Under Mexico’s official tequila rules, the highest permitted alcohol content is 55% ABV.
Tequila is commonly bottled at lower strengths, often around 35% to 40% alcohol by volume, but Mexican regulations allow a range reaching 55% ABV. The finished spirit must also meet rules governing its ingredients, production area, labeling, and bottling.
Alcohol by volume measures the proportion of pure ethanol in a drink. It is different from “proof,” a separate labeling system used in some countries. For example, 40% ABV corresponds to 80 proof on the U.S. scale.
The maximum applies to tequila as a regulated spirit, not to every agave-based alcoholic drink. Mezcal has its own denomination-of-origin rules, and commercial products marketed as tequila must comply with Mexico’s official standard and certification system.