Understanding Tequila Nutrition: What type of tequila has the lowest calories?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 100% agave tequila contains approximately 97 calories with zero carbohydrates and sugar. But does the aging process change this? The truth is that for a low-sugar, diet-friendly option, you must choose a tequila made from 100% blue agave. The specific aging type has very little impact on the final calorie count, making the primary distinction depend on the purity of the product and what you mix it with. Here is everything you need to know about what type of tequila has the lowest calories?.

Quick Summary

Pure agave tequilas, regardless of their age classification (blanco, reposado, or añejo), have a similar low caloric content derived solely from alcohol. The key to a lower-calorie option is to select a bottle labeled '100% agave' to avoid added sugars found in mixto tequilas.

Key Points

Choose 100% Agave Tequila: This is the most crucial factor for a low-calorie spirit, as it contains no added sugars, unlike cheaper mixto varieties.
Aging Does Not Affect Calories: The type of tequila—blanco, reposado, or añejo—does not significantly change the calorie count per shot, which is around 97 calories for 100% agave versions.
Mixers are the Calorie Culprit: The high calorie count in many tequila drinks, like margaritas, comes from sugary mixers, not the tequila itself.
Opt for Low-Calorie Cocktails: To keep your drink light, use sugar-free mixers such as soda water, fresh lime, or diet soda.
Moderation is Key: While pure tequila is low in sugar, excessive alcohol consumption can still impact your metabolism and overall health goals.
Calorie Source is Alcohol: The calories in pure tequila come solely from the alcohol, as it contains zero carbohydrates, sugar, and fat.

The Key Difference: 100% Agave vs. Mixto Tequila

When it comes to the caloric content of tequila, the most critical factor is the tequila's purity, not its age. Tequilas are primarily divided into two categories: 100% Agave and Mixto.

100% Agave Tequila: As the name suggests, this is made exclusively from the sugars of the blue agave plant. During the distillation process, the plant's natural sugars are converted into alcohol, and the final product is a spirit with no residual carbohydrates, fats, or sugars. The calories in a shot of 100% agave tequila come solely from the alcohol itself, which is approximately 7 calories per gram.
Mixto Tequila: Unlike its purer counterpart, Mixto tequila is only required to be made from 51% agave sugars. The remaining 49% can come from other sources, such as cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. These added sugars increase the calorie count and carbohydrate load significantly, making it the least desirable option for those watching their intake. In addition to extra calories, mixto tequilas may also contain added flavorings and coloring agents.

How Aging Affects Tequila Calories

Many people assume that aged tequilas, like reposado and añejo, contain more calories because of their richer flavor profiles. However, this is a misconception for 100% agave tequilas. The aging process, which involves resting the tequila in oak barrels, does not introduce significant calories. Instead, it imparts complex flavors and aromas, such as vanilla, caramel, and oak, that come from the wood itself.

This means that a 1.5-ounce shot of 100% agave blanco, reposado, or añejo will have a very similar calorie count, all hovering around 97 calories. Therefore, your personal flavor preference can guide your choice without impacting your diet.

Comparison of Tequila Classes (100% Agave)


Tequila Class	Aging Period	Flavor Profile	Average Calories (1.5oz)
Blanco (Silver)	Unaged; bottled or stored for less than 2 months.	Bold, raw agave, citrus, and herbal notes.	~97 calories
Reposado (Rested)	Aged in oak barrels for 2 to 12 months.	Mellow agave, subtle hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak.	~97 calories
Añejo (Aged)	Aged in oak barrels for 1 to 3 years.	Rich, complex profile with pronounced notes of oak, caramel, and chocolate.	~97 calories

Calorie-Conscious Tequila Cocktails

While the tequila itself is low in calories, the mixers are what can turn a diet-friendly drink into a high-calorie sugar bomb. Classic margaritas, with their high sugar content, can contain 300 to 600 calories. To keep your drink light, focus on low-sugar or sugar-free mixers.

Here are some popular low-calorie tequila drink ideas:

Ranch Water: Mix 2 oz of 100% agave tequila with Topo Chico or another sparkling mineral water and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The whole drink contains fewer than 100 calories.
Tequila Soda: A simple and refreshing choice that uses only 2 oz of blanco tequila and calorie-free club soda. Add a lime wedge for a burst of citrus flavor.
Skinny Paloma: For a lighter take on this classic, use 100% agave reposado tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, and a diet grapefruit soda. You can also use fresh juice and top with sparkling water.
Tequila with Fresh Lime: For the absolute minimum calories, simply enjoy a shot of 100% agave tequila with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

The Importance of Moderation

Even though 100% agave tequila is low in calories and sugar, it is still alcohol. The body prioritizes burning alcohol for energy over fat, which can temporarily disrupt weight loss efforts. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to poor food choices and other negative health effects. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend moderation: up to one drink per day for women and two for men.

Conclusion

To find the tequila with the lowest calories, your search should focus on one key factor: the label. Always choose a product that explicitly states it is made from 100% pure agave. Whether you prefer the unaged, crisp notes of a blanco or the mellow, rich flavors of an añejo, the caloric impact per serving will be virtually identical. By pairing your pure agave tequila with sugar-free mixers, you can enjoy a flavorful spirit without derailing your nutritional goals.

For more information on the nutritional aspects of alcohol, you can consult reputable sources like the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 100% agave tequila, regardless of whether it is blanco, reposado, or añejo, is the lowest in calories, with each 1.5-ounce shot containing around 97 calories. The key is to avoid mixto tequilas, which contain added sugars.

No, for 100% agave tequilas, the aging process in oak barrels does not add a significant amount of calories. The flavor complexity increases, but the calorie count per serving remains consistent across blanco, reposado, and añejo varieties.

Pure agave tequila is distilled entirely from blue agave sugars, and the distillation process removes all residual sugars, resulting in a zero-sugar spirit. Mixto tequilas, which are only 51% agave, contain added sugars like cane or corn syrup, which increase the calorie content.

Some of the best low-calorie mixers include club soda, sparkling mineral water, fresh lime juice, and diet grapefruit soda. Mixing 100% agave tequila with these options creates flavorful drinks like Ranch Water and Skinny Palomas without adding sugar.

A 1.5-ounce shot of 100% pure agave tequila has zero carbs, zero sugar, and zero fat. The calories come exclusively from the alcohol itself.

Yes, 100% pure agave tequila is an ideal choice for low-carb and keto diets because it contains no carbohydrates or sugar. Just be mindful of mixers, as many popular tequila cocktails are high in sugar.

For the healthiest option, choose a 100% agave tequila and consume it neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of soda and fresh lime. Limiting your intake to moderate levels is also crucial for overall health.