You may be familiar with the famous saying, “One tequila, two tequila, three tequila — hello,!” Many people have experienced the feeling of going and not remembering anything from the night before. You may hear stories of yourself dancing on the bar counter as you try to piece together your memories.
So, how many shots of tequila does it take to get drunk? On average, it typically takes two to four tequila shots to become intoxicated. However, this can vary depending on age, weight, sex, alcohol tolerance, and whether you have eaten before consuming the shots. Here are some general guidelines based on weight:
- Weighing between 100 and 150 lbs (45–68 kg): Two to three shots may make you drunk.
- Weighing between 150 and 200 lbs (68–91 kg): Four to five shots could do the trick.
- Weighing between 200 and 250 lbs (91–113 kg): Six to seven shots may result in intoxication.
What Makes Tequila, Tequila?
Tequila is a unique Mexican spirit derived from the blue agave plant. The plants are harvested to produce tequila, and the spiky leaves are removed, revealing the piña or bulb. The piña contains the juice that is eventually distilled to create tequila.
The piña is baked to convert starches into sugars and agave nectar. After baking, the agave juices are extracted through mechanical crushing or b tahona, a large stone. The resulting liquid is then fermented and distilled twice to produce tequila.
Some distillers choose not to undergo a third round of distillation as it removes much of the agave flavor from the tequila. There are different types of tequila, including aged varieties and those matured for approximately 60 days. To be legally recognized under Mexican law, tequila must be made in one of five states: Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacán, Guanajuato, or Tamaulipas.
To be considered legal, tequila must contain at least 51% blue agave. If a bottle of tequila is not labeled as “100% de Agave,” it is a mix or a blend of agave and other components.
Read More: Can Piña Colada get you drunk?
How Much Is a Shot of Tequila?
There is no universal standard for the volume of a shot, as it varies across countries. In the United States, a picture is typically considered 1.5 fluid ounces (44 ml), although shot glasses can have different volumes ranging from one to two ounces.
This raises the question of whether a shot of tequila is considered a standard drink. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a traditional drink contains 14 grams (0.6 oz) of pure alcohol. Hence, any challenging spirit with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40% or 80 proof, served in a 1.5 fluid ounce (44 ml) portion, is considered a standard drink.
Moreover, a standard drink can also be defined as a 12-ounce (355 ml) serving of beer with a 5% ABV or a 5-ounce (148 ml) serving of wine with a 12% ABV. Consequently, a shot of tequila with a 40% ABV is equivalent to one standard drink.
How Many Shots of Tequila Will Get You Drunk?
Now that we have established the standard for a shot of tequila let’s delve deeper into the details. The manufacturing of tequila is regulated by the Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM), which allows for a range of 35% to 55% ABV (alcohol by volume) for tequila bottling.
However, according to U.S. regulations, importers can only bring in tequila with an ABV of at least 40% or 80 proof.
To be considered legally drunk in the U.S., your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) needs to be 0.08% or higher. This means that there are 80 milligrams of alcohol present in every 100 milliliters of blood.
Now, let’s explore how many shots, on average, it takes to reach a state of drunkenness (BAC of 0.08% or above). Typically, consuming between 2 and 4 tequila photos within an hour will result in getting drunk.
Several factors influence how quickly one gets drunk, including weight, height, age, sex, and the type of alcohol consumed. You can learn more about these factors by following the link provided.
Eating before drinking can slow alcohol absorption, while factors like stress, fear, or anxiety can accelerate intoxication.
Here are some quick examples:
- Two to three shots will likely induce drunkenness in individuals weighing between 100 and 150 lbs (45–68 kg).
- Consuming four to five shots should do the trick if you weigh between 150 and 200 lbs (58–91 kg).
- Individuals weighing between 200 and 250 lbs (90–113 kg) may need six to seven attempts to get drunk.
As you can see, lighter individuals get drunk more quickly than heavier ones. However, other factors, such as alcohol tolerance and the speed at which shots are consumed, also affect the outcome.
Can I Get Drunk After One Shot of Tequila?
It is unlikely to become drunk after consuming a single shot of tequila (1.5 fluid ounces). However, individuals with low alcohol tolerance or those drinking tequila on an empty stomach may experience a slight tipsy sensation after one shot but not complete drunkenness.
Some people believe they can get drunk after one shot of tequila because they consume it after having already consumed other alcoholic beverages. If someone has been drinking beers or cocktails throughout the night, even a tiny image of tequila can potentially exceed their limit.
How To Take a Tequila Shot
Taking tequila shots has a ritual similar to the ‘correct’ way to eat an Oreo cookie. Let’s break down the steps below. Remember to have clean hands!
- Gather your ingredients and supplies: one glass of tequila per person, a lemon or lime wedge, and salt.
- Moisten the back of your non-drinking or non-dominant hand by licking the fleshy part between your thumb and index finger or using water.
- Place a pinch of salt on the moist area.
- Lick the salt from your hand in one motion to help reduce the tequila’s burning sensation.
- Immediately drink or shoot the tequila in a single motion.
- After taking your shot, suck on the lemon or lime. Some people prefer to bite into it, but be careful as it can damage tooth enamel. This step helps balance the flavors and mellow the strong alcohol taste.
Voilà! You’re done. If you’re new to tequila or celebrating a milestone, congratulations on your first encounter with tequila!
It’s natural to grimace or make a face after your first shot, but over time you may develop a tolerance and even appreciate tequila.
How Do I Avoid Getting Too Drunk On Tequila?
To enjoy a few drinks with friends without getting too drunk on tequila, consider these tips:
- Limit yourself to one shot per hour, as a 1.5-ounce shot of tequila is roughly equivalent to a beer bottle.
- Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks like water, soda, or juice throughout the night to stay hydrated and reduce intoxication.
- Avoid mixing tequila with beer or other high-alcohol beverages, as this can quickly increase your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level.
- It’s best not to drink on an empty stomach, as this can lead to faster alcohol intoxication.
Conclusion
Drinking two to three tequila shots is typically enough to make individuals drunk. However, factors like the speed of consumption, weight, age, gender, and stomach content can lead to intoxication with just one shot. It is essential to be aware of your limitations, pace yourself, and avoid the potential repercussions and dangers of getting drunk on tequila shots.