How Many Calories in a Shot of Tequila?
The widely consumed alcoholic beverage tequila is produced from the blue agave plant, which is indigenous to Mexico. It is frequently served as a shot and is a preferred beverage among many people all over the world. Yet, if you’re watching your weight, you might be curious about how many calories are in a tequila shot. We’ll look into the answer to that issue in this article and offer you some advice on how to drink tequila without destroying your diet.
Calories in a shot of tequila
Tequila’s lower calorie content than many other alcoholic beverages is one of its most notable advantages. Tequila shots typically weigh 1.5 ounces and have 96 calories. This is a fantastic choice for anyone limiting their calorie intake because it has fewer calories than a glass of wine or beer. Tequila has just 2 grammes of carbohydrates per serving, which is also low.
Sugar content in tequila
Contrary to popular belief, tequila does not necessarily include a lot of sugar. The agave plant, which yields agave nectar as a natural sweetener, is the source of tequila. Tequila does contain some sugar, but it is naturally occurring and not added like in some other alcoholic beverages. The agave plant itself provides the sugar for tequila. In addition, some luxury tequilas may be matured in oak barrels, which may give the finished product a subtle sweetness.
Nutritional content of tequila
Tequila is devoid of gluten and has a few health advantages. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are among the minerals and vitamins that are present in it in trace amounts. Moreover, it contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants with a reputation for being good for your health.
Tequila has a minimal sugar content as well; the agave plant only contains traces of natural sugars. This makes it a sensible option for people trying to limit their sugar intake.
Tequila vs. Other Alcoholic Drinks:
Tequila is a relatively calorie-efficient alternative when compared to other alcoholic beverages. Tequila shots typically weigh 1.5 ounces and have 96 calories per shot, the same as a light beer or a glass of wine. Comparatively, a 5-ounce glass of red wine has about 125 calories, while a 12-ounce can of ordinary beer has about 150.
Brands of Tequila Ranked by Calorie Count:
While all tequilas are made from the same plant, the way they are produced can vary. This can affect the calorie count of different brands of tequila. Here are some of the most popular brands of tequila ranked by their calorie count per 1.5-ounce shot:
- Patrón Silver: 96 calories
- Don Julio Blanco: 96 calories
- Jose Cuervo Especial Silver: 97 calories
- Sauza Silver: 98 calories
- 1800 Silver, 100 calories
Upon close inspection, it becomes evident that the caloric content of various tequila brands is fairly comparable, with only slight fluctuations in caloric intake between each individual brand. This observation denotes that one can relish their preferred tequila brand without unduly fretting over the amount of calories contained therein.
How to Enjoy Tequila Without Ruining Your Diet
Tequila can still be enjoyed while managing your calorie intake without messing up your diet. Here are some guidelines to help you drink tequila sensibly:
- Stick to one shot: Tequila shots typically have 64 calories per shot. You can enjoy your drink without consuming too many calories if you limit yourself to one shot.
- Avoid sugary mixers: Several tequila cocktails use sugary mixers, such as soda or fruit juice, which can significantly increase the calorie content of your beverage. Try blending your tequila with soda water and lime instead for a cool, low-calorie alternative.
- Opt for a lower-proof tequila: As we mentioned earlier, the proof of tequila can significantly impact the number of calories in a shot. Opting for a lower-proof tequila can help you keep your calorie count in check.
- Drink water between shots: In addition to keeping you hydrated, drinking water in between shots might help you pace yourself and prevent overindulgence.
Tips for Reducing Calorie Intake:
Tequila may have fewer calories than other alcoholic beverages, but it is still best to use restraint when drinking it. The following advice will help you consume fewer calories while sipping tequila:
- Choose a lower calorie mixer—opt for soda water or fresh lime juice instead of sugary mixers.
- Stick to one shot. Limit your intake to one shot of tequila to keep your calorie count low.
- Avoid late-night snacking. Drinking alcohol can increase your appetite, so try to avoid late-night snacking to prevent additional calorie intake.
Health benefits of tequila
- Tequila may help with digestion.
The agave plant has significant concentrations of inulin, a dietary fibre that can support a healthy digestive system. To improve overall digestive health, inulin works by encouraging the growth of helpful bacteria in the stomach. Tequila has also been demonstrated to increase the formation of stomach acid, which can aid in the faster digestion of food.
- Tequila may help regulate blood sugar.
The agave plant may help control blood sugar levels, according to research. According to one study, type 2 diabetics who drank agave nectar had much lower blood sugar levels than those who drank ordinary sugar. This shows that tequila, which is derived from the same plant, may also have blood sugar-regulating characteristics, though additional research is required.
- Tequila may help promote weight loss.
The agave plant’s indigestible carbohydrate, inulin, may cause satiety and a feeling of fullness, which could lead to a reduction in overall calorie consumption. Tequila, a distilled alcoholic beverage, is also a great option for people trying to reduce their caloric consumption because it has a low calorific content of only about 100 calories per serving.
- Tequila may help fight off colds and other illnesses.
Tequila contains a number of substances, such as antibacterial and antioxidant chemicals, which can support the immune system’s ability to fight off illnesses. In addition, the warming effect that tequila can have might aid in easing the signs of a cold or sore throat.
- Tequila may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Moderate tequila drinking may have the opposite impact of excessive alcohol consumption, which can actually make people feel more stressed and anxious. Agmatine, a substance found in tequila, has been demonstrated to have a soothing impact on the brain and aid in relaxation.
Other Health Benefits of Tequila
Beyond being low in calories and sugar, tequila has a number of other health advantages. Its ability to aid digestion is one of its most important advantages. Inulin, a form of fibre that aids in promoting healthy digestion, is found in agave plants. Tequila is a smart choice for diabetics since inulin can help control blood sugar levels.
Antioxidants included in tequila may also assist in lessening bodily inflammation. Many health issues, such as cancer and heart disease, have been linked to inflammation. Tequila may aid in lowering the risk of these and other illnesses by reducing inflammation.
How tequila affects your health
Despite being a widely consumed beverage, tequila has some potential negative health effects. Dehydration, weight gain, and liver damage are just a few of the health issues that can result from consuming too much tequila. Tequila can also impair judgement and cognitive function, which might be hazardous if you’re operating heavy machinery or driving a car.
Best Alcoholic Drinks for the Keto Diet:
- Hard Liquor: Vodka, gin, tequila, and whisky are examples of hard liquor that are all low in carbs and sugar, making them an ideal option for individuals following a ketogenic diet. Make sure to stay away from sugary mixers like soda and juice. Instead, choose sugar-free mixers like soda water or energy drinks.
- Dry Wine: Dry wines like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir are all excellent options for individuals following a keto diet due to their low carbohydrate and sugar content. However, sweet wines like port should be avoided as they are rich in sugar.
- Light Beer: While the majority of beers are rich in carbohydrates, there are a few that are low in carbohydrates and good for people following the keto diet. Less than 5 grammes of carbohydrates per serving are found in light beers like Michelob Ultra, Bud Lite, and Coors Light, making them excellent choices.
Worst Alcoholic Drinks for the Keto Diet:
- Sweet Cocktails: Cocktails that include margaritas, pia coladas, and daiquiris are often replete with saccharides and carbohydrates, rendering them suboptimal for adherents of the ketogenic regimen.
- Regular Beer: Individuals following a keto diet should steer clear of regular beers due to their high carbohydrate content. This is especially true for beers like IPAs, stouts, and porters, which have notably elevated levels of both carbs and sugar. Instead, selecting low-carb beer options or other alcoholic beverages that comply with the dietary restrictions of the keto diet may be a wiser choice.
- Sweet Wine: For those who are adhering to a keto diet, it may not be advisable to consume sweet wines such as Riesling, Moscato, and Zinfandel, as they are known to be high in sugar and carbohydrates. Opting for low-carb wines or other alcoholic beverages that fit within the parameters of the keto diet may be a more suitable option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a typical shot of tequila has about 64 calories, though the exact number can change depending on the type and strength of the liquor. There are methods to enjoy your tequila without wrecking your diet if you’re managing your calorie consumption. You may still enjoy your tequila sensibly by limiting yourself to one shot, staying away from sugary mixers, choosing a lower-proof tequila, and sipping water in between shots.
FAQ’s
How many calories are in a shot of vodka?
A 1-ounce shot of vodka typically contains about 64 calories.
How many calories are in an ounce of tequila?
A 1-ounce shot of tequila typically contains about 64 calories.
How many calories are in a shot of rum?
A 1-ounce shot of rum typically contains about 64–65 calories.
How many calories are in a shot of whiskey?
A 1-ounce shot of whisky typically contains about 64–69 calories.
How many calories are in a shot of Casamigos tequila?
A 1-ounce shot of Casamigos tequila typically contains about 69–70 calories.
How many calories are in a shot of mezcal?
A 1-ounce shot of mezcal typically contains about 65–70 calories.
How many calories are in tequila?
The number of calories in tequila depends on the size of the serving. A standard 1.5-ounce serving of tequila contains about 96 calories.
What should I mix with tequila?
Some common mixers for tequila include lime juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, soda water, and various syrups like agave or honey.
On average, how many calories does a person with anorexia eat in a day?
The number of calories a person with anorexia eats in a day varies greatly depending on the severity of the condition. However, it is generally considered to be less than 1000 calories per day.
Does tequila have sugar in it?
Pure tequila does not contain sugar. However, flavoured tequilas and some mixers used with tequila may contain added sugars.
How many calories are in two shots of tequila?
Two shots of tequila, or 2 fluid ounces, contain approximately 128 calories.
Why is tequila so easy to drink?
Tequila is easy to drink because it has a lower alcohol content than many other spirits, and its flavour profile is often less harsh and more smooth than that of other spirits.
Why is tequila considered the healthiest alcohol?
Tequila is often considered the healthiest alcohol because it is made from the agave plant, which contains natural sugars and fibre that can help regulate blood sugar levels and aid in digestion.
How many calories does alcohol contain?
Depending on the type and alcohol content, alcohol has a range of calories. A typical drink typically has between 100 and 150 calories (12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor).
Is drinking tequila good for you?
Tequila can improve digestion and lower the risk of heart disease when used in moderation, just like any other alcoholic beverage. On the other hand, abusing alcohol might harm your health.
Why does salt complement tequila so well?
Tequila pairs well with salt because it softens the harshness of the alcohol and brings out the flavours of the liquor by lessening its bitterness.
References:
- CalorieKing – Tequila: https://www.calorieking.com/us/en/foods/f/calories-in-cocktails-tequila/W1BvLuLzQl2Tp_EZlB2x0Q
- Healthline – How Many Calories Are in Tequila? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tequila-calories
- Verywell Fit – Calories in Tequila: https://www.verywellfit.com/calories-in-tequila-4160286
- Livestrong – How Many Calories Are in a Shot of Tequila? https://www.livestrong.com/article/313740-how-many-calories-are-in-a-shot-of-tequila/
