Is Tequila Good for You?

Updated July 2026
Is tequila healthy? The answer is that no alcoholic beverage should be considered “healthy,” but some studies suggest that 100% agave tequila may offer certain advantages over drinks higher in sugar, additives, and calories when enjoyed in moderation. As consumers become more mindful about what goes into their bodies, it’s natural to wonder whether tequila fits into that lifestyle. In our blog, we look at what the research says about the potential benefits of tequila and where moderation still matters most.

Consumers today have never been more focused on what goes into their bodies. Walk through a local grocery store, and you’ll see organic food aisles, products labeled as “All Natural,” and meats and vegetables advertised as antibiotic and pesticide-free. At a time when so many consumers are health-conscious, many are asking the question: Is tequila good for you?

The idea of a healthy spirit has a lot of obvious appeal. When hanging out with friends or celebrating special occasions, it’s nice to know your options for enjoying a low-calorie cocktail that doesn’t contain additives or artificial flavoring. But is any spirit good for you? Is tequila healthy compared to other types of spirits? Are there actually health benefits of tequila? Let’s take a look.

Is Tequila Good for You?

The idea that tequila, or any spirit, is “good for you” is complicated. Alcohol consumption can cause negative health consequences when not enjoyed in moderation. Yet, when enjoyed responsibly, tequila does offer a few healthy benefits compared to other types of spirits.

The health benefits of premium tequila largely stem from having fewer calories than other types of liquor and the fact that it is made from 100% agave and contains no additives. However, it’s important to note that not all tequilas are made from 100% agave. Mixto tequilas are made from 51% agave and use artificial flavorings and added sugars to compensate for their lower agave content, which may remove some of the health benefits of tequila.

There are generally two ways you can tell the difference between a mixto and a premium tequila. One is price. Growing agave for tequila production is a long process that requires patience. The more agave in a tequila, the higher its price.

The other way to tell the difference is by carefully reading the label. A premium tequila will state clearly that it’s made from 100% agave. A mixto will say it’s made from agave, but it won’t usually disclose the percentage. As a general rule of thumb, consider any tequila not labeled as “Made From 100% Blue Agave” a mixto.

What are the Benefits of Drinking Tequila?

Several studies have found that drinking tequila made from 100% agave offers a few advantages. However, the results of these studies have yet to be conclusively proven, and you should always check with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet.

Drinking tequila made without additives or artificial flavoring means you taste the pure essence of the agave as the tequila maker intended, but studies also suggest some health benefits of tequila that may surprise you.

Research has found evidence that suggests drinking 100% agave tequila may:

• Lower the risk of hangovers. Studies have found that spirits containing additives are more likely to cause a hangover than those made only from natural ingredients.
• Prevent allergic reactions. Tequilas made with additives don’t always clearly state what the spirit contains. Avoiding unnecessary sugars and artificial ingredients may be a better choice for health-conscious consumers and those with allergies.
• Improve digestion. Studies suggest that the natural sugars in tequila can help the body’s digestive system grow more beneficial bacteria.
• Help lose weight. Tequila enables the body to better absorb calcium, which increases its ability to burn fat.
• Strengthen bones. In addition to losing weight, tequila’s ability to help the body absorb calcium in the blood makes bones stronger and more resilient.
• Help manage pain. Drinking tequila causes blood vessels to dilate, which improves blood flow and reduces pain and inflammation.
• Boost the immune system. Tequila’s natural antioxidants can help strengthen the body’s immune system against disease.
• Reduce dementia risk. One study found that seniors who consumed between 8 to 14 alcoholic drinks a week had a lower risk for dementia compared to those who didn’t drink.

While the benefits of drinking tequila may make it a slightly healthier alternative than other spirits, it’s important to always be responsible when drinking.

Is Tequila Healthier Than Other Spirits?

Tequila contains fewer calories and sugar than other spirits, making it a slightly healthier alternative. However, tequila is only lower in calories when consumed neat. When added to a cocktail higher in sugar, like a margarita, tequila loses some of its low-calorie appeal.

Let’s take a look at the calories in a standard 1.5-ounce pour of the most popular spirits and alcoholic beverages:

• 80-proof Tequila — 97 calories
• 80-proof Vodka – 97 calories
• 80-proof rum — 97 calories
• 80-proof cognac — 105 calories
• 86-proof whiskey — 105 calories
• 90-proof Gin — 116 calories
• 5oz. Red wine — 125 calories
• 5oz. White wine — 128 calories
• 12oz. Regular beer — 153 calories
• 4oz. Margarita — 168 calories
• Vodka Tonic — 189 calories
• 8oz. Tequila Sunrise — 232 calories
• 12oz. Craft beer — 170-350 calories

Tequila offers a lower-calorie alternative to other popular drink choices. Just be mindful when mixing tequila to keep the calorie count low.

Tequila and Health FAQ

Is tequila good for you?

Is tequila good for you depends on how you define “good.” Tequila isn’t a health food, and moderation always matters. But if you’re choosing between alcoholic beverages, a 100% agave tequila without added sugars or artificial ingredients may be a cleaner option than some alternatives.

Does tequila have health benefits?

There are a lot of claims floating around about the health benefits of tequila. Some studies have explored connections between agave compounds and things like digestion, calcium absorption, and gut health. The research is interesting, but it’s still developing, so it’s best to think of these as potential benefits rather than proven facts.

Why is tequila better for you than some other alcoholic drinks?

When people ask why is tequila better for you, they’re usually comparing it to sugary cocktails or drinks with a long list of ingredients. A standard pour of 100% agave tequila is relatively low in calories and free from the added sugars and flavorings found in many mixed drinks.

Is tequila fattening?

If you’ve ever wondered, is tequila fattening, the answer often comes down to what you’re mixing it with. Tequila itself is relatively low in calories. It’s the syrups, sodas, and oversized cocktails that tend to tip the scale.

Does tequila have any health benefits beyond being lower in calories?

The potential benefits of tequila go beyond its calorie count, though they shouldn’t be overstated. Researchers have explored whether compounds found in agave may support things like digestion and calcium absorption, but more studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions.

Is tequila healthy for you if it’s made from 100% agave?

For people asking whether tequila is healthy for you starts with the label, 100% agave is a good place to begin. Premium tequilas avoid the added sugars and flavorings used in some mixtos, giving you a more straightforward ingredient list and a truer expression of the agave.

What are the agave tequila benefits people talk about?

Most conversations around agave tequila benefits focus on what isn’t in the bottle just as much as what is. No additives, no artificial flavorings, and a spirit made entirely from Blue Weber agave are part of what attracts health-conscious consumers.

Is tequila good for digestion?

You may have heard people ask, ” Is tequila good for digestion?” Some early research suggests certain agave-derived compounds could support beneficial gut bacteria, but tequila shouldn’t be viewed as a digestive remedy. If you’re looking at tequila through a wellness lens, moderation is still the most important part of the conversation.

Are there specific tequila benefits for men?

There’s plenty of curiosity around tequila benefits for men, but the same principles apply regardless of who’s doing the drinking. Choosing quality ingredients, paying attention to portion size, and enjoying tequila responsibly matter far more than any gender-specific claims.

It’s Always Better When it’s Suavecito Tequila

At a time when consumers demand their products be made from natural ingredients, Suavecito Tequila is here to answer the call. Our mountain-grown Blue Weber agave matures slowly over 5-7 years before harvest, giving it plenty of time to develop natural sugars that provide Suavecito Tequila with its bold yet refined flavor.

We use traditional roasting, distilling, and aging processes to create our tequila without additives or coloring. This ensures that every bottle of Suavecito Tequila you purchase contains only 100% Blue Weber agave for a drinking experience that transcends the ages and captures the long and proud tradition of authentic Mexican tequila.

If you’re looking for a healthy spirit that stands out from the crowd, we invite you to pick up a bottle of Suavecito Tequila and discover the true expression of artisanship in tequila making. Find the star of your next family gathering, cookout, or cocktail party by grabbing a bottle of Suavecito Tequila at a Total Wine & More near you.