Is Jose Cuervo Tequila Gluten-Free?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Jose Cuervo's customer service, all of their standard tequilas are tested and proven to be gluten-free. This confirms that a wide range of their products are safe for individuals following a gluten-free diet, including those with celiac disease.

Quick Summary

Jose Cuervo's standard distilled tequilas are confirmed gluten-free, derived from the naturally gluten-free blue agave plant. Pre-mixed cocktails, however, carry a risk of gluten contamination from other ingredients and should be avoided by those with sensitivities. Always check labels and verify ingredients for mixed drinks.

Key Points

Standard tequilas are gluten-free: All of Jose Cuervo's standard distilled tequilas, including Especial Gold and Silver, are confirmed to be gluten-free.
Pre-mixed products require caution: While some pre-mixed margaritas from Jose Cuervo are gluten-free, not all are verified, and cross-contamination is a risk.
100% agave is the safest bet: Opting for tequilas labeled '100% agave' minimizes potential gluten risk from non-agave sugar additives sometimes found in 'mixto' tequilas.
Distillation removes gluten: The distillation process used to create tequila effectively removes gluten proteins, making pure tequila from any brand inherently gluten-free.
Risk of cross-contamination: The primary risk for highly sensitive individuals comes from additives or cross-contamination in shared facilities, not from the tequila itself.
Mixers are a consideration: When making cocktails, ensure that all mixers, not just the tequila, are also gluten-free to avoid accidental exposure.

For those navigating a gluten-free lifestyle, understanding which alcoholic beverages are safe to consume is crucial. Tequila, in its pure form, is made from the blue agave plant, which is naturally gluten-free. The distillation process for spirits further removes any gluten proteins, making most pure tequilas safe for consumption, even for those with celiac disease. Jose Cuervo, a major brand in the tequila market, has explicitly stated that its standard tequilas are gluten-free.

The Jose Cuervo Promise

Jose Cuervo has publicly confirmed that all of their distilled tequilas are gluten-free, with many tested to verify this status. This includes popular products like Jose Cuervo Especial Gold and Especial Silver. They have a clear process to ensure their distilled products are safe for those avoiding gluten. In addition, some of their pre-mixed drinks, like Authentic Cuervo Margaritas, Margarita Minis, and Golden Margaritas, are also considered gluten-free. However, the company advises caution with all pre-mixed products, as not all can be guaranteed gluten-free, and cross-contamination is a potential risk. This distinction is vital for anyone with a serious gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

100% Agave vs. Mixto Tequilas

The gluten-free status of tequila often depends on whether it is 100% agave or a 'mixto' product. A bottle labeled '100% agave' means it is made exclusively from the blue agave plant, and nothing else. This offers the highest assurance of being gluten-free. Mixto tequilas, on the other hand, contain at least 51% agave, with the remaining 49% coming from other sugars, such as cane sugar or corn syrup. While most experts and sources suggest that even mixtos are generally safe due to the distillation process, the presence of added sugars introduces a minor risk, especially concerning potential additives. The safest practice for anyone with gluten sensitivity is to opt for tequilas explicitly labeled as '100% agave'.

Understanding Additives and Cross-Contamination

Beyond the agave content, consumers should be aware of potential sources of gluten introduced after distillation. The Mexican government permits four types of additives in tequila: glycerin, caramel color, oak extract, and sugar-based syrups. While these are typically gluten-free, the sourcing and manufacturing of these additives could theoretically introduce gluten. Furthermore, cross-contamination can occur if the tequila is produced in a facility that also handles gluten-containing products like whiskey. For those with severe sensitivities, this risk, while small, is a consideration. Jose Cuervo has confirmed its products are made under sanitary conditions to mitigate external exposure.

Comparative Gluten-Free Tequila Information


Brand	Agave Type	Confirmed Gluten-Free Status?	Notes
Jose Cuervo	Mixto & 100% Agave	Yes, standard tequilas	Advises caution with ready-to-drink products
Patrón	100% Agave	Yes	Made from 100% Blue Weber Agave
Casamigos	100% Agave	Yes	Labeled as gluten-free and 100% agave azul
Don Julio	100% Agave	Yes (by assumption)	Made with 100% agave, generally considered safe
1800 Tequila	100% Agave	Yes (by assumption)	Made with 100% agave

Conclusion: Safe Consumption Guidelines

So, is Jose Cuervo tequila gluten-free? The definitive answer is yes, for their standard, distilled tequila products. This holds true for both their Mixto products like Especial Gold and their 100% agave line. The primary caution lies with pre-mixed cocktails and flavored beverages where additional ingredients, which are not always gluten-free, are added after distillation. The safest approach for those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity is to choose tequila labeled '100% agave' and to mix your own cocktails using verified gluten-free mixers. Always check the manufacturer's website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date product information, especially for ready-to-drink items. By being vigilant about your choices, you can safely enjoy Jose Cuervo and other tequilas.

For additional resources on gluten-free alcohol, consult the Beyond Celiac website for their guide on safe liquor options.

This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for your specific dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to Jose Cuervo's customer service, their Especial Gold tequila is tested and confirmed to be gluten-free.

Some Jose Cuervo ready-to-drink products, like the Authentic and Golden Margaritas, are gluten-free. However, the company advises caution with all pre-mixed products and recommends checking labels, as not all are verified.

Yes, tequila made from 100% blue agave is naturally gluten-free. It's the safest option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

100% agave tequila is made solely from the blue agave plant. Mixto tequila is made with at least 51% agave, with the rest coming from other sugars, but is still considered gluten-free after distillation.

Yes, people with celiac disease can generally drink pure, distilled tequila. The distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins. Caution is only needed with flavored tequilas or pre-mixed cocktails.

The main risk comes from ingredients added after the distillation process, such as colorings or flavorings, or from cross-contamination in facilities that also produce gluten-containing items.

While the additives permitted in tequila (glycerin, caramel, etc.) are generally gluten-free, those with high sensitivity may choose to stick to '100% agave' products to avoid any potential risk from undisclosed sources.