Tequila has a reputation. And for a long time, that reputation wasn't exactly health-forward. But somewhere between the rise of wellness culture and the explosion of premium 100% agave spirits, something shifted. Now people are searching — really searching — for answers: Is tequila gluten-free? Is it keto? Vegan? Low calorie? Can it actually be part of a healthy lifestyle?

The short answer to most of those questions is yes. But the details matter — because not all tequila is created equal, and what you mix it with can completely change the picture.

This guide breaks down every major tequila lifestyle question in plain language. And if you're in Ontario and want the cleanest, most thoughtfully made tequila available, we'll show you exactly where to find it.

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Is Tequila Gluten Free?

Yes — 100% agave tequila is completely gluten-free.

Tequila is distilled from the blue agave plant, a succulent native to Jalisco, Mexico. Agave is not a grain — it is not related to wheat, barley, rye, or any other gluten-containing plant. The distillation process removes any potential trace contaminants, making pure tequila one of the safest spirit choices for people avoiding gluten.

The important caveat: not all tequila labelled "tequila" is 100% agave. "Mixto" tequilas are only required to be 51% agave — the other 49% can include cane sugar, grain-based additives, and colouring agents that could be problematic for people with sensitivities. If you're strictly gluten-free, always look for the words 100% puro de agave or 100% blue agave on the label.

LUNÁTICO Tequila is certified 100% pure blue agave — no mixers, no additives, no shortcuts. Gluten-free by nature.

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Is Tequila Safe for Celiacs?

For most people with celiac disease, yes — pure 100% agave tequila is considered safe. Because tequila is distilled (not brewed or fermented in the same way as beer), the distillation process removes gluten proteins even if there were any cross-contamination risks in the first place. With 100% agave tequila, there is no grain involvement at any stage.

That said, celiac is a serious autoimmune condition, and sensitivity varies person to person. If you are celiac, always verify that the tequila you're drinking is certified 100% agave, and avoid flavoured tequilas or tequila-based pre-mixes, which may contain additives.

The safest choice is always single-ingredient, 100% agave tequila — neat, on the rocks, or with soda water and lime. That's exactly what LUNÁTICO is.

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Is Tequila Keto-Friendly?

Pure tequila has zero carbs and zero sugar, which makes it one of the most keto-compatible spirits available.

The ketogenic diet restricts carbohydrates to keep the body in a state of ketosis (burning fat for fuel instead of glucose). A standard 1.5 oz pour of 100% agave tequila contains 0g of carbohydrates, 0g of sugar, and approximately 97 calories — all from the alcohol itself, not from carbs.

Where keto drinkers run into trouble is the mixer. Margarita mix, orange juice, agave syrup, and sweetened sodas are all high in sugar and will knock you out of ketosis fast. Keto-safe options include:

• Tequila + sparkling water + fresh lime juice (Tommy's Margarita style)
• Tequila + diet soda (grapefruit or club soda)
• Tequila + fresh cucumber and jalapeño
• Tequila neat or on the rocks

With LUNÁTICO Tequila, you're starting with a clean, zero-carb base. The rest is up to your mixer choices.

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Is Tequila Low-Calorie?

Compared to most spirits and virtually all cocktails, yes, tequila is one of the lower-calorie options available. A standard 1.5 oz serving of 100% agave tequila sits at approximately 96–100 calories, all from alcohol. There's no sugar, no fat, and no carbs.

For context:

• A pint of beer: ~200 calories
• A glass of red wine (5 oz): ~125 calories
• A standard margarita (with mix): ~250–350 calories
• A 1.5 oz pour of tequila straight: ~97 calories

The calorie count climbs quickly when you add mixers — a classic margarita with sweet and sour mix and triple sec can hit 300+ calories per drink. If you're watching your intake, the cleanest option is always tequila with soda water, fresh citrus, and nothing else. Simple, low-cal, and genuinely refreshing.

Looking for more low-calorie drink options? Check out our post on Ontario's favourite no-hangover drinks for more smart sipping ideas.

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Is Tequila Vegan?

Pure 100% agave tequila is vegan. It is made from one ingredient — the blue agave plant — with no animal products involved in the distillation process.

Where it gets complicated is with flavoured, aged, or commercial blended tequilas that may use fining agents (like gelatin, isinglass, or casein) to clarify the spirit — similar to how some wines and beers are processed. These fining agents are animal-derived and would make the spirit non-vegan.

The safest bet for vegans: choose a premium, minimally processed 100% agave tequila from a transparent producer. Avoid cocktail mixes, which may contain honey, cream, or egg white. And always check with the producer if you're uncertain about fining practices.

LUNÁTICO Tequila is made with 100% pure blue agave, distilled traditionally, with no additives, no animal products, and no compromises.

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Is Tequila a Depressant or a Stimulant?

This is one of the most Googled questions about tequila — and the answer might surprise people who swear that tequila makes them feel energized or feisty.

Tequila is a depressant. All alcohol is. Regardless of how it makes you feel socially or emotionally, ethanol (the type of alcohol in all spirits, beer, and wine) acts on the central nervous system by slowing it down. It inhibits the neurotransmitters that keep your brain alert and in control.

The perception that tequila is a stimulant comes from a few places: the initial rush of lowered inhibitions, the social energy of a celebratory shot, and the fact that tequila is often consumed quickly rather than sipped slowly. But the underlying biochemistry is the same as any other alcohol.

Some people also credit agave's natural compounds (particularly agavins, a type of fructose found in the raw plant) with mood-lifting effects — but these are largely destroyed during distillation. What you're drinking is ethanol, not agave juice.

Bottom line: drink responsibly, pace yourself, and choose quality over quantity. That's always the smarter move.

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Tequila vs Vodka — Which Is Healthier?

This is the spirit debate of the decade. Both tequila and vodka are clear, low-calorie spirits with no carbs and no sugar. The nutritional profiles are remarkably similar — but there are some meaningful differences.

Calories: Nearly identical. Both clock in around 96–100 calories per 1.5 oz serving.

Carbs and sugar: Zero in both pure expressions.

Congeners: Tequila, especially aged Reposado and Añejo expressions, contains more congeners (chemical byproducts of fermentation and aging) than a clean, triple-distilled vodka. Congeners are often cited as a contributor to hangovers. A high-quality, minimally aged tequila Blanco is on par with vodka on this front.

Source ingredients: Tequila comes from agave (a natural plant). Premium vodka, like TAG Vodka, is grain or potato-based. Neither is inherently "healthier" — quality matters more than the base ingredient.

The verdict: For overall lifestyle fit, both are excellent choices when consumed in moderation and mixed clean. If you're choosing between the two, pick whichever you actually enjoy — the difference in health impact at moderate consumption is minimal. The real variable is what you put in your glass with it.

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What Makes LUNÁTICO the Best Tequila in Ontario?

LUNÁTICO Tequila is Maverick Distillery's answer to a market full of shortcuts. It's 100% pure blue agave — certified, single-source, and distilled in Jalisco, Mexico. No additives, no grain spirits, no sugar, no compromises. Just agave, harvested at peak ripeness, slow-cooked and distilled the traditional way.

And because Maverick Distillery ships directly across Ontario, you can have it delivered straight to your door — no LCBO lineup required. Shop LUNÁTICO Tequila →

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Gluten Free, Keto-Friendly Tequila Cocktails to Try

Clean drinking doesn't mean boring drinking. Here are three easy, lifestyle-friendly cocktails you can make with LUNÁTICO Blanco that are gluten-free, keto-approved, vegan, and genuinely delicious.

1. The Clean Paloma
A sparkling grapefruit highball — refreshing, low sugar, naturally gluten-free.

• 2 oz LUNÁTICO Blanco
• 4 oz sparkling water (grapefruit or plain)
• Juice of half a lime
• Pinch of sea salt
• Garnish: fresh grapefruit slice

2. The Keto Margarita
All the flavour, none of the sugar crash.

• 2 oz LUNÁTICO Blanco
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Splash of sparkling water
• Optional: a few drops of monk fruit sweetener
• Salt rim, lime wedge

3. Spicy Cucumber Spritz
Low calorie, bold flavour — perfect for summer.

• 2 oz LUNÁTICO Blanco
• 3 thin slices of fresh cucumber
• 1–2 slices fresh jalapeño (muddled)
• Juice of half a lime
• Sparkling water to top

For more ready-to-drink options, explore Maverick's House Cocktails collection — crafted, convenient, and Ontario-made.

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Where to Buy LUNÁTICO Tequila in Ontario

Ontario tequila lovers, this one's for you. LUNÁTICO Tequila is available directly through Maverick Distillery — and we ship right to your door, anywhere in Ontario.

No waiting for the LCBO to stock it. No driving to a specialty store. Just great tequila, ordered online and delivered straight to you. Whether you're stocking up for a cottage weekend, a dinner party, or just your home bar, it doesn't get more convenient.

Shop LUNÁTICO Tequila →

Or browse our full lineup of Ontario craft spirits — from TAG Vodka to BARNBURNER Whisky to GINSLINGER Gin and more. Maverick Distillery has been crafted in Ontario since 2009.

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Must be 19+ to purchase. Please drink responsibly. Maverick Distillery ships within Ontario only.