% alc. by vol. (80 proof). Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.
- TTB COLA 25024001000889. Don Julio Añejo label, 40% alc./vol. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.
- TTB COLA 24008001000904. Jose Cuervo Authentic Classic Margarita label, 9.95% alc. by vol. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, public COLA registry.