When discussing pure, unflavored 100% agave tequila, the answer to whether it contains carbohydrates is a straightforward no. Like most distilled spirits, tequila in its pure form contains zero carbohydrates, zero sugar, and zero fat. This foundational fact allows the spirit to be a common choice for many low-carb diets. However, this only applies to the spirit itself, as confusion often arises from sugar and other ingredients added after the spirit leaves the bottle.
Tequila’s Nutritional Profile
A standard serving of pure tequila, typically a 1.5-ounce shot, contains approximately 96 to 97 calories. Since the carbohydrate, sugar, and fat content are zero grams, every calorie comes exclusively from the alcohol content, or ethanol. Ethanol is a separate macronutrient that provides energy.
Ethanol is calorically dense, contributing about seven calories for every gram consumed. This is significantly higher than the four calories per gram provided by carbohydrates and protein. Different tequila varieties, such as blanco, reposado, or añejo, maintain this same nutritional profile, as the aging process does not introduce carbohydrates or sugar.
The Science of Distillation
The reason pure tequila is free of carbohydrates and sugars is due to the chemical separation that occurs during distillation. Tequila begins as the cooked and fermented sugars from the blue agave plant. Fermentation is the process where yeast converts these initial agave sugars into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide.
The resulting liquid, known as the “wash,” still contains water, complex carbohydrates, and various other compounds. Distillation involves heating this wash in a still, taking advantage of the different boiling points of the components. When the wash is heated, the alcohol vaporizes first, leaving the heavier, non-volatile components like sugars and complex carbohydrates behind in the still. This pure alcohol vapor is then condensed and collected as the final spirit.
Carb Traps in Tequila Cocktails
The primary source of hidden carbohydrates when consuming tequila is the addition of high-sugar mixers and accompanying ingredients. A traditional margarita, for instance, is the most common “carb trap” for tequila drinkers. An average frozen margarita can contain upwards of 30 to 36 grams of carbohydrates per serving, with the majority coming from added sugars.
These high-carb counts come from ingredients like pre-made margarita mixes, triple sec, or other orange liqueurs, all of which are essentially sugar syrups. Similarly, tequila-based drinks like the Tequila Sunrise or palomas rely on sugary fruit juices or sodas, contributing substantial liquid sugar. Even some flavored tequila products or liqueurs contain sugar added after distillation to enhance taste.
To keep consumption low in carbohydrates, choose simple mixers that contain no added sugar. Low-carb alternatives include combining tequila with fresh lime juice, club soda, or soda water, and using zero-calorie sweeteners for taste. Choosing a simple tequila and lime drink instead of a pre-mixed cocktail can reduce the carb count from over 30 grams to virtually zero.