Data ranking
High ABV Tequila Cocktails — Ranked by Data
The highest-ABV Tequila cocktails in this data are Gentle Ben (42.9% ABV), Long Island Iced Tea (42.5% ABV), Guadalajara (36.3% ABV).
We reviewed 68 nutrition-complete recipes and found 25 that fit this guide. Median: 12.7g sugar.
68Recipes reviewed
25Matching this guide
12.7gMedian sugar
231 kcalMedian calories
28.7%Median ABV
Ranked recipes
| # | Drink | Why it ranks | ABV | Nutrition | Alcohol | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gentle Ben | 42.9% ABV | 42.9% | 204 kcal · 0.0g sugar · 0.0g carbs | 2.15 std | Cocktail |
| 2 | Long Island Iced Tea | 42.5% ABV | 42.5% | 136 kcal · 0.1g sugar · 0.1g carbs | 1.44 std | Cocktail |
| 3 | Guadalajara | 36.3% ABV | 36.3% | 349 kcal · 16.0g sugar · 22.5g carbs | 3.02 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 4 | Brave Bull | 35.8% ABV | 35.8% | 231 kcal · 8.9g sugar · 11.8g carbs | 1.79 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 5 | Venial Sin | 34.1% ABV | 34.1% | 244 kcal · 14.8g sugar · 20.7g carbs | 1.70 std | Cocktail |
| 6 | Tequila Manhattan | 33.5% ABV | 33.5% | 186 kcal · 3.0g sugar · 4.1g carbs | 1.69 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 7 | Long Island Tea | 32.2% ABV | 32.2% | 142 kcal · 0.9g sugar · 1.9g carbs | 1.44 std | Cocktail |
| 8 | El Oso (The Bear) | 31.5% ABV | 31.5% | 304 kcal · 21.4g sugar · 29.6g carbs | 1.84 std | Cocktail |
| 9 | Tijuana Taxi | 31.3% ABV | 31.3% | 313 kcal · 14.8g sugar · 20.7g carbs | 1.75 std | Cocktail |
| 10 | Mexican Monk | 30.7% ABV | 30.7% | 350 kcal · 13.4g sugar · 21.4g carbs | 2.81 std | Cocktail |
| 11 | Tequila Sour | 29.9% ABV | 29.9% | 152 kcal · 3.3g sugar · 4.6g carbs | 1.42 std | Cocktail |
| 12 | Tequini | 29.3% ABV | 29.3% | 209 kcal · 2.4g sugar · 3.6g carbs | 1.97 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 13 | The Poncho | 28.7% ABV | 28.7% | 389 kcal · 17.2g sugar · 24.3g carbs | 2.90 std | Cocktail |
| 14 | Sea Of Cortez | 26.8% ABV | 26.8% | 283 kcal · 13.8g sugar · 20.2g carbs | 2.01 std | Cocktail |
| 15 | Margarita | 25.8% ABV | 25.8% | 154 kcal · 4.2g sugar · 6.9g carbs | 1.29 std | Cocktail |
| 16 | La Ultima Palabra | 23.6% ABV | 23.6% | 203 kcal · 13.0g sugar · 19.4g carbs | 1.47 std | Cocktail |
| 17 | Bum's Rush | 23.3% ABV | 23.3% | 296 kcal · 13.9g sugar · 19.8g carbs | 2.14 std | Cocktail |
| 18 | Tequila Sunrise | 23.0% ABV | 23.0% | 269 kcal · 14.4g sugar · 15.6g carbs | 2.12 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 19 | Toreador | 21.7% ABV | 21.7% | 408 kcal · 23.1g sugar · 29.2g carbs | 2.17 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 20 | Mexicola | 21.3% ABV | 21.3% | 151 kcal · 1.0g sugar · 5.0g carbs | 1.42 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 21 | Tequila Straight | 21.3% ABV | 21.3% | 136 kcal · 0.0g sugar · 0.0g carbs | 1.42 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 22 | Tequila Old-Fashioned | 21.1% ABV | 21.1% | 227 kcal · 21.4g sugar · 21.4g carbs | 1.42 std | Cocktail |
| 23 | Hot Shot Margarita | 21.0% ABV | 21.0% | 242 kcal · 10.1g sugar · 16.4g carbs | 1.75 std | Quick, easy serve |
| 24 | Winter Rita | 20.8% ABV | 20.8% | 182 kcal · 12.7g sugar · 14.9g carbs | 1.28 std | Cocktail |
| 25 | Winter Paloma | 20.4% ABV | 20.4% | 243 kcal · 6.2g sugar · 10.1g carbs | 2.12 std | Cocktail |
All nutrition values are estimates based on standard recipe quantities. — = data not available.
Best picks by use case
Things to watch
- Recipe variations differ by bartender and bar — actual values may vary
- Double pours are not accounted for in standard recipe estimates
- ABV and standard drinks matter even when sugar and calories are low
- Some drinks are inherently higher in one metric even when lower in another
Methodology
Is this guide right for you?
Good fit if:
- You want a data-backed shortlist of drink options
- You want ranked results rather than a generic list
- You want to compare options across a specific axis
Poor fit if:
- You need medical or dietary advice
- You need exact bar-specific values — these are data estimates
- You need a complete guide to this drink category
Frequently asked questions
- How is the ABV ranking calculated?
- This page ranks directly on estimated alcohol by volume (ABV) from WhatDrink recipe quantities and ingredient strength data. Higher estimated ABV ranks ahead; sugar, calories, and carbs are shown as separate context rather than being blended into the ABV rank.
- Are these nutrition values accurate?
- These are estimates based on standard recipe quantities and ingredient nutrition data in the WhatDrink database. Actual values vary by brand, bartender pour, glass size, and preparation method. Use this as a relative comparison guide, not a precise dietary calculator.
- Does lower ABV always mean a healthier drink?
- Not necessarily. A single lower metric does not make a cocktail healthier overall. Alcohol, calories, sugar, carbs, serving size, and individual context are different dimensions. Use this ranking for relative comparison on alcohol by volume (ABV), then check the other displayed metrics separately.
- How should I use this page to choose a drink?
- The table lets you compare tequila cocktails side by side on ABV. Click through to any individual cocktail page for the full ingredient list and nutrition breakdown. The "Top picks" panel adds cross-metric context without changing the page's primary ranking method.
- How many tequila cocktails are on this page?
- This ranking includes 25 tequila cocktails that pass WhatDrink's recipe quality and data completeness filters. The list updates as new recipes are added to the database.
- Why focus on tequila specifically?
- Tequila is the base spirit, which sets the alcohol foundation. The mixers and modifiers around it determine most of the sugar and calorie variation, making tequila cocktails a useful controlled comparison.