Keto-Friendly Tequila - Low-Carb Cocktails & Drinking Tips

Tequila Nutrition Facts

Tequila is distilled from the fermented juices of blue agave plants and contains no carbs, sugar or added flavors when in its purest form. One 1.5 ounce (44 ml) serving of tequila contains:

• Calories: 97
• Carbs: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

Since tequila lacks carbohydrates, it does not directly impact blood sugar or ketosis. However, alcohol consumption can indirectly affect the ketogenic diet. Here’s how:

Inhibits Fat Burning

Drinking alcohol temporarily halts ketosis and fat burning until the liver metabolizes the alcohol. This may slow weight loss progress.

Dehydration

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which could negatively impact electrolyte balance. Staying hydrated is key on keto.

Lower Inhibitions

Drinking may make it harder to stick to the keto diet if you are tempted to indulge in high-carb foods.

Stalled Weight Loss

Alcohol is the first fuel source the body burns for energy. This delays fat burning and may impair losing weight on keto.

While an occasional low-carb tequila drink likely won’t sabotage the keto diet, moderation is key.

Keto-Friendly Tequila Cocktail Recipes

It’s easy to make ketogenic diet approved tequila cocktails by swapping high-sugar mixers for low-carb alternatives:

Skinny Margarita

Traditional margaritas pack nearly 40 grams of carbs from sugar-laden orange liqueur and margarita mix. For a keto swap, try mixing tequila with fresh lime juice and zero-carb sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.

Paloma Cocktail

Mix tequila with zero-carb sparkling water and fresh lime juice for a refreshing low-carb take on the classic Paloma.

Tequila Soda

This simple cocktail combines tequila with club soda, lime wedges and salt for a zero-carb option. For variety, muddle in fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries.

Tequila and Seltzer

Mix tequila with any non-sweetened seltzer water and a squeeze of lime. Flavor options are endless like grapefruit, cherry or cucumber lime.

Tequila Sunrise

Make this tropical cocktail keto by swapping sugary orange juice for fresh orange slices muddled in seltzer water and stevia.

The possibilities are endless for crafting low-carb tequila cocktails that won’t kick you out of ketosis. Just skip sweetened liquids like juice, soda or premade margarita mixes.

How Much Tequila Can You Drink on Keto?

There are no hard rules on how much alcohol is allowed per day on the keto diet. Health organizations like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting intake to:

• Women: 1 standard drink per day
• Men: 2 standard drinks per day

One standard drink equals:

• 1.5 ounces 80-proof spirits like tequila
• 12 ounces beer
• 5 ounces wine

It’s best to drink in moderation by pacing yourself, hydrating between drinks and avoiding high-risk situations. The keto diet lowers alcohol tolerance, so you may feel intoxicated faster.

Tips for Choosing Quality Tequila

Not all tequilas are created equal when it comes to taste, quality and purity:

Check the Label

Be sure tequila contains 100% agave. Mixtos contain cheaper sugars and additives.

Seeking Authentic Blue Agave

Authentic tequila is produced in select regions of Mexico from organic blue agave.

Know the Styles

Blanco is unaged and clear. Reposado ages 2-11 months in oak. Añejo ages 1-3 years for a smooth, complex flavor.

Skip the Gimmicks

Flavored tequilas with cinnamon, vanilla or fruit essences contain added sugars.

Potential Benefits of Tequila

Some research indicates tequila made from 100% blue agave may have unique health benefits:

Probiotics

Fermented blue agave contains probiotics that support gut and immune health.

Prebiotics

Compounds called fructans act as prebiotics to feed good gut bacteria.

Antioxidants

Agavins and other antioxidants could lower inflammation and disease risk.

Blood Sugar Control

Human and animal studies show potential blood glucose lowering effects.

However, more research is needed on tequila’s specific impacts on health, especially with heavy drinking.

Risks and Downsides of Drinking Alcohol on Keto

Potential risks of drinking alcohol on a ketogenic diet include:

• Slowed progress losing weight
• Increased hunger and cravings
• Fatigue, headaches and flu-like symptoms
• Dehydration from increased urination
• Nutritional deficiencies if calories wasted on alcohol
• High blood pressure
• Digestive issues
• Liver damage with heavy, regular use

Talk to your doctor before consuming alcohol with any medical condition or while taking medications that interact with alcohol.

The Bottom Line

When consumed in moderation, tequila can be part of a healthy, low-carb ketogenic diet thanks to its zero-carb nutrition profile. Stay hydrated, limit intake to 1-2 standard drinks per day and choose quality 100% agave tequila for the lowest sugar option.

Pair tequila with keto mixers like lime juice, club soda and zero-calorie sweeteners to craft tasty cocktails that won't knock you out of ketosis. While occasional drinking may be fine for some following the keto diet, excessive intake provides no benefits and poses many health risks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.