The Real Story Behind Tequila

In the world of spirits, tequila stands out with a unique intensity. Author Laurie Perez captures this vividly in Torpor: Though the Heart Is Warm: “We force a dull clash of cups and pour everything down at once. The hard tequila shudders that never happen in the movies. First your head feels light, then it starts receiving the distress signals from the throat, lungs, belly. Your shoulders jerk to shake off the snake that wrapped around you and squeezed. It burns. The good burn.”

It’s a party favorite—someone yells “Tequila!” and suddenly, everyone has a shot glass. But what does that shot really do to your body? Is tequila good for you? How does it compare to other alcoholic drinks?

Let’s be clear: it might not be the harmless party starter it’s made out to be. By exploring the makeup of tequila and the science behind its effects, we can better understand its impact on our bodies.

What’s in Tequila?

Tequila is a Mexican spirit made from the blue agave plant. Resembling a large aloe vera with spiky leaves, blue agave grows in sun-drenched fields and takes 7–10 years to mature. Soil, climate, and farming methods all contribute to tequila’s distinctive character.

Here are the main types of tequila:

• Blanco (Silver): Unaged or aged up to two months, clear in color, and closest to the natural agave flavor.
• Joven (Gold): Usually unaged, this type is often a blend of blanco tequila with added colorings and flavorings to mimic aged varieties.
• Reposado: Aged 2 months to 1 year in oak barrels, giving it a light amber color and smooth, vanilla-like notes.
• Añejo: Aged 1–3 years in small oak barrels, resulting in a dark amber color and a rich, complex flavor.
• Extra Añejo: Aged over 3 years, this type is deep amber to dark in color and often the most expensive.

Chemically, tequila contains:

• Alcohol content: Typically 40–50% ethanol, the psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic drinks.
• Natural sugars: Tequila contains agavins, sugars from the blue agave plant. Unlike processed sugars, agavins may have different metabolic effects. A single shot has about 100 calories—similar to a candy bar.
• Terpenes and esters: These organic compounds give tequila its unique taste and aroma, influenced by fermentation, distillation, and aging.
• Minerals: The blue agave absorbs minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium from the soil, but these trace amounts don’t make tequila healthy.
• Methanol: A natural byproduct of fermentation, but regulated production keeps methanol levels low.
• Aging elements: Barrel-aged tequilas (reposado, añejo) absorb compounds like tannins, vanillin, and lactones from the wood, adding flavor and complexity.

Taking a Shot: How Tequila Affects Your Body

When you drink tequila, it does more than just lower your inhibitions. Here’s a look at how it impacts your system:

Stage 1: The Absorption Phase

Like all alcohol, tequila is absorbed into your bloodstream through the stomach and intestines. This is when you start to feel the “buzz” as your blood alcohol content (BAC) rises. Several factors influence how quickly this happens:

• Food: Eating before or while drinking slows absorption by diluting the alcohol and delaying its entry into the small intestine.
• Concentration: Tequila shots are undiluted, so they raise BAC quickly.
• Carbonation: While tequila isn’t carbonated, mixing it with soda can speed up absorption.

About 20% of alcohol is absorbed directly through the stomach lining, which is why you can feel the effects so soon. A rapid rise in BAC leads to intoxication, reduced inhibitions, and poor judgment.

Stage 2: The Unique Agave Effect

Agavins—the natural sugars in tequila—are not the same as sweet agave syrup. They act more like dietary fiber and aren’t easily broken down, so they may not spike blood sugar like other sugars. Some drinkers report a “cleaner” or “smoother” buzz from tequila, which might be due to agavins.

But don’t mistake tequila for a health drink. While there’s some speculation that agavins could support weight loss or gut health, solid evidence is lacking. Tequila is still a strong alcoholic beverage with all the associated risks.

Stage 3: Entering the Brain

Once in your bloodstream, tequila quickly reaches the brain and affects neurotransmitters:

• GABA: Enhances calmness and relaxation.
• Glutamate: Slows neural activity, affecting reaction time.
• Dopamine: Triggers pleasure and reward sensations.
• Prefrontal cortex: Impairs decision-making and impulse control.
• Hippocampus: Interferes with memory formation.

Stage 4: The Dehydration Twist

Alcohol is a diuretic, and tequila is no exception. It makes you lose fluids and essential minerals through increased urination, leading to dehydration. This contributes to hangover symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and brain fog. To reduce dehydration, drink water between tequila shots and consider electrolyte beverages.

Stage 5: Body Temperature Fluctuations

Tequila can disrupt your body’s temperature regulation:

• Initial warmth: Alcohol dilates blood vessels near the skin, making you feel warm.
• Core temperature drop: Blood flow shifts away from your core, lowering internal temperature.
• Metabolism boost: Your body works to metabolize alcohol, generating extra heat.
• Sweating: Your body may sweat more to cool down.
• Chill afterward: As the alcohol wears off, you might feel colder than usual.

Tequila and Health: More Than a Hangover

Regular tequila consumption can lead to serious health issues:

• Liver disease: Over time, heavy drinking can cause cirrhosis and other liver conditions.
• Addiction: Tequila carries the same risk of dependence as other alcohols.
• Weight gain: Despite its unique sugars, tequila is high in calories. Regular shots can contribute to weight gain.

Action Steps for Cutting Back or Quitting

If you’re rethinking your tequila intake, here are some practical tips:

• Learn more: Understanding tequila’s effects empowers you to make healthier choices.
• Infuse non-alcoholic drinks: Add lime, jalapeño, or salt to alcohol-free beverages for a tequila-like experience.
• Try mocktails: Explore recipes that use agave syrup and citrus to mimic tequila flavors.
• Find support: Connect with others who are moderating their drinking. The forum on the Quitemate app is a great place to start.
• Plan ahead: Before social events, decide on your limits. Bring a non-alcoholic drink or volunteer to be the designated driver.
• Reward yourself: Celebrate milestones—like a week without tequila—with a treat such as a spa day, a new book, or a trip.

Own Your Story

Tequila might be the life of the party, but the real story happens inside your body. By understanding the science and taking proactive steps, you can make choices that support your health and well-being. Life is worth celebrating—with or without tequila shots.