Can I drink tequila on a low-carb diet?

October 25, 2025 •

5 min read

Did you know that a standard 1.5-ounce shot of pure, 100% agave tequila contains zero carbohydrates? This fact makes pure tequila a potentially viable option if you are following a low-carb diet, but the key is understanding how to consume it without adding hidden sugars from mixers and garnishes.

Quick Summary

Pure 100% agave tequila is carb-free, making it suitable for low-carb diets when consumed moderately and with zero-carb mixers, but metabolic effects and cocktail choices are critical considerations.

Key Points

Choose 100% Agave: Opt for pure, 100% agave tequila, as it contains zero carbs, unlike cheaper mixto versions that include added sugars.
Mixers are Key: Avoid sugary mixers like juice, soda, and pre-made margarita mixes, as they are the primary source of carbs. Use soda water, fresh lime, or zero-carb sweeteners instead.
Consider Metabolism: Alcohol is metabolized before fat, temporarily halting fat-burning, which can be a key factor for those following a ketogenic diet.
Drink in Moderation: While tequila is carb-free, it contains calories. Excessive alcohol consumption can add empty calories and hinder weight loss efforts.
Expect Increased Sensitivity: A low-carb diet may lead to increased alcohol sensitivity, so it is wise to drink slowly and in smaller quantities.
Compare Your Options: Pure distilled spirits like tequila have fewer carbs than beer or sweet wines, but classic cocktails with sugary mixers are often high in carbs.

Tequila's Place in a Low-Carb Diet

When navigating a low-carb lifestyle, understanding the nutritional content of what you consume is paramount. Unlike many alcoholic beverages that are loaded with sugar, pure distilled spirits like tequila are naturally free of carbohydrates. This makes them an excellent base for low-carb drink options. A typical 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof, 100% agave tequila contains approximately 97 calories and, importantly, zero carbohydrates and zero grams of sugar. This nutritional profile stands in stark contrast to sugary mixed drinks and beer, which can quickly derail a low-carb regimen.

Not All Tequilas Are Equal

It is critical to be discerning when selecting a tequila, as not all bottles are created equal. You must look for a label that specifies “100% agave” or “100% blue agave.” This designation ensures the spirit was distilled solely from the agave plant's natural sugars.

Pure 100% Agave Tequila: Contains no carbs and no sugar, making it the ideal choice for a low-carb diet.
Mixto Tequila: These are cheaper versions that contain a minimum of 51% agave, with the remaining percentage coming from other sugars, including cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. These added sugars mean a higher carb count and should be avoided on a low-carb diet.

The Metabolic Impact of Alcohol on a Low-Carb Diet

While pure tequila contains no carbs, it is still crucial to understand how alcohol affects your body's metabolism, especially on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Alcohol's impact goes beyond simple carbohydrate counting.

How Your Body Processes Alcohol

When you consume alcohol, your body recognizes it as a toxin and prioritizes its metabolism. The liver works to process the alcohol first, essentially pausing its usual function of burning fat for energy. For those in a state of ketosis, this means that fat-burning is temporarily halted until the alcohol is cleared from the system. This metabolic shift can temporarily stall weight loss progress, even if the drink itself contains no carbs.

The Caloric Cost of Alcohol

Remember that alcohol contains calories—about 7 calories per gram—which is more than protein or carbohydrates (4 calories/gram). A 1.5-ounce shot of tequila adds roughly 97 calories to your daily intake. While a single shot is a modest amount, excessive consumption can add hundreds of extra calories, contributing to weight gain over time, regardless of your carb intake.

Increased Sensitivity on Low-Carb Diets

Another important consideration is that a low-carb or keto diet can increase your sensitivity to alcohol. Because there are fewer carbohydrates in your system to slow absorption, alcohol may enter your bloodstream more quickly. This means you might feel the effects of a single drink more intensely and become intoxicated faster than usual. It is wise to pace yourself and monitor your intake carefully.

Low-Carb Tequila Cocktails

The key to enjoying tequila on a low-carb diet is choosing the right mixers. Avoid all sugary sodas, fruit juices, and pre-made cocktail mixes, which are packed with carbohydrates and will defeat the purpose of choosing a carb-free spirit.

Low-Carb Mixers for Tequila:

Club Soda or Sparkling Water: Adds fizz without calories or carbs. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice enhances the flavor.
Diet Soda or Sugar-Free Tonic: Use diet versions of your favorite soda or sugar-free tonic water for a familiar flavor profile.
Fresh Citrus Juice: While containing a small amount of natural sugar, fresh lime or lemon juice is a low-carb option for adding flavor.
Sugar Substitutes: Use a few drops of a natural, zero-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to sweeten cocktails without adding sugar.
Spices and Herbs: Muddle fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick or mint for a refreshing twist.

Popular Low-Carb Tequila Drinks:

Ranch Water: Mix 100% agave tequila with Topo Chico or other sparkling mineral water and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Skinny Margarita: Combine tequila, fresh lime juice, and a natural, zero-carb sweetener over ice.
Tequila Soda with Lime: A simple and refreshing choice—tequila, soda water, and a lime wedge.

Tequila vs. Other Alcoholic Drinks: A Carb Comparison

To put tequila's low-carb status into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular alcoholic beverages:


Alcoholic Beverage	Standard Serving Size	Carb Content (g)	Notes
Tequila (100% Agave)	1.5 oz (44 ml)	0	Pure distilled spirit, no added sugars.
Dry Wine (Red/White)	5 oz (150 ml)	3–5	Carbs can vary by variety; dry is best.
Light Beer	12 oz (355 ml)	3–6	Varies by brand; check the label.
Regular Beer	12 oz (355 ml)	10–15	Malted grains add significant carbs.
Classic Margarita	8 oz (240 ml)	13+	Mixers like pre-made sour mix are high in sugar.
Tequila Sunrise	6.8 oz (200 ml)	24+	Sugary mixers drive up the carb count.

Tips for Drinking Tequila on a Low-Carb Diet

Drink in Moderation: Even a carb-free spirit is an empty calorie source that can slow weight loss. The key is balance and moderation, especially if your goal is weight management.
Stay Hydrated: Alcohol is a diuretic and can cause dehydration. Alternate alcoholic drinks with plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce overall consumption.
Plan Ahead: If you know you will be drinking, plan your meals and carb intake for the day accordingly. Adjust your other food choices to accommodate the calories from alcohol.
Eat First: Having a low-carb meal before drinking can help slow alcohol absorption, reducing the risk of overconsumption and extreme intoxication.
Read Labels: For flavored tequilas or any pre-packaged mixers, always check the nutritional labels for added sugars and carbohydrate content.

Conclusion: Mindful Indulgence on a Low-Carb Diet

For those on a low-carb diet, pure 100% agave tequila is a suitable and enjoyable choice when consumed with care and in moderation. By understanding the zero-carb nature of the spirit itself and the potential for added sugars in mixers, you can make informed decisions that support your dietary goals. Prioritizing carb-free mixers, practicing mindful consumption, and being aware of how alcohol affects your metabolism are the cornerstones of responsibly incorporating tequila into your low-carb lifestyle. As with any dietary choice, listening to your body and adjusting your intake based on your unique goals is always the best approach.

For additional resources on low-carb living and managing alcohol consumption, consider exploring information from reliable health and nutrition websites like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, 100% agave tequila contains zero carbohydrates. The problem arises when sugary mixers, such as juice or syrup, are added, which significantly increase the carb count.

Drinking pure tequila in moderation will not add carbs, but your body will prioritize metabolizing alcohol over fat. This temporary pause in fat-burning can slow down weight loss progress, so consumption should be limited.

100% agave tequila is made entirely from the blue agave plant and has zero carbs. Mixto tequila contains other sugars, like cane sugar or corn syrup, making it unsuitable for a strict low-carb diet.

Yes, but it must be a 'skinny' or low-carb version. A traditional margarita with sour mix is loaded with sugar. Instead, make one with 100% agave tequila, fresh lime juice, and a zero-carb sweetener.

Drinking a small amount of pure tequila will likely not kick you out of ketosis in terms of carb intake. However, your body will temporarily stop burning fat to process the alcohol, which is a metabolic consideration.

Excellent low-carb mixers include soda water, fresh lime juice, diet sodas, and diet tonic water. For a classic taste, try a 'Ranch Water' with tequila, mineral water, and lime.

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof, 100% agave tequila has approximately 97 calories. This is still a notable amount of calories, which is another reason for moderation.

The reduced carbohydrate load in your system means alcohol is absorbed more quickly. Many people find they feel the effects of alcohol more intensely and faster when on a low-carb diet.