Which Tequila is Best for Keto? A Low-Carb Drinker's Guide

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Pure distilled spirits like tequila contain zero carbohydrates, making them a viable option for those on a keto diet. The key to enjoying a drink without compromising your health goals is to understand which tequila is best for keto and how to mix it properly. Avoid sugary additives and look for the right label to keep your carb count low.

Quick Summary

Selecting a low-carb tequila involves choosing a 100% agave option and avoiding sugary mixers to maintain ketosis. The article explains the difference between 100% agave and mixto tequilas, offers guidance on keto-friendly mixers and brands, and provides a simple, zero-carb margarita recipe.

Key Points

Choose 100% Agave: The most important rule for drinking tequila on keto is to select a bottle labeled "100% Puro de Agave" to avoid hidden sugars found in mixtos.
Aging Doesn't Add Carbs: All 100% agave tequilas, regardless of their aging process (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo), are zero-carb in their pure form.
Beware of Mixers: Sugary mixers like juice and pre-made cocktail mixes are loaded with carbs; opt for zero-carb alternatives like club soda, fresh lime, and keto-friendly sweeteners.
Expect Lower Tolerance: Being in ketosis can lower your alcohol tolerance, so be sure to drink in moderation and pace yourself to avoid rapid intoxication.
Prioritize Hydration: Alcohol can cause dehydration, especially on a keto diet. Drink plenty of water alongside your tequila to stay hydrated and mitigate hangover symptoms.
Enjoy in Moderation: Keep in mind that alcohol temporarily pauses fat-burning in the liver as it processes the alcohol first. Enjoying tequila in moderation is key to maintaining your weight loss goals.

The Golden Rule: Choose 100% Agave Tequila

Not all tequilas are created equal when it comes to the keto diet. The most critical factor to consider is the tequila's purity. True, high-quality tequila is distilled from the fermented sugars of the blue agave plant. During the distillation process, all fermentable sugars are converted to alcohol, leaving behind a spirit with zero carbs.

The problem arises with 'mixto' tequilas. By law, a mixto needs to contain only 51% agave sugars, with the remaining 49% coming from other sources, often including cheaper additives like cane sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. These added sugars are a surefire way to get kicked out of ketosis. To ensure you're getting a pure, zero-carb product, always check the label for the phrase “100% Puro de Agave” or “100% Agave.” If the label just says “Tequila,” it's safe to assume it's a mixto.

Blanco vs. Reposado vs. Añejo: Does Aging Affect Carbs?

The aging process, which gives tequila its color and unique flavor profile, does not add any carbohydrates to 100% agave tequila. Therefore, all classes of 100% agave tequila—Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo—are keto-friendly. The main difference lies in their flavor profile, which affects how you might want to drink or mix them.

Blanco (Silver) Tequila: Aged for less than two months, Blanco is the purest and most vibrant expression of agave. It has a strong, peppery, and often citrusy flavor, making it an excellent choice for a crisp, low-carb cocktail like a skinny margarita.
Reposado (Rested) Tequila: Aged between two months and a year in oak barrels, Reposado offers a smoother, more balanced profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice from the wood. It is perfect for sipping or for more complex, low-carb mixed drinks.
Añejo (Aged) Tequila: Aged for at least one year and up to three years, Añejo has an even richer and more complex flavor with pronounced notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. This style is best for sipping and can be enjoyed neat.

How to Enjoy Keto-Friendly Tequila

The most common mistake when drinking tequila on keto is adding high-sugar mixers. The sweet and sour mix in a traditional margarita, for instance, can contain over 30 grams of carbs per serving. To avoid this, use zero-carb mixers and natural, keto-friendly sweeteners.

Low-Carb Tequila Mixers:

Soda Water or Seltzer: This is a zero-carb, refreshing base for a simple and crisp drink. Add a squeeze of fresh lime for a boost of flavor.
Diet Tonic Water: For a zero-carb G&T alternative, use diet tonic water. Be sure to check the label, as not all tonic waters are sugar-free.
Fresh Citrus: Fresh lime or lemon juice can add a tart, zesty flavor. While they contain trace carbs, a small squeeze is well within keto limits.
Keto Sweeteners: Use powdered erythritol, liquid stevia, or monk fruit drops to add sweetness to your cocktails without the carbs.
Sugar-Free Water Flavorings: Brands like Mio or Crystal Light offer a variety of flavor drops that can be used sparingly.

Crafting Your Own Zero-Carb Keto Margarita

Making a keto-friendly margarita is simple and delicious. Just swap the high-sugar ingredients for their low-carb alternatives. Here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

2 oz 100% Agave Blanco Tequila
1 oz fresh lime juice
1-2 tsp keto-friendly sweetener (e.g., powdered erythritol or liquid stevia)
2 oz sparkling water
Coarse sea salt for the rim (optional)
Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

If desired, rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip it in salt.
Fill a shaker with ice. Add the tequila, fresh lime juice, and sweetener.
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Potential Risks of Alcohol on Keto

While pure tequila doesn't contain carbs, there are other important considerations for the keto dieter. The liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over fat burning, which can temporarily pause ketosis and slow weight loss. Also, individuals on a ketogenic diet may experience a lower tolerance to alcohol due to reduced glycogen stores. Drinking can also lower inhibitions, potentially leading to poor food choices. As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key.

Keto-Friendly Tequila Comparison Table


Tequila Type	Aging Duration	Flavor Profile	Best Use for Keto
Blanco (Silver)	0-2 months	Unaged, pure agave flavor with notes of citrus and pepper.	Skinny margaritas, tequila soda, other crisp, low-carb cocktails.
Reposado	2 months - 1 year	Rested in oak barrels, adding hints of vanilla and caramel, smoother than Blanco.	Sipping neat, on the rocks, or in balanced, low-carb cocktails.
Añejo	1-3 years	Significant aging creates a rich, complex profile with strong oak, caramel, and spice notes.	Sipping neat to appreciate the depth of flavor.
Extra Añejo	3+ years	A longer aging period results in a deep, dark color and an ultra-smooth, complex, and rich flavor.	Special occasion sipping, often compared to high-end whiskey.

Recommended Keto-Friendly Tequila Brands

When looking for 100% agave tequila, many excellent options exist. Popular and widely available brands include:

Patrón: Known for its smooth profile, all Patrón tequilas are 100% agave and have zero carbs.
Don Julio: A well-regarded brand with a range of 100% agave options.
Espolòn: This brand offers high-quality, 100% blue agave tequilas that are both accessible and delicious for keto drinkers.
Tres Agaves: Produces 100% agave, carb-free tequila that is certified organic.
Herradura: A respected brand with a long history of crafting 100% agave tequilas.

Conclusion

For those on a ketogenic diet, finding the right alcohol is about prioritizing purity and avoiding added sugars. The answer to 'which tequila is best for keto?' is simple: always choose a 100% agave tequila and pair it with zero-carb mixers. By understanding the different types of tequila and exercising moderation, you can enjoy a delicious cocktail without interrupting your metabolic state. Be mindful of the potential effects of alcohol on your body and stick to your low-carb mixing strategy for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, any tequila that is 100% blue agave is considered safe for the keto diet because it contains zero carbohydrates. The sugars from the agave plant are completely fermented and distilled out during the production process.

To ensure a tequila is 100% agave, look for the phrase “100% Puro de Agave” or “100% Agave” printed clearly on the bottle label. If the bottle only says "Tequila," it's a mixto and likely contains added sugars.

No, as long as they are 100% agave, the aging process for tequilas (Reposado, Añejo) does not add any carbohydrates. The color and flavor changes come from resting in oak barrels, not from added sugar.

The best mixers are those with zero or minimal carbs, such as soda water, seltzer, or diet tonic water. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon can add flavor, while a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit can provide sweetness.

Yes, even zero-carb alcohol can slow down weight loss. The liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol as a toxin, putting the body's fat-burning process on hold temporarily until the alcohol is cleared from the system.

On a keto diet, your body has lower glycogen stores. Alcohol is absorbed more quickly and can cause intoxication much faster than when you have a normal level of carbohydrates in your system.

Yes, you can easily make a low-carb margarita. Use a 100% agave tequila, fresh lime juice, a keto-friendly sweetener (like erythritol or stevia), and top with sparkling water instead of using high-sugar margarita mix.