Shots

Tequila Surprise

Served in a Shot Glass

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Shotalcoholic42.4% ABV2 ingredients

At a Glance

102 kcalCalories

42.4%ABV

0gSugar

0gCarbs

1.06Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Easy

Why: 2 ingredients

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

1 shotTequilaBase Spirit
About 8 dropsTabasco sauceOther

How to Make It

Fill shot glass with Tequila.Fill
Add drops of Tobasco sauce.Add

How to Serve

Glass: Shot Glass

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Spicy Agave Citrus

Supporting notes

Earthy Peppery Savory

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong

BodyLight – Full

SweetnessDry – Sweet

AcidityFlat – Crisp

FruitinessEarthy – Fruity

BoldnessDelicate – Bold

High ABV
Dry finish
Full-bodied

What do these dimensions mean?

When to serve

PartySuggested from the drink's flavour and serve.
Taco NightSuggested from its agave and peppery notes.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, strict multi-signal supplemental rules, and cached for public page performance.

Food pairings

Tacos Mexican Food Spicy Food

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-FreeKetoLow-CarbLow-SugarVegan Vegetarian

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Tequila1 shot

MezcalWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same amount; consider reducing smoky or bitter ingredients if the drink becomes intense.
What changes: Mezcal can replace tequila when a smokier, earthier agave profile is welcome.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Tequila Surprise?: The Tequila Surprise is a shot made with 2 ingredients, traditionally served in a Shot Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 42.4%. A standard serving contains approximately 102 calories.
What does a Tequila Surprise taste like?: Tequila Surprise has a flavour profile featuring Spicy, Agave, Citrus, Earthy. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Tequila Surprise?: Tequila Surprise pairs well with Tacos, Mexican Food, Spicy Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Tequila Surprise?: The Tequila Surprise has an ABV of approximately 42.4%. That's approximately 1.06 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 102 kcal, 0.0g sugar, 0.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a Tequila Surprise typically served?: Tequila Surprise is often suggested for Party, Taco Night, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a Tequila Surprise?: If you enjoy Tequila Surprise, the suggestions on this page surface other shots that share its base spirit or a similar sweet-to-spirit balance.
How should Tequila Surprise be served?: Tequila Surprise is best served chilled in a shot glass. Chill the glass in the freezer beforehand for the best result. Pour in a single smooth motion and serve immediately.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?: Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare shots at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find shots I like?: Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Tequila Surprise with other shots. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.