How Many Calories Are in a Tequila Seltzer?

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

With the rise in popularity of hard seltzers, many are seeking lighter, lower-calorie alcoholic options. A standard tequila seltzer typically contains around 90 to 110 calories per 12-ounce can, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers looking for a refreshing drink that won't derail their diet.

Quick Summary

A tequila seltzer's calorie count varies by brand and ingredients, but most pre-packaged options range from 90 to 110 calories. The total is influenced by the tequila's proof and any added juices or sweeteners. Homemade versions can be even lower in calories by using fresh lime and pure tequila.

Key Points

Pre-Packaged Seltzers are Low-Calorie: Canned tequila seltzers from brands like High Noon and Mamitas typically contain 90–110 calories per 12-ounce can.
Homemade Versions Offer Control: Making a tequila soda at home with blanco tequila, seltzer, and fresh lime results in a very low-calorie drink, with the calories coming only from the tequila.
Tequila Has No Carbs: The calories in pure tequila are from alcohol, with no carbohydrates, sugar, or fat.
Ingredients Affect Calories: The main calorie difference in canned versions is due to added juices, flavorings, and sweeteners, so check the label.
Comparison with Other Drinks: Tequila seltzers are generally lower in calories than sugary cocktails and comparable to light beers.
Responsible Consumption is Key: While low in calories, alcohol should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Demystifying the Tequila Seltzer Calorie Count

For many, a tequila seltzer offers a lighter alternative to sugary cocktails, but understanding where those calories come from is key to making informed choices. The primary source of calories in any tequila seltzer is the alcohol itself. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila contains approximately 97 calories, all from the ethanol, as it contains no carbs, fat, or protein. The remaining calories in a pre-packaged seltzer depend on the other ingredients, such as real fruit juice, natural flavors, or added sweeteners.

The Breakdown of a Canned Tequila Seltzer

Pre-packaged tequila seltzers are designed for convenience and often list their nutrition facts right on the can, providing a reliable calorie count. These products typically fall within a range of 90 to 110 calories per 12-ounce serving. Brand variations account for these differences:

Jose Cuervo Playamar: This hard seltzer boasts one of the lowest counts, with just 90 calories per can. It achieves this by using zero carbs and zero sugar.
Mamitas Tequila Seltzer: With 95 calories and less than 2 grams of sugar per can, this is another very low-calorie option.
Freshie Organic Tequila Seltzer: At 99 calories per can, this brand uses organic ingredients like agave nectar, natural fruit flavors, and sparkling water.
High Noon Tequila Seltzer: This popular brand comes in at a clean 100 calories per can, featuring real blanco tequila and real fruit juice with no added sugar.
Truly Tequila Soda: This variant contains 110 calories per can and uses a blend of real fruit juice and premium blanco tequila.

The key takeaway is that the primary differentiating factor in calories among these canned options is the presence and amount of added sugar or fruit juice. When watching your intake, always check the label for the specific calorie, sugar, and carbohydrate content.

Crafting a Custom, Low-Calorie Tequila Soda

Making your own tequila seltzer at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring you can keep the calorie count to an absolute minimum. A homemade tequila soda, often made with just tequila, lime, and soda water, can be an excellent low-calorie choice.

Ingredients for a Low-Calorie Tequila Soda:

1.5 oz (one shot) of 100% agave blanco tequila
4-6 oz of plain seltzer or club soda (which are calorie-free)
1-2 fresh lime wedges
Ice

Instructions:

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add a single shot of blanco tequila.
Squeeze the juice from one or two fresh lime wedges into the glass and drop the wedges in.
Top with plain seltzer water.
Stir gently and enjoy.

This simple recipe contains approximately 97 calories, derived solely from the tequila. This is a crisp, refreshing, and incredibly low-calorie option, especially when compared to many canned varieties that may include added sweeteners or fruit juice, which increase the calorie count slightly.

Comparison: Tequila Seltzer vs. Other Alcoholic Drinks

To put the calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison table showing how tequila seltzers stack up against other popular alcoholic beverages.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Notes
Tequila Seltzer	12 oz can	90–110	Varies by brand and ingredients; typically low sugar and carbs.
Tequila Shot (80 proof)	1.5 oz shot	97	No carbs, fat, or sugar in pure tequila.
Light Beer	12 oz can	~100–110	Similar calorie range to canned seltzers.
Regular Beer	12 oz can	~150	Higher in carbs and calories than light beer or seltzers.
Margarita	8 oz glass	200–400+	High in sugar and calories from mixers.
Gin & Tonic	8 oz glass	~145	Calories mostly from tonic water (which has sugar).
Red Wine	5 oz glass	~125	Can vary widely by varietal.

As the table illustrates, a tequila seltzer is a comparable low-calorie option to light beer and significantly lower in calories than a traditional, sugar-heavy cocktail like a margarita. For those monitoring their sugar intake, the low-carb and low-sugar nature of a tequila seltzer is a major advantage.

A Final Word on Mindful Consumption

While knowing the calorie count of your tequila seltzer is helpful for managing your dietary goals, it's important to remember that calories from alcohol are often referred to as "empty calories" because they provide energy without significant nutritional value. Alcohol consumption should always be in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle. Choosing a lower-calorie option like a tequila seltzer can certainly be a smarter choice than a high-sugar cocktail, but responsible drinking remains key. For those seeking an even healthier choice, a homemade seltzer with fresh ingredients is a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink with full control over its nutritional content.

Frequently Asked Questions

The carbohydrate content varies by brand. Some brands like Jose Cuervo Playamar advertise zero carbs, while others, like Truly, contain around 4 grams per 12-ounce can, and High Noon has about 5 grams.

Yes, a tequila seltzer is almost always a healthier option than a traditional margarita. Margaritas are often made with high-sugar mixers and syrups, which can drive the calorie count up to 400 or more per serving, whereas seltzers are much lower.

A homemade tequila soda made with 1.5 ounces of 80-proof tequila and plain soda water contains approximately 97 calories. This count can be kept very low by avoiding sugary mixers.

While there are some claims about the health benefits of the agave plant, the final distilled tequila contains minimal nutritional value. It is considered a source of "empty calories" because it provides energy with no essential nutrients.

No, calorie counts can differ slightly between brands. For instance, Mamitas contains 95 calories, High Noon has 100, and Truly is 110 calories per 12-ounce can.

No, while choosing a low-calorie drink like a tequila seltzer might help manage calorie intake compared to other alcoholic beverages, no alcohol can directly cause weight loss. Weight management requires moderation and a balanced diet.

Pure tequila and homemade seltzers with zero-carb soda water are suitable for a keto diet. However, some canned versions have a small number of carbs from fruit juice or other additives, so it is important to check the nutritional information.