Jose Cuervo is one of the most popular tequila brands worldwide. With its iconic blue agave bottles, Jose Cuervo tequila has become a staple at bars, restaurants, and liquor stores across the globe. But how many calories does Jose Cuervo contain? As a high-proof spirit, tequila is often thought to be a low-calorie option compared to beer, wine, and mixed drinks. However, calories can quickly add up if you don’t practice moderation. Keep reading to learn the calorie, carb, and sugar content of Jose Cuervo tequila.
Calories in Jose Cuervo Tequila
Most Jose Cuervo tequila contains 64 calories per 1.5 ounce (44 mL) shot, or 85 calories per 2 ounce (59 mL) pour. This calorie count is based on Jose Cuervo Especial Silver, the brand’s flagship blanco tequila. Here is the full nutrition breakdown for a standard 1.5 ounce serving of Jose Cuervo Silver:
- Calories: 64
- Protein: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Alcohol: 13.75 g
Since alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, the calories in tequila come almost entirely from the alcohol content. Pure alcohol contains minimal nutrients like protein, carbs, and fat. Other Jose Cuervo tequila varieties like the Reposado, Añejo, and Platino contain around the same calories and macros per serving.
Comparing Calories in Tequila vs Other Types of Alcohol
At just 64 calories per shot, Jose Cuervo Silver contains significantly less calories than most other popular alcoholic drinks. Here’s how it compares:
| Alcoholic Beverage | Calories (per standard serving) |
|---|---|
| Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila (1.5 oz) | 64 |
| Regular Beer (12 oz) | 153 |
| Red Wine (5 oz) | 125 |
| Vodka (1.5 oz) | 96 |
| Whiskey (1.5 oz) | 105 |
| Light Beer (12 oz) | 103 |
| White Wine (5 oz) | 121 |
| Gin (1.5 oz) | 97 |
| Rum (1.5 oz) | 97 |
| Margarita (8 oz) | 168 |
As shown, a standard serving of Jose Cuervo tequila contains far fewer calories than most beers, wines, and cocktails. The main reason is that tequila has a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) compared to spirits like whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum. Tequila clocks in at around 40% ABV on average, while many other liquors are 50% ABV or higher.
The lower the ABV, the fewer calories from alcohol are found in each serving. Plus, tequila has no additional carbs, sugar, protein, or fat, allowing it to maintain a relatively low calorie count per ounce.
Factors that Affect Calories in Tequila
While a shot of Jose Cuervo Silver contains 64 calories, the calorie content can vary slightly between tequila brands and styles. Here are some factors that impact calories in tequila:
ABV
The biggest influence on calories is the alcohol by volume (ABV). The higher the ABV, the more calories are found per ounce. For example, high proof tequilas like Patrón Barrel Proof with 63% ABV contain 85 calories per ounce compared to 64 calories in standard 40% ABV tequilas.
Aging
Unaged silver tequilas (blanco/plata) tend to be lower in calories than aged expressions like reposado and añejo. As tequila ages in barrels, it gains color and flavors from the wood but loses alcohol through evaporation. This increases the carbohydrate and sugar content slightly, resulting in a few extra calories per serving.
Additives
Some flavored or specialty tequilas contain added sugars and ingredients that boost the calorie count. Flavored tequilas like strawberry, lime, and coconut tend to be around 100 calories per serving. While not a significant source of calories, some extra carbs and sugars are present from the natural and artificial flavor additions.
Mixers & Cocktails
The biggest calorie jumps come from mixing tequila into margaritas, palomas, and other cocktails. Ingredients like orange juice, soda, simple syrup, and triple sec quickly ratchet up the sugar and carb content. An 8 ounce margarita can contain over 150 calories, more than double the calories of a pure tequila shot.
Ways to Reduce Calories in Tequila Drinks
While tequila itself is relatively low in calories, mixed drinks made with tequila and high calorie mixers can become unhealthy fast. Here are some tips for reducing calories in tequila cocktails:
Use Lighter Mixers
Instead of margarita mix or regular sodas, opt for lighter alternatives. Some options are diet soda, seltzer water, sparkling water, skinny margarita mix, fresh lime juice, or lime sparkling water. These provide flavor without excess calories or sugar.
Go Easy on Syrups & Sweeteners
Many tequila drinks get their sweetness from simple syrup, agave nectar, grenadine, and other high-calorie mixers. Use a light hand when adding these to avoid going overboard on sugar.
Skip Salt on the Rim
Skip the salt on your margarita or paloma glass to avoid extra sodium and calories. If cutting it out completely doesn’t appeal to your tastes, try using just a pinch rather than fully coating the glass rim.
Use Smaller Glassware
Enjoy tequila cocktails like margaritas and tequila sunrises in smaller 8-10 ounce glasses rather than giant 16-20 ounce mugs or hurricane glasses. This allows you to control portion sizes and restrict calorie intake from sugary mixers.
Eat Before & While Drinking
Don’t drink tequila on an empty stomach. Eating a protein-rich meal beforehand and snacking on veggies or nuts while drinking helps control appetite and prevents overconsumption of empty liquid calories.
alternate with Water or Club Soda
Stay hydrated and slow down alcohol intake by alternating each tequila drink with a glass of water or bubbly club soda.
Avoid Tequila Cream Liqueurs
As tasty as they may be, tequila cream liqueurs like Kahlua Midnight are extremely high in calories, fat, and sugar. Save these for special occasions rather than everyday drinking.
The Healthiest Ways to Drink Tequila
Want to keep your tequila intake relatively guilt-free? Here are the healthiest ways to enjoy tequila drinks:
Sip it neat
Skip the training wheels and sip your tequila straight up without any mixers. This allows you to fully savor the flavors while avoiding additive calories and sugar. Sipping it slowly helps pace yourself.
On the rocks
Top off your tequila with ice or enjoy it over ice to dilute it slightly without adding extra calories. The chill also slows down drinking.
With sparkling water
For a lighter, low-calorie mixer, try topping your tequila with unflavored sparkling water or seltzer. Lime or lemon wedges add a hint of flavor.
With coconut water
Low-sugar coconut water has a natural sweetness that complements tequila without spiking your calorie intake. It also hydrates thanks to the electrolytes.
In a skinny margarita
Mix tequila with fresh lime juice and agave nectar or diet margarita mix. Garnish with lime wedge rather than salt.
In a spicy Bloody Maria
For a lower-calorie bloody mary, mix tequila with tomato juice, lime juice, hot sauce, and spices. Skip the high-calorie vodka.
The Bottom Line
Jose Cuervo Silver tequila contains 64 calories per standard 1.5 ounce shot, or around 85 calories per 2 ounce pour. This makes it one of the lowest calorie liquors you can choose from. Other tequila varieties like reposado and flavored tequilas may be slightly higher in calories. While tequila is low in calories, watch your mixers and servings sizes. Margaritas, tequila sunrises, and other mixed drinks can quickly drive up the calorie count. To keep your tequila calories under control, sip it straight up or on the rocks, use low-calorie mixers, and alternate drinks with water.
