Tequila is a popular liquor made from the agave plant that has gained a reputation as a lower calorie option compared to other spirits. Silver tequila, also known as blanco or white tequila, refers to tequila that has been bottled or stored immediately after the distillation process without any additional aging. This results in a clear spirit with a more concentrated agave flavor. Many people choose silver tequila specifically for its potential weight loss benefits and lower calorie content. But is silver tequila actually low in calories compared to other types of tequila and spirits?
Calorie content of silver tequila
In general, tequila does tend to be lower in calories than other popular liquors like whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka. According to the USDA, a standard 1.5 ounce (44 ml) shot of tequila contains:
- 97 calories
- 0 grams of fat
- 0 grams of carbs
- 0 grams of protein
The calorie content comes solely from the alcohol itself. Pure alcohol contains about 7 calories per gram. Since tequila is distilled from agave, it has no carbohydrates or added sugars. This makes it one of the lowest calorie liquors you can drink straight.
Silver tequila, in particular, tends to be very low in calories compared to aged (reposado or añejo) tequilas. The aging process adds flavors from the wood barrels, which increases the sugar and carbohydrate content.
For example, a 1.5 ounce shot of Don Julio Blanco silver tequila contains 96 calories. By comparison, the same amount of their aged Añejo tequila contains 104 calories. So silver tequila contains about 8% fewer calories per serving compared to aged versions.
Calorie comparison to other liquors
Below is a calorie comparison of some popular liquors in a standard 1.5 ounce serving:
| Liquor | Calories |
|---|---|
| Silver Tequila | 96 |
| Gold Tequila | 110 |
| Reposado Tequila | 105 |
| Añejo Tequila | 104 |
| Vodka | 96 |
| Gin | 97 |
| Rum (80 proof) | 97 |
| Whiskey | 105 |
As you can see, silver tequila is very low in calories, nearly identical to vodka and gin. It’s slightly lower calorie than rum or whiskey.
So if you are watching your calorie intake, silver tequila is one of the best straight spirit options, along with vodka and gin.
How is tequila made?
To understand why tequila is lower in calories, it helps to know how it’s produced.
Made from blue agave
Tequila must be made from the Weber Blue species of agave plant. Agave is a succulent that contains high concentrations of natural sugar.
The agave core, called the piña, contains the carbohydrates and sugar that will be fermented and distilled into tequila. It typically takes 6-8 years for the agave to fully mature before harvest.
Cooking and crushing the agave
After harvest, the agave piñas are transported to the distillery. There they are cooked, traditionally in stone ovens, to convert the carbohydrates into fermentable sugars.
Once cooked, the agave is crushed to extract the sweet juices, or mosto. This can be done mechanically or using a traditional stone wheel called a tahona.
Fermenting and distilling
The mosto is placed into large tanks where it is allowed to naturally ferment with yeast. Just like making beer or wine, fermentation converts the sugars into alcohol.
Once fermented, the liquid is distilled in copper pot stills. Distillation increases the alcohol percentage to 55-65% by separating the alcohol from the water.
Aging process
After distillation, the clear tequila can be bottled right away as silver tequila. Or it can be aged in wooden barrels to gain color and flavor.
The aging time determines the category:
- Reposado: Aged 2-12 months
- Añejo: Aged 1-3 years
- Extra Añejo: Aged 3+ years
Aged tequilas take on more color and flavor compounds from the barrel wood, resulting in a slightly higher calorie content.
Additives and diluting
100% agave tequilas like silver tequila cannot contain any additives besides water. Lower quality “mixto” tequilas may contain syrups, glycerin, coloring, or flavorings.
Most tequila is diluted with water before bottling to reach an alcohol content of 35-55%. More water equals more diluted flavor and calories. Silver tequila is usually bottled at a higher proof.
So real silver tequila contains minimal other ingredients besides the blue agave and water, which accounts for the lower calories.
What about carbohydrates in tequila?
One of the reasons people think tequila may help with weight loss is that it contains no carbohydrates or sugar.
Distilled spirits by definition do not contain any residual sugars. All the carbohydrates from the agave are converted to alcohol during fermentation.
So while agave itself is very high in carbohydrates, true tequila contains zero carbs or sugar. This makes it keto-friendly as well.
The lack of carbs is another reason why tequila compares favorably to some other mixers for low calorie diets.
For example, a 1.5 oz shot of silver tequila has 0g carbs. By contrast:
- Cranberry juice: 15g carbs
- Margarita mix: 15g carbs
- Bloody Mary Mix: 5g carbs
- Tonic water: 16g carbs
So while tequila alone is carb-free, watch out for high sugar mixers that can defeat the purpose. A margarita can pack nearly 40g of carbs from the orange liqueur and mix.
Instead, make “skinny” tequila drinks mixed with zero-carb ingredients like:
- Soda water
- Diet tonic
- Sparkling water
- Fresh lime juice
- Grapefruit juice
Does tequila have any nutrients?
Since tequila contains no carbs, fat, or protein, it provides essentially no significant nutrition.
However, tequila made from 100% agave may offer some minor health benefits compared to other distilled spirits.
Antioxidants
Studies show blue agave contains high levels of antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and fructans.
During the distillation process, some of these antioxidants carry over into the finished tequila in small amounts.
Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This may provide protection against chronic diseases over the long-term.
However, you would need to drink large amounts of tequila to get beneficial levels of antioxidants. The calories and alcohol far outweigh any potential benefits.
Prebiotics
Some research shows agave contains prebiotic fibers called fructans that support digestive health.
Prebiotics act as food for the probiotic bacteria in your gut microbiome. This helps promote a healthy bacterial balance.
As with antioxidants, the amounts found in tequila are likely negligible. You’re better off getting prebiotics from whole foods like garlic, onion, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and oats.
Lower methanol content
There are claims that tequila may cause less severe hangovers than other spirits like whiskey or vodka.
This is partly attributed to tequila having lower levels of methanol congeners produced during distillation.
Methanol is more toxic than ethanol alcohol and can contribute to hangover symptoms. Tequila is not necessarily “purer” overall, but it may be better in this regard.
Of course, the only way to prevent hangovers is to drink alcohol in moderation!
Can tequila help you lose weight?
Based on its low calorie and carb content, some think drinking silver tequila may promote weight loss. But does the science actually back up this claim?
There is no direct evidence proving tequila consumption specifically causes weight loss. Like any form of alcohol, excessive tequila intake provides empty calories and can lead to weight gain over time.
However, evidence does suggest tequila compares favorably to other spirits for anyone watching their weight:
- Fewer calories per serving than most liquors
- Zero carbs and sugar when unmixed
- Higher proof means less dilution with water or additives
- May be less likely to stimulate appetite than beer or wine
- Boosts metabolism more than carbohydrate-containing drinks
So in moderation, tequila is a reasonably low-calorie option. But that doesn’t mean it actively helps you shed pounds. Any calories you consume from tequila still count against your daily intake.
Here are some tips for reducing calories if drinking tequila:
- Stick to silver tequila for the fewest calories
- Avoid sugary margarita mixes, juice blends, and syrups
- Use zero-calorie soda or sparkling water as a mixer
- Drink on an empty stomach to minimize absorption
- Avoid binge drinking excess calories beyond your limits
- Stay hydrated with water between drinks
- Account for tequila calories within your daily goals
Moderation is key – tequila alone won’t make you lose weight if you overdo total calories. But it can fit into a healthy diet better than heavier mixed drinks.
Potential downsides of drinking tequila
While tequila does have some advantages nutritionally, drinking too much can also come with health risks:
Alcohol toxicity
Drinking any hard liquor like tequila in excess raises your blood alcohol levels. This can lead to alcohol poisoning which can be fatal.
Sticking to standard serving sizes is critical, which is 1.5 ounces of tequila containing around 100 calories per drink. Avoid tequila shots which make it harder to track intake.
Addiction risk
Frequent overconsumption of tequila over time can lead to alcohol dependence. Drinking every day makes you more likely to develop addiction.
Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic that causes you to lose more fluids. This dehydration can leave you feeling horrible the next day. Be sure to drink water in between tequila drinks.
Interactions with medications
Tequila can interact negatively with many prescription drugs and medications. These interactions can be extremely dangerous.
Always consult your doctor before drinking any amount of tequila while on medication.
Increased cancer risk
Heavy alcohol consumption is considered a risk factor for certain cancers like liver, colon, breast, and esophageal cancer. Moderate your intake to help minimize risk.
Nutrient deficiencies
Since tequila provides no nutritional value, heavy drinkers often become deficient in important vitamins and minerals. Thiamine deficiency can lead to nerve damage.
Make sure to eat a balanced diet and take a multivitamin to obtain needed nutrients that alcohol does not provide.
The key is moderation when drinking any spirits like tequila. Consuming too much too frequently can leave you malnourished.
Making the healthiest tequila drinks
If you want to enjoy tequila the lowest calorie way, here are some of the best options:
Tequila soda
One of the most figure-friendly drinks is tequila with zero-calorie soda water and a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice. The citrus adds flavor without sugar or calories.
To make a “skinny” tequila soda:
- Fill a tall glass with ice
- Pour in 1.5-2 oz silver tequila
- Top with chilled plain soda water
- Squeeze in the juice from a lime wedge
- Garnish with a lime slice
You can also swap in sparkling mineral water instead of soda water. Just avoid tonic water which contains sugar and calories.
Paloma
A refreshing, low-cal Paloma cocktail mixes tequila with grapefruit soda:
- Fill a glass with ice
- Add 1.5-2 oz silver tequila
- Top with 2-3 oz grapefruit-flavored soda or sparkling water
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice
- Optional pinch of sea salt on rim
- Garnish with grapefruit slice
The grapefruit soda contains minimal sugar compared to juices. Feel free to use diet grapefruit soda to make a zero-calorie Paloma.
“Skinny” margarita
To lighten up a classic margarita:
- Rim glass with lime juice and salt
- Fill shaker with ice cubes
- Add 2 oz silver tequila
- Squeeze in juice from 1 lime (avoid sweet & sour mix)
- Shake vigorously and strain into glass
- Garnish with lime wedge
With no sugary margarita mix, this clocks in around 120 calories – much less than a restaurant margarita at 500+ calories.
Low-cal sangrita
For a zero-carb sangrita to pair with tequila shots:
- Juice from 1 orange
- Juice from 1 lime
- Several dashes hot sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato or vegetable juice
- Ice
- Blend all in a blender until smooth
The combo of citrus and hot sauce makes a flavorful low-calorie pairing with the saltiness of tequila.
Conclusion
Silver tequila made 100% from agave qualifies as a low-calorie liquor option. With roughly 100 calories per standard serving, it compares favorably to most other distilled spirits.
The minimal additives and zero carbs make silver tequila a relatively diet-friendly choice. But moderation is still key – you can’t overlook the empty calories.
Enjoy silver tequila with zero-calorie mixers, limit intake to 1-2 drinks, and don’t rely on it solely for weight loss. Within the context of an overall healthy diet, silver tequila can be the lower calorie choice when you want a satisfying liquor drink.
