Can I drink tequila on a keto diet? The ultimate guide to low-carb tequila enjoyment

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Pure distilled spirits like tequila contain zero carbohydrates, making them a viable option for those on a ketogenic diet. However, the crucial element is what you mix it with, as sugary additives can quickly derail your efforts to stay in ketosis. This article answers the question, 'Can I drink tequila on a keto diet?', by exploring how to enjoy it responsibly while staying on track with your low-carb lifestyle.

Quick Summary

Pure, 100% agave tequila is carb-free and can be part of a ketogenic diet when consumed in moderation. The body prioritizes alcohol metabolism, temporarily slowing fat burning. Opt for sugar-free mixers and be aware of increased alcohol sensitivity to maintain ketosis.

Key Points

Choose 100% Agave Tequila: Only pure, 100% blue agave tequila is carb-free and safe for a keto diet, while 'mixto' tequilas may contain hidden sugars.
Select Zero-Carb Mixers: Avoid sugary sodas, juices, and conventional mixers. Stick to soda water, diet tonic, or fresh lime to keep your drink carb-free.
Understand Ketosis Impact: Drinking alcohol temporarily slows fat burning as your liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol. This can pause your weight loss efforts.
Practice Moderation: Your alcohol tolerance may be lower on a keto diet, so drink responsibly and in smaller quantities. The calories from alcohol are 'empty' and can hinder progress.
Stay Hydrated: The keto diet and alcohol both have a dehydrating effect. Be sure to drink plenty of water to counteract this.
Experiment with Keto Cocktails: Try making low-carb versions of classic cocktails, such as a 'Skinny Margarita' with keto simple syrup, for a delicious and diet-friendly treat.

Tequila on Keto: The Zero-Carb Advantage

When evaluating alcohol for a ketogenic diet, the primary factor is carbohydrate content. Most pure, hard liquors, including unflavored tequila, contain zero grams of carbohydrates and no sugar. This makes them an excellent choice for keto dieters seeking an occasional alcoholic beverage. The zero-carb nature of tequila is a result of the distillation process, which removes the fermentable sugars from the blue agave plant.

To ensure your tequila is genuinely keto-friendly, always choose a brand that is 100% blue agave. Tequilas that are not 100% agave may contain a mixture of agave and other sugars, which can increase the carb count and potentially disrupt ketosis. Blended or 'mixto' tequilas are best avoided. Both blanco (un-aged) and aged varieties like reposado and añejo are generally carb-free, as long as they are 100% agave.

The Impact of Alcohol on Ketosis

While tequila itself has no carbs, consuming alcohol has a unique effect on your metabolism. The body recognizes alcohol as a toxin and prioritizes its metabolism above other functions, including fat burning. When you drink, your liver pauses the production of ketones to focus on detoxifying the alcohol. This means that even with a carb-free drink, your fat-burning progress is temporarily stalled. The duration of this pause depends on the amount of alcohol consumed and your individual metabolism.

Another important consideration is alcohol tolerance, which can change on a keto diet. With depleted glycogen stores, some people on keto may find that they become intoxicated much faster and with fewer drinks than usual. It is crucial to practice moderation and drink responsibly to avoid overconsumption and its associated negative effects.

Creating Keto-Friendly Tequila Drinks

To enjoy tequila without compromising your diet, the key is to be mindful of your mixers. Sugary sodas, juices, and conventional margarita mixes are loaded with carbohydrates and will quickly kick you out of ketosis. Below are some excellent low-carb options for building your perfect keto tequila cocktail.

Carb-Conscious Tequila Mixer Options

Soda Water or Seltzer: The simplest and most reliable zero-carb mixer. Add a squeeze of fresh lime for a crisp, refreshing drink.
Diet Tonic Water: If you prefer the distinct flavor of a tonic, sugar-free versions are available and won't add carbs.
Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice: While fresh citrus contains some natural sugar, a small squeeze for flavor is negligible in terms of carbs and provides a fresh taste.
Keto Simple Syrup: Create your own sugar-free simple syrup using a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or allulose to make low-carb margaritas or other cocktails.
Sugar-Free Grapefruit Soda: Essential for a keto-friendly Paloma. Brands like Zevia offer zero-carb versions.

Comparison Table: Keto vs. Conventional Tequila Drinks


Drink Type	Tequila	Mixer	Carb Count	Keto-Friendly?
Keto Margarita	2 oz (100% agave)	1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz keto simple syrup	Approx. 3g net carbs	Yes
Conventional Margarita	2 oz (mixed)	4 oz store-bought margarita mix	30g+	No
Keto Ranch Water	1.5 oz (100% agave)	3 oz Topo Chico, fresh lime juice	Approx. 1g net carbs	Yes
Tequila Sunrise	1.5 oz (100% agave)	3 oz orange juice, grenadine	20g+	No
Tequila & Diet Soda	1.5 oz (100% agave)	Diet soda (e.g., Diet Coke)	0g	Yes
Tequila & Regular Soda	1.5 oz (100% agave)	Regular soda (e.g., Coke)	20g+	No

The Risks of Overdoing It on a Keto Diet

Even with a carb-free spirit like tequila, excessive alcohol intake can be counterproductive to your keto goals. Beyond temporarily halting fat burning, heavy drinking can lead to increased calorie consumption, poor food choices due to impaired judgment, and potential nutritional deficiencies over time. Alcohol provides "empty" calories, meaning it offers no nutritional value, and these calories still need to be accounted for in your daily budget.

Excessive drinking also dehydrates the body, and since the keto diet is already diuretic, staying hydrated is especially important. For every alcoholic drink, it's recommended to consume a glass of water. Overall, while tequila is a keto-friendly option, it is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit.

Conclusion

So, can you drink tequila on a keto diet? The answer is a resounding yes, provided you adhere to certain principles. By selecting pure, 100% blue agave tequila and pairing it with zero-carb mixers like soda water and fresh citrus, you can create delicious, low-carb drinks that won't disrupt your state of ketosis. Always practice moderation, as alcohol temporarily halts fat metabolism and can increase sensitivity. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can confidently enjoy a tequila cocktail without derailing your ketogenic lifestyle. For more information on keto-friendly alcohol options, check out this guide on Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, distilled tequila made from 100% blue agave has no carbohydrates. This is because the distillation process removes all the fermentable sugars, leaving behind a zero-carb spirit.

Drinking pure, unmixed tequila will not directly kick you out of ketosis because it contains no carbs. However, your liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, which pauses fat burning and ketone production temporarily. Excessive intake or using sugary mixers will disrupt ketosis.

The best tequila for a keto diet is any brand labeled '100% blue agave'. These varieties are pure and carb-free. Both un-aged (blanco) and aged (reposado or añejo) versions are acceptable as long as they are 100% agave.

Excellent keto-friendly mixers include club soda, seltzer water, sugar-free diet sodas, and diet tonic water. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice adds flavor without significant carbs.

As with any alcohol, moderation is key. A standard serving (1.5 oz) of tequila is generally fine for most keto dieters. However, individual tolerance and metabolic response can vary, so it's important to listen to your body.

Yes, even a zero-carb spirit like tequila can slow your weight loss. When you consume alcohol, your body uses it for energy instead of fat, temporarily halting your fat-burning process. Excessive consumption also adds extra calories.

Yes, it is best to avoid flavored or artificially sweetened tequilas, as they are likely to contain added sugars and carbohydrates that can negatively impact your diet. Stick to pure, unflavored 100% agave tequila.