How many shots of Tequila to get drunk? It’s an old story of one Tequila, two Tequila, three Tequila, and hello, floor! So many of us have faced that part of going out and not remembering anything after the night out. If you are combing through your memories from the last night, but there is nothing you can remember, and then the embarrassing stories emerge of you dancing on the bar counter! So you need to question yourself: how many shots of Tequila does it take to get drunk?
Firstly, we need to briefly take a look at what makes Tequila rather than the unique spirit it is before considering what is considered a standard shot in the U.S. After that; we will try and examine how many tequila shots it takes to get a person drunk. Finally, for the uninitiated, we have also included the steps to take when trying a tequila shot.
The ‘Tequila Effect,’ as they say, is a phenomenon observed by many tequila drinkers. This is the sudden feeling of being more drunk after drinking Tequila as compared to after drinking other types of alcohol. Some people believe that this is because of the high alcohol content of Tequila. At the same time, others believe that it is because of the way that Tequila is consumed. In this article, we will try to explore the Tequila Effect and understand the reason behind it.
1. The Composition
Tequila is prepared from the blue agave plant and is mainly produced in Mexico. It is a distilled spirit that typically has an alcohol content falling between the range of 40-50%. The high alcohol content of Tequila is one of the main reasons why some people believe that it is the main reason for the Tequila Effect. Nevertheless, the alcohol content of other alcohol types, such as vodka and whiskey, is also high. However, they do not appear to cause the same effect.
2. The Manner of Consumption
The other popular theory is that the Tequila Effect is caused by how Tequila is consumed. Tequila is usually consumed in shots that are usually consumed rather quickly. This can cause rapid increases in blood alcohol concentration, which can make the consumer feel more intoxicated than they are. On the other hand, other types of alcohol are usually consumed more slowly, such as wine and beer, which can lead to a gradual increase in blood alcohol concentration.
3. The Impact of Congeners
What are Congeners? Well, these are chemical compounds that are produced during the process of fermentation and aging of alcohol. These are responsible for the flavor and aroma of the alcohol, which also contributes to the hangover experienced the next day. Tequila comprises a lower concentration of congeners than other alcohol types, such as whiskey and brandy. This might explain why some people feel that they are less likely to experience a hangover after consuming Tequila.
4. Personal Tolerance
Personal tolerance to alcohol can also play an essential role in the Tequila Effect. Some people may have a lower tolerance to Tequila as compared to the other types of alcohol. This can be the leading cause of the more pronounced feeling of intoxication after consuming Tequila.
5. The Best Option
Surprisingly, there is no particular best option for avoiding the Tequila Effect. Nevertheless, there are a couple of aspects that you can do to reduce the effect. First, try to consume Tequila in moderation and avoid drinking it in shots. Instead of this, try sipping Tequila slowly and gradually or mixing it with other drinks. Also, make sure to eat something before drinking and drink plenty of water throughout the night.
The Tequila Effect is a rather complex phenomenon that is caused by a combination of quite a few factors. While the high alcohol content of Tequila might play a role, the way that it is consumed and personal tolerance to alcohol are also essential factors. When drinking Tequila, be sure to do so in moderation. Also, take steps to minimize the effect; you can enjoy this popular spirit without feeling overly intoxicated.
Standard Drink Measurements
On average, it takes two to four tequila shots to get drunk. However, it still depends on various factors such as age, weight, sex, alcohol tolerance, and whether you have eaten before consuming shots. On average:
- Weighing between 100 and 150 lbs (45–68 kg) — two to three shots will get you drunk.
- If you weigh between 150 and 200 lbs (58–91 kg) — four to five shots will do the trick.
- When you weigh between 200 and 250 lbs (90–113 kg) — six to seven shots will get you drunk.
Tequila and Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)? Well, this is the amount of alcohol within an individual’s body. It is measured by the weight of the alcohol within a volume of blood. The BAC limit is responsible for determining the maximum amount of alcohol that can be consumed before it is illegal to operate a vehicle on a public road.
An individual’s BAC also depends upon the gender, weight, metabolism, period, and gender of the person, over which the alcohol was consumed, and the amount of food in the stomach before drinking. Although a person’s BAC can be easily estimated, the level cannot be determined entirely by the number of drinks consumed. It cannot be accurately calculated by a person’s height and weight.
Usually, when we consider single-vehicle crashes, the relative risk of a driver with a BAC between .08 and .10 is at least 11 times more than for drivers with a BAC of zero and 52 times greater when it comes to young males. Also, many studies have shown that even small doses of alcohol can impair a person’s ability to drive.
The concentration of alcohol in a beverage is generally stated as the percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV) or as proof. Some tables may list the alcohol concentration as ABW (alcohol by weight).
To convert ABW to ABV, you need to divide the ABW by the specific gravity
of alcohol, which is in the range of ~0.787
Therefore 4.3% ABW/ 0.787 = 5.46% ABV. Likewise, you can also multiply the ABW (alcohol by weight) by 1.271.
Summary: ABV = ABW / 0.787 or ABV = ABW x 1.271
Understanding Your Limit
If you do not wish to get too drunk on Tequila but still want to enjoy a few drinks with friends, here are some tips you can follow. One step is limiting yourself to only one shot per hour.
One 1.5-ounce shot of Tequila is generally equivalent to a bottle of beer. The amount of alcohol in beer is 4% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). On the other hand, Tequila has 40 ABV. So, when you are trying to gauge how many shots can get you drunk, you can consider the bottles of beer as a benchmark.
The other helpful tip is to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soda, or juice throughout the night. This will go a great way in keeping your body hydrated and can also minimize your intoxication level.
Also, remember to avoid mixing Tequila with beer or other high-alcohol beverages, as this can increase your BAC level quickly. Finally, you should try not to consume on an empty stomach as this can lead to alcohol intoxication faster than eating beforehand would.
Tequila Myths and Realities
Now, let us take a look at some of the most popular Myths related to Tequila:
Myth 1: Tequila is Made From Cactus
One of the most popular myths about Tequila is that it is prepared from cactus. In reality, Tequila is made from blue agave, which is a succulent plant that is more closely related to the lily than the cactus family.
Myth 2: The Worm in the Bottle is a Sign of Quality
Much against popular belief, the worm in the bottle is not a sign of quality. The worm is not even found in Tequila but in a similar spirit called mezcal. Did you know that the worm is simply a marketing gimmick used to attract buyers?
Myth 3: Tequila is Only Meant to be Consumed as a Shot
While it might be true that Tequila is generally consumed as a shot, it is also a versatile spirit that can be used in various cocktails. This ranges from margaritas to Palomas; there are countless manners to enjoy Tequila.
Myth 4: All Tequila Tastes the Same
Much like with any spirit, there are many different types and brands of Tequila, each with its unique flavor profile. This can be anything from Blanco to Anejo; each type of Tequila has its distinct taste and aroma.
Myth 5: Tequila is Only Produced in Mexico
Mexico is the place of origin of Tequila, and it remains the largest producer of the spirit. Also, Tequila can be legally produced anywhere in the world. However, to be categorized as Tequila, the spirit must meet specific requirements and be manufactured from blue agave.
Myth 6: Tequila is only meant to be consumed by young people
Tequila has a reputation for being a party drink that can only be enjoyed by young people. Nevertheless, Tequila can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and many high-quality tequilas are best savored slowly and enjoyed in essential moderation.
Myth is 7: Tequila is always clear.
Blanco or silver Tequila is the most common type of Tequila and is popular for its clear and transparent color. Nevertheless, other types of Tequila, such as Reposado and Anejo, are aged in barrels and take on a golden or amber hue.
Myth 8: Tequila is only for shots and margaritas
While shots and margaritas are generally popular ways to consume Tequila, there are various other ways to enjoy the spirit. From Tequila Sunrise to Tequila Old Fashioned, innumerable cocktail recipes feature Tequila as the main ingredient.
Myth 9: Tequila is guaranteed to give you a hangover
Much like any other alcoholic beverage, excessive Consumption of Tequila can lead to a hangover. However, when consumed responsibly, Tequila is no more likely to give you a hangover as compared to any other alcoholic drink.
Myth 10: Tequila is a hallucinogen
As most might be aware, Tequila has a reputation for being a wild and crazy drink that can lead you to see things. Nevertheless, there is no scientific evidence to back up the fact that suggests that Tequila is a hallucinogen. However, Any strange experiences you might have had while drinking Tequila are mainly due to alcohol consumption instead of the spirit itself.
How Many Shots of Tequila Are Needed to Get Drunk?: Conclusion
Usually, two to three shots are enough to make any person drunk. However, this greatly depends on how quickly they drink and other factors like weight, age, gender, and stomach content. Also, people can grow intoxicated with as few as one shot of Tequila.
Therefore, as much fun as tequila shots might be, it is important to recognize your limits and pace yourself so you do not have to suffer as much from the repercussions or other dangers of getting drunk on tequila shots. Do share your favorite ‘Taquilla story’; we would love to hear from you.
How Many Shots of Tequila Are Needed to Get Drunk?: FAQ's
Question 1. What is the average alcohol content in Tequila?
Answer: It is generally 40% ABV.
Question 2. How does Tequila differ from other alcoholic beverages in terms of Intoxication?
Answer: The distillation process offers a different makeup of congeners compared to the other alcohols, which only affects the alcohol’s taste.
Question 3. Can individual tolerance change over time?
Answer: Yes, it does.
Question 4. Is it safer to consume Tequila in cocktails or shots?
Answer: In cocktails.
Question 5. How long does it take for the effects of Tequila to kick in?
Answer: As little as 10 minutes.