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How Much Tequila To Get Drunk?

Rebecca Hanlon
Last Updated: February 28th, 2023

Tequila comes in many varieties and can range in quality from very bad to award-winning. It is enjoyed all over the world by the shot or blended into an icy cold Margarita. At some point the question will arise: 

How Many Tequila Shots Get You Drunk?

tequila bottle

If you’re wondering how much tequila is needed, the question does not have a definitive answer.

There are simply too many variables involved. The factors that affect how quickly someone becomes intoxicated include their age, sex, physique, alcohol threshold, frequency of intake, and whether or not they have eaten.

Your tolerance will determine how much tequila it takes to get drunk. Start with a little amount of tequila and increase it from there if you’re unsure of your tolerance level.

If you’re going for a night out with friends, or maybe even just a day at the beach, then maybe two shots of tequila will suffice.

But if you’re going to be getting wasted for hours on end, or if you’re flying somewhere tomorrow and don’t want to risk being hung over when it’s time to board; then maybe three shots of tequila won’t cut it.

We will discuss the following facts in this article:

Factors Affecting Getting Drunk with Tequila

tequil glass

Getting drunk with tequila can be a fun way to celebrate any occasion, but it’s important to know what factors affect how much consumption your body can handle.

Weight

The most important factor affecting how much you’ll be able to drink is your weight. The heavier you are, the more water your body will take up for your liver to process all that alcohol.

If you weigh over 160 pounds, then it’s probably best not to try drinking too much at once; you could end up getting sick if you don’t have enough water available for your body to process all that alcohol.

Age

The younger you are, the more likely you are to get drunk on tequila. Tequila is an acquired taste, but as you get older, your body becomes more accustomed to the effects of alcohol and can tolerate more alcohol without getting sick.

Sex

Generally speaking, women are less able to tolerate alcohol than males are. After ingesting the same amount of alcohol, women report having a greater blood alcohol content (BAC) than men.

Water Intake

The more water you drink with your alcohol, the less likely it is that you’ll get drunk. However, this also means that if you’re not drinking enough water, it’s going to be harder for your body to process all that alcohol.

It’s important to keep track of how much water you’re drinking and make sure that you’re staying hydrated throughout the night to avoid issues like dehydration or even worse, overdosing!

What Percentage of Alcohol Is in a Tequila Shot?

People who have high levels of alcohol tolerance are less likely to feel the effects of getting drunk with tequila compared to people who have low levels of alcohol tolerance.

This is because high levels of alcohol tolerance allow for more time for your body’s systems to metabolize alcohol and recover from its effects.

Tequila is typically bottled at a percentage between 38 and 55. 

A 12 oz. bottle of beer contains about the same alcohol as a 1.5-ounce shot of tequila. Therefore, by just counting the number of beer bottles you can consume, you may determine how many shots of tequila it takes to make you intoxicated.

Some Well-Known Tequila Labels

different color tequila bottles

Some well-known tequila labels are:

  1. Don Julio (owned by Diageo)
  2. Jose Cuervo (owned by Pernod Ricard)
  3. Patron (owned by Bacardi)
  4. Herradura (owned by Smirnoff)

FAQs

1. How much tequila should I drink?

The best way to find out what works for you is to experiment with different amounts of tequila. Start by drinking a shot or two, then double the amount until you feel the effects.

2. What is the difference between a shot glass and a tumbler?

A shot glass is smaller than a tumbler, but both hold about 1 ounce of liquid. A shot glass is also shorter than a tumbler, as it’s designed to be held in one hand, while a tumbler will allow you to pour more liquor into it without spilling too much.

How Much Tequila To Get Drunk? – Final thoughts

For those who have ever wondered how much tequila one would have to consume to reach a certain level of inebriation, we hope this article has proved helpful.

Tequila quality and purity vary by brand and by the variety of tequila being consumed. This factors into how much tequila it would take to get drunk, along with the body weight, health, and tolerance of each individual tequila drinker. 

To avoid hangovers, always know your limits and plan to call it a night after you’ve reached it.

About The Author

Rebecca Hanlon

Rebecca has been a blogger for over 5 years, before that enjoying a number of jobs to fund her passion for travel. She's taught English as a foreign language, a part-time Barista, a waitress, and a tour guide.

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