Updated April 2026.
Tequila is a Mexican Denomination of Origin spirit from specified agave, bottled between 35% and 55% ABV under the CRT/NOM rules. Most US bottles are 40% / 80 proof. A 1.5-ounce 40% pour is one NIAAA standard drink. “100% agave” (or “100% blue weber”) is not the same as mixto, which may use up to 49% other sugars. Blanco, reposado, and añejo are age classes, not proof classes.
This is a 2026 identity guide, not a 2021 brand-price catalog. Street tags move. CRT 35–55% is the legal band — read the label; do not assume 40%. See tequila drink count and does tequila go bad.
Classes you will actually see
| Label | What it means | ABV note |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila (mixto) | ≥51% Agave tequilana Weber azul sugars; rest may be other sugars | 35–55%; US often 40% |
| 100% agave | Only agave sugars | Same band; still read proof |
| Blanco / silver | Unaged or very briefly rested (CRT time limits) | Not “weaker” |
| Reposado | Oak, 2 months up to 1 year | Age, not proof |
| Añejo | Oak, 1–3 years | Age, not proof |
| Extra añejo | Oak >3 years | Age, not proof |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 standard drinks. A “shot” in a US bar is commonly 1.5 ounces; some pour 1.0 ounce — ask. Margarita math depends on the tequila pour plus liqueur: alcohol in a margarita. Jose Cuervo Especial is mixto; many sipping bottles are 100% agave. We will not invent 2026 NOM-by-NOM prices.
Four 40% shots are four drinks. Barrel-proof or 50%+ sipping tequila is more ethanol in the same jigger. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Do not drive.
Sources
- CRT / NOM tequila specification: 35–55% ABV; 100% agave vs mixto; age classes.
- Most US retail bottles 40% — not a CRT requirement that every export is 40%. read the label.
- NIAAA standard drink (December 2025).
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