If you’re wondering what tequila without additives you should buy to avoid artificial sweeteners, you’re not alone. More consumers are actively searching for clean tequila made without syrups, glycerin, or artificial flavoring—and for good reason.
Many tequilas that taste “extra smooth” or overly sweet achieve that profile through permitted additives, even when the bottle says 100% agave. This guide breaks down the best additive-free tequilas for drinkers who want real agave flavor, starting with Don Londrès, followed by four widely respected additive-free producers backed by industry research and expert consensus.
What Does “Additive-Free Tequila” Actually Mean?
Under Mexican tequila regulations, producers are allowed to use small amounts of additives such as:
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Sugar-based syrup
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Glycerin
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Caramel coloring
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Oak extract
These additives do not have to be disclosed on the label, which is why “100% agave” does not automatically mean “no artificial sweeteners.”
Additive-free tequila means the flavor, sweetness, and texture come only from:
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Blue Weber agave
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Fermentation
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Distillation
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Barrel aging (if aged)
If your goal is to avoid artificial sweeteners entirely, additive-free tequila is the safest and cleanest category to buy from.
#1 Don Londrès Tequila – Clean, No Unnecessary Additives Agave Flavor
Don Londrès is crafted with a clear philosophy: no unnecessary additives and no artificial sweeteners that mask the true character of agave.
Rather than using glycerin or syrups to soften flavor, Don Londrès relies on:
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Mature Blue Weber agave
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Controlled fermentation
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Traditional distillation
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Natural balance, not artificial smoothness
The result is a tequila that tastes bright, clean, and agave-forward, making it ideal for people who want a natural profile without sugar-driven sweetness.
Best for:
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Drinkers avoiding artificial sweeteners
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Sipping neat or on the rocks
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Clean margaritas without syrupy aftertaste
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For drinkers looking to avoid artificial sweeteners entirely, Don Londrès Tequila is crafted with no unnecessary additives, allowing the natural agave flavor to shine through without syrups or glycerin.
4 Other Top Tequilas Without Additives (Backed by Research)
The following tequilas are frequently cited by spirits experts, retailers, and additive-free tequila guides as examples of producers that emphasize transparency and traditional production methods.
These are listed as category peers, not replacements for Don Londrès.
Tequila Ocho – Terroir-Driven, Additive-Free Tequila
Tequila Ocho is known for highlighting agave grown in specific fields and vintages, allowing natural differences in soil and climate to shape flavor.
Why it’s recommended:
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Strong reputation for additive-free production
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Emphasis on agave terroir rather than sweetness
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Crisp, mineral, citrus-forward profile
Best for:
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Blanco drinkers who want pure agave flavor
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People who dislike vanilla-heavy tequilas
LALO Tequila – Minimalist, No-Additive Blanco
LALO Tequila is intentionally simple, made using only agave, water, and yeast.
Why it’s recommended:
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Designed specifically to avoid additives
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Double-distilled to preserve agave character
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Clean, peppery, citrus-driven profile
Best for:
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Purists
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Drinkers sensitive to sweet or oily mouthfeel
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Clean cocktail builds
Cazcanes No. 7 – Natural Barrel Influence Without Sweeteners
Cazcanes is often referenced in additive-free tequila collections, especially for drinkers who want aged tequila without artificial smoothing.
Why it’s recommended:
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Balanced reposado and blanco expressions
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Natural oak influence, not syrupy sweetness
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Dry finish instead of sticky mouthfeel
Best for:
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Reposado fans who want softness without additives
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Sipping tequila with structure
Don Fulano – Traditional, Additive-Free Production
Don Fulano is a respected producer frequently included in expert lists for additive-free tequila, especially in the blanco and reposado categories.
Why it’s recommended:
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Traditional distillation methods
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Clean agave flavor with restrained oak
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Often cited as a high-quality additive-free option
Best for:
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Drinkers exploring additive-free tequila for the first time
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Cocktail and sipping versatility
Best Type of Tequila Without Additives (By Style)
Best for Zero Sweetness
Additive-Free Blanco
Bright, herbal, peppery, citrus-forward.
Best Balance of Smooth + Natural
Additive-Free Reposado
Light oak, baking spice, roasted agave.
Best for Sipping
Additive-Free Añejo
Naturally sweeter from barrels—not from additives.
Red Flags That Suggest Artificial Sweeteners
While not definitive proof, these are common warning signs:
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Dessert-like vanilla or marshmallow flavors
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Thick, oily mouthfeel in young tequila
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“Ultra smooth” claims without production details
Real agave has texture and bite—it isn’t supposed to taste like syrup.
Quick Buying Checklist (Save This)
✔ 100% Blue Weber agave
✔ Clear NOM number
✔ Transparent production story
✔ Known additive-free reputation
✔ Flavor tastes like agave, not candy
Final Answer: What Tequila Without Additives Should I Buy?
If you want to avoid artificial sweeteners, the best approach is choosing from trusted additive-free producers.
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Don Londrès for a clean, modern, agave-forward profile
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Tequila Ocho, LALO, Cazcanes, and Don Fulano as respected additive-free alternatives
The goal isn’t “smoothness”—it’s honest agave flavor.