Best Low Calorie Tequila Options for Clean Drinking

Low Calorie Tequila

Introduction to Low Calorie Tequila
If you want to enjoy alcohol without blowing your calorie limit, tequila is one of the smartest picks. It’s naturally low in calories, has zero carbs, and contains no sugar when made responsibly. Many people assume tequila is unhealthy because they’ve only experienced it mixed with syrup-heavy cocktails. But pure tequila—especially 100% agave—fits extremely well into a low-calorie lifestyle. This guide breaks down everything: calories, best brands, how to drink tequila without gaining weight, low-calorie cocktails, health benefits, and smart drinking strategies.

What Makes Tequila Low in Calories?
Tequila is distilled from blue agave, a plant that naturally contains sugars called agavins. During fermentation, these sugars convert to alcohol. This gives tequila a unique advantage: even though agave is sweet, the final drink contains no sugar and no carbohydrates. A standard shot (1.5 oz) of tequila contains roughly 95–100 calories, with no fat, no protein, and no carbs. Compared to mixed drinks or high-sugar spirits, this is significantly lighter.

Calories in Tequila Compared to Other Alcohol
Tequila is one of the leanest liquors available. Whiskey, rum, and vodka all fall within a similar calorie range, but the difference comes from how people drink them. Rum is often mixed with Coke. Whiskey often ends up in calorie-heavy cocktails. Vodka is usually paired with juices or energy drinks. Tequila is easier to drink clean with lime and salt, making it naturally more weight-loss-friendly. Even compared to wine or beer, tequila wins easily. A glass of wine averages 120–150 calories, while beer ranges from 120–300 calories depending on the type. Tequila stays under 100.

Why 100% Agave Matters
Not all tequila is low in calories. Cheap tequila blends, called mixtos, contain up to 49% added sugars or grain alcohols, which increases calories and impacts your health. Pure tequila—labeled “100% de agave”—is cleaner, lighter, and metabolizes better. Agave boosts metabolic efficiency, meaning your body processes tequila differently compared to other alcohol. For weight-conscious drinkers, 100% agave is non-negotiable.

Types of Tequila and Their Calorie Differences
Tequila comes in several types, and each affects calories slightly.
Blanco (Silver) – The cleanest, lowest-calorie option. Zero additives, pure agave flavor.
Reposado – Aged for months. Slightly smoother but similar calorie content.
Añejo – Aged for a year or more. Rich flavor. Slightly higher calories only if additives are included.
Cristalino – Filtered Añejo. Elegant, smooth, and typically pure.
Overall, Blanco tequila is the best low-calorie option, but all 100% agave tequilas remain low in calories unless sweeteners are added.

Health Benefits of drinking Low Calorie Tequila
Tequila won’t turn into a health tonic, but when consumed responsibly, it has real advantages.
1. Zero sugar and zero carbs – Ideal for keto, low-carb diets, and fat loss.
2. Low GI impact – Does not spike blood sugar, unlike beer or sweet drinks.
3. Prebiotic properties – Agavins feed good gut bacteria.
4. Cleaner digestion – 100% agave is easier on your stomach compared to grain-based liquors.
5. Fewer hangovers (with high-quality tequila) – Additive-free tequila contains fewer congeners, the chemicals responsible for awful hangovers.
All this makes tequila one of the smartest alcohol choices for fitness, weight loss, and low-calorie living.

How to Drink Tequila Without Increasing Calories
If you want tequila to stay low-calorie, you must drink it the right way.
Drink it neat – Zero calories added.
Drink it on the rocks – Only ice melts, no calories.
Use soda water – A classic light mixer with no sugar.
Avoid packaged mixers – They’re loaded with syrup and hidden sugar.
Use lime or citrus – Adds flavor without calories.
Stop adding salt-rimmed sugary mixes – The rim itself is fine, but commercial margarita mixes destroy your calorie deficit.
Keeping it clean is the rule.

Low Calorie Tequila Shots
Even shots can be low-calorie if you control what goes in.
Classic Tequila + Lime – 96 calories.
Tequila + Himalayan salt – Still 96 calories.
Tequila + Fresh orange slice – About 105 calories total.
Avoid flavored tequila shots—they hide sugar and additives.

Low Calorie Tequila Mixers
You want mixers that add flavor, not calories. Best options:
• Soda water
• Sparkling water
• Diet tonic
• Fresh lime juice
• Zero-sugar ginger ale
• Fresh muddled herbs (mint, basil, thyme)
• Fresh cucumber
Skip juices, energy drinks, syrups, and store-bought mixers.

Top Low Calorie Tequila Cocktails
Here are clean cocktails under 150 calories:

1. Skinny Margarita
• 1.5 oz tequila
• Lime juice
• Soda water
• Optional: dash of agave syrup (½ tsp)
Calories: 95–120

2. Tequila Soda Lime
• Tequila
• Soda water
• Fresh lime
Calories: 95

3. Paloma Light
• Tequila
• Soda water
• Lime
• A splash of grapefruit juice
Calories: 110–130

4. Cucumber Mint Cooler
• Tequila
• Soda water
• Muddled cucumber + mint
Calories: 100

5. Spicy Skinny Margarita
• Tequila
• Lime
• Soda water
• Jalapeño slices
Calories: 95–120
These drinks give maximum flavor with minimal calories.

Best Low Calorie Tequila Brands
Some brands are cleaner, smoother, and lighter.
• Casamigos Blanco
• Don Julio Blanco
• Patron Silver
• Espolòn Blanco
• Teremana Blanco
• 1800 Silver
• Cazadores Blanco
All these are 100% agave, zero sugar, zero carbs, and around 95 calories per shot.

Does Tequila Help With Weight Loss?
No alcohol “helps” with weight loss, but tequila is the least damaging. If you’re going to drink while dieting, tequila is the safest liquor. Agavins may support better digestion and metabolism, but alcohol still slows fat burning temporarily. The best strategy is simple: keep calories low, drink clean, avoid sugar-loaded cocktails.

How to Drink Tequila on a Weight Loss Diet
Here’s the simple formula:
• Limit it to 1–2 drinks
• Drink only 100% agave tequila
• Avoid anything with sugar
• Drink water between sips
• Never mix with beer, juice, or energy drinks
• Don’t drink before a meal (increases appetite)
• Stick to tequila soda or neat tequila
If you follow this, tequila won’t ruin your calorie deficit.

Side Effects and Risks
Even low-calorie alcohol can cause problems if abused:
• Dehydration
• Slowed metabolism
• Overeating after drinking
• Poor sleep quality
• Reduced workout performance
The goal is moderation. Tequila is low in calories, but over-drinking still leads to weight gain.

Low Calorie Tequila vs. Low Calorie Vodka
Vodka and tequila both sit around 95 calories per shot. The difference is this:
• Tequila is easier to drink with no-calorie mixers
• Vodka usually needs flavors or mixers
• Tequila has no sugar, no carbs, and low GI
• Tequila has gut-friendly agavins
For most people, tequila is the better choice for weight control.

Is Tequila Healthier Than Beer?
Absolutely. Beer contains carbs, gluten, and high calories. Even light beers rarely go below 90 calories. Regular beer ranges from 120–250 calories per bottle. Meanwhile, tequila contains zero carbs and hits under 100 calories. So yes, tequila is significantly healthier and more diet-friendly.

Tips to Keep Tequila Calories Low
To stay lean:
• Go for Blanco tequila
• Skip sugary rims
• Mix with soda water only
• Add herbs instead of syrups
• Use fresh fruits instead of packaged juices
• Measure your pours (don’t eyeball)
• Keep drinking frequency under control
Small habits prevent calorie creep.

Conclusion
Tequila is one of the best low-calorie alcohol choices. It’s clean, low-sugar, carb-free, and easy to mix with low-calorie ingredients. If you drink 100% agave tequila and avoid sugary mixers, you can enjoy your drink without messing up your fitness goals. It’s simple: choose pure tequila, keep mixers light, and stay moderate. You get flavor, enjoyment, and control—without unnecessary calories.