Here’s a List of Low-Calorie Tequila Drinks for a Guilt-Free Cinco de Mayo, or Any Day for that Matter

Alright, we hit up the Golden Corral’s all-you-can-eat special last night, and to say our insides are feeling good right now would be a bit of a stretch. Maybe it was our third helping of coconut shrimp, or the extra gallon of gravy we poured over our double-sized portion of meatloaf. Or perhaps it was arguing with Cletus over who gets the last scoop of the Manager’s Special—a wonderfully large serving of two-day old chicken noodles warmed to gelatinous perfection under bright orange heating lamps. The world will never know.

But one thing we know for certain is that our muffin-top belly is blooming over our jeans like a greased-up fupa exploding out of undersized biking shorts. So, if you’re like us and need to watch the calorie intake this weekend, here’s a list of some of our favorite low-calorie Tequila cocktails to keep the party going while “responsibly” watching that waistline. 

Low Calorie Tequila Recipes

From the famous Keto Paloma to the refreshing Skinny Margarita, each recipe offers a unique blend of ingredients and flavors, providing diverse options for those seeking a low-calorie indulgence. At around 100 calories per shot, tequila is a game-changer!

Keto Low-Calorie Paloma

The origins of the Paloma cocktail, like the end of our Saturday nights, are shrouded in mystery. Theories suggest that its name, which means “dove” in Spanish, is linked to an old Mexican folk song called ‘La Paloma.’ While we’ll never know how the drink actually got its name, we know for sure that this low-cal recipe makes for a killer cocktail.

Skinny (Spicy) Tequila Cocktail

This Skinny (Spicy) Tequila Cocktail is a compelling blend of citrus and spice, offering a refreshing and invigorating low-calorie tequila drink option. It’s only around 200 calories per serving and delivers a refreshing balance of flavors. If you don’t like it Spicy, ignore our jalapeño infused tequila recipe. That said, adding the spicy tequila adds a subtle heat that complements the citrusy notes.

Ranch Water

This one’s simple and perfect. It’s what we like to drink when BBQing in the backyard. It’s our go-to for hosting guests, staying hydrated, and grilling meat all at the same time. Your guests will never know what number you’re on, and neither will you! Unless, of course, you’re one of those brave souls who keeps track of their drinks by counting the number of lime peels floating at the bottom of your mason jar.

Skinny Margarita

The BarWarrior Skinny Margarita is a low calorie alternative to the classic margarita. This low calorie recipe retains the fresh, sweet flavors of the original without the sugar overload. If you’re after a lighter, healthier margarita option that doesn’t compromise on taste, this is the recipe for you.

Low Calorie Tequila Sunrise

The Low-Calorie Tequila Sunrise is a tasty, visual treat that gives you a guilt-free way to enjoy the tropical flavors of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine without the excess calories and sugar content. The trick to reducing calories while keeping the beverage true to its roots is to take advantage of the natural sweetness of the limes and cranberry juice. Of course, if you prefer to drink like your favorite 70’s rock band, you may prefer the original recipe.

Cranberry Cooler

With te­quila, cranberry, soda water and citrus flavors, the Cranberry Cooler can’t help but be a refreshing and bubbly mix. With far fewer calories than its contemporaries, this low-calorie tequila cocktail is an excellent choice if you’re worried about your hips—that said, we love curvy hips. The curvier, the better. XOXO

Tequila – A Brief History

This spirit made from the blue agave plant is one of the world’s favorite and equally infamous beverages with a centuries-long history. 

Tequila is well-known for its unique flavor and aroma derived from the specific blue agave plant used in the distillation process. It’s named after the city of Tequila in the Jaliscan Highlands in the central western Mexican state of Jalisco. 

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Origin and Distillation

The process of distilling agave to make a spirit dates back to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The indigenous people of the region had previously fermented agave to create a drink called “pulque,” but it was the Spanish who began distilling it to produce what would eventually become known as tequila. The first licensed manufacturer of tequila was José Antonio de Cuervo, pictured above, who obtained land from the King of Spain in the mid-18th century to grow agave. Several decades later, his son, José María Guadalupe de Cuervo, was granted the first license to produce and distribute the drink.

Geographical Indication

Tequila was granted a Denomination of Origin (DO) status, which does specify that it can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico, primarily the state of Jalisco but also includes limited municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

Tequila Regulation

The regulation is overseen by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT), which was established to ensure quality and standards in tequila production, including the requirement that tequila must be made with at least 51% sugars from the blue agave plant (though the best quality tequilas are made from 100% agave). The governing body oversees 135 tequila producers and was first established in 1994.

Standards to ensure the authenticity and origin of tequila are enforced by the NOM, or “Norma Oficial Mexicana.” This refers to the set of official Mexican standards regulated by the Mexican government. These standards are enforced across various sectors to regulate and ensure quality, safety, and environmental protection. The measures work to protect the authenticity and cultural heritage of Tequila production. 

Let’s be real

We certainly could do with fewer calories on our plates and glasses, but counting calories when we’re out with our friends can be a lot to ask. That’s why we wanted to share these low-cal tequila options, so there’s no guilt when you’re enjoying a tasty cocktail with friends. We’d rather you focus on them than on what you’re drinking. Whether it’s Friday night or Cinco de Mayo, sip your cocktails sans guilt and focus on enjoying the moment.