Five Tequila Mixed Drinks That Are On The Healthier Side

By most standards, there is no “healthy” alcoholic drink. Yet for people trying to live a healthy lifestyle and still enjoy the occasional cocktail, some liquors are a better choice than others.

Tequila is one of those liquors.

The healthiest way to enjoy tequila is to drink it straight, but there are some mixed drink recipes that won’t make your blood sugar spike or cause you to pack on any excess pounds.

Here’s a look at five tequila mixed drinks that are on the healthier side.

What Makes Tequila Healthier Than Other Liquors?

Pure tequila, without any additives, has 0 carbs, 0 sugars, and only 70 calories per 1 ounce serving. But as soon as you start adding sugary mixers like sodas and fruit juices, it’s a totally different story.

It’s important to know that even if your favorite tequila is labeled as 100% agave it might not be so. Many tequila brands include additives such as sugars and sugar substitutes.

There are nearly 1,700 different tequila brands on the market, and only about 7% of them are certified additive-free. To be certain your tequila contains zero sugar, choose an additive-free brand like Cierto, which has been certified by the Additive-Free Alliance and also holds an impressive 845 international tequila awards.

Whether you’re planning on making a drink at home tonight or heading out to a bar this weekend, here are five tequila cocktails that, when consumed in moderation, won’t derail your health goals.

Ranch Water

If it’s a crisp and refreshing cocktail you love, try ranch water. This three-ingredient cocktail is simple to mix and it’s one of the most health-conscious cocktail choices you can make.

Ranch water includes blanco tequila, a bit of lime juice, and carbonated mineral water. You can make it with any type of carbonated mineral water, but if you want the authentic Texas version, opt for Topo Chico. Topo Chico is a mineral water made in Mexico and has more of a mineral quality than most other sparkling waters.

Some people like to enhance their ranch water with lemon juice to give it a more citrus taste or jalapeno to make it spicier. (If you add peppers, be sure to remove the seeds).

Tequila and Soda

Tequila and soda are a classic combination, and it’s one of the easiest and healthiest cocktails you can make. All you need is a pure blanco, club soda, a lime wedge, and lime juice.

Prefer a darker drink?

Turn it into a tequila highball by using anejo instead of blanco and adding an orange twist.

Spicy Margarita

The traditional spicy margarita calls for tequila, lime juice, jalapeno peppers, and triple sec, which is a sugary orange liqueur. But you can make a healthier version by swapping out the triple sec for agave nectar. Agave nectar is naturally sweet, and it’s lower in glucose than many other sweeteners.

A spicy margarita has some added health benefits as well. Jalapenos are rich in Vitamin A, C, and potassium, and they can help to boost your metabolism and aid in digestion.

Most people make their spicy margs with blanco, but you can substitute with reposado.

Paloma

Made with blanco or reposado, the Paloma is a crisp and refreshing drink that’s perfect for a hot summer day. The traditional Paloma includes tequila and grapefruit soda, but to make it even healthier you can swap the sugar-filled grapefruit soda for a combination of club soda and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.

The glass of a Paloma is usually rimmed with salt. Instead of using table salt or sea salt, consider using pink Himalayan salt. It has slightly less sodium and is rich with minerals that can help to stimulate circulation and reduce bloating.

Tequila and Tonic

Just like gin and tonic, the tequila and tonic is light, crisp, and refreshing. Blanco tequila, tonic water, and a squeeze of lime juice are all you need to make this delicious drink.

Tonic water does have calories, carbs, and sugars, but there are many sugar-free and low-cal options available. While tequila and club soda is the healthier option, the bitter taste of tonic pairs nicely with the natural sweetness of the agave in blanco tequila.

Tequila and Whiskey

If you are someone who likes to hold on to one drink the entire night than this might be a perfect cocktail for you. There are plenty of options available to choose from when having a Whiskey Tequila cocktail like –
Negro y Azul
Mis Amigos
Spaghetti western

Mixing Whiskey with Tequila will give you that tipsy feel all night long. But make sure to drink responsibly.

In Conclusion

Because it’s low in calories and has no carbs or sugars, tequila is one of the healthier spirits to drink. With an additive-free blanco and low-in-sugar mixers, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and still enjoy your cocktails — in moderation, of course.