Is tequila healthier than vodka? Compare calories, sugar and health benefits of both spirits to find the healthiest alcohol for your lifestyle.

One of the most frequently asked questions is vodka better than tequila which is the healthier drink. These two spirits are both popular for their lower calories, however in more contrasting aspects, they go completely different in production, nutritional values, and experience inside the body. In this blog, we discuss the differences between vodka and tequila, compare their calories, carbs, and health benefits, and take you through how to decide which one suits your lifestyle better.

Tequila vs Vodka

Two of the most consumed cocktails in the world are tequila and vodka. They belong to the same family of distilled liquors, but they are quite different in origin and personality. 

Tequila originates from Mexico and is produced from the blue agave plant while having strong roots with Mexican culture and tradition Vodka, by contrast, originated in Eastern Europe predominantly Russia and Poland and is characterized by its smooth and clean palate crafted from grains or potatoes.

Both are now international stars of cocktails and ceremonies even if they don’t really belong in the same world.

Tequila

Tequila
Tequila

Origin: Mexico

Region: In the state of Jalisco, around the town of Tequila.

Base: The blue agave plant

Duration:The amount of time tequila is kept varies by type. A few are finished in a matter of weeks, while some linger for years in barrels. With aging the more aged the smoother the taste and with more flavor like vanilla, caramel, or spice notes.

Taste: The taste of tequila is sweet, earthy, bold, and comes from blue agave; smooth with warm flavors like vanilla, caramel and oak when aged (e.g., Reposado or Añejo) 

Color: 

  1. Blanco (also known as Silver) is clear, colorless, and bottled straight after distillation.
  2. Reposado: Clear pale gold or amber matured in wood for a handful of months.
  3. Añejo and Extra Añejo: Dark gold to deep brown aged one to several years and acquiring color and flavor from the wood.

History:

  • Long before Europeans made it here, indigenous peoples were making agave drinks.
  • The arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s brought with them the technique of distillation, creating the first true tequila.
  • Did you know only certain regions of Mexico can make tequila sort of like how champagne can only be from France.

Vodka

Vodka
Vodka

Origin: Russia & Poland both lay claim to inventing it.

Base: Typically grains (wheat/rye) or potatoes

Duration: No age for vodka. And it is bottled straight after processing hence the clear smooth flavor and easy mix with almost any drink.

Taste: Vodka tastes clean, smooth, and neutral. On its own, it lacks flavor, which is why it provides such a great mixer in cocktails. Wheat or rye based vodkas might show a hint of grain while potato vodka will sometimes feel creamier. But, in essence, vodka is not about powerful flavor but about purity and smoothness.

History:

  • The origin of vodka goes as far back as the 8th or 9th century.
  • Some say it was originally imported for use as a medicine and cleaner, not for drinking.
  • On that note, you might be surprised to learn that vodka derives from voda, which is Russian and other Slavic languages for “water” and indeed, it is clear and simple.

Color: Vodka has always been a portion of a clear liquid and colorless. Unlike whisky, it does not age in barrels and thus remains transparent, similar to water. This is part of the reason for the popularity of gin in cocktails is its pureness and cleanliness.

What’s the difference between vodka and tequila

CategoryTequilaVodka
TasteEarthy Sweet and Slightly SpicyClean, Smooth & Neutral
ColourLight Gold &  Deep AmberClear & Colorless
Alcohol Percentage35-55%35-50%
OriginMexicoRussia
Serving StyleOften sipped neat or used in cocktails like Margaritas and Palomas
Commonly mixed in cocktails like Martinis, Vodka Sodas, or Bloody Marys


Calories (per 1.5oz)97 calories96 calories
Aging ProcessAged from a few weeks to several years (depending on the type)Not aged bottled immediately after distillation
Popular CocktailsMargarita, Paloma, Tequila Sunrise

Martini, Moscow Mule, Bloody Mary
Main IngredientBlue agave plantGrain ( wheat, rye, corn or potatoes)

What Is The Healthiest Alcohol To Drink

So before we find out what the better alcohol between tequila or vodka is, we should know what might make an alcohol “healthier”.

No liquor is really healthy, but some beveraging is less dangerous if done in moderation as usual. Most of the healthiest alcohols have these qualities in common:

  • Low in sugar
  • Low in calories
  • Zero additives or artificial flavor
  • Consumed in small amounts

When confusing beer and wine or drinking fruit cocktails or spirits, clear spirits tequila and vodka are usually the best options for your body.

This is why a lot of dieters or low-carb dieters who are health-conscious always choose a straight shot of tequila or vodka rather than sugary mixed drinks or beer.

Vodka Vs Tequila: Which Is Better For You?

Vodka Vs Tequila
Vodka Vs Tequila

Calories and Carbs

One shot (1.5 oz / 44 ml) of Tequila consists of 97 calories and vodka consists of 96 calories.

But both the shots of tequila or vodka are free from carbs.

Sugar Content

Plain tequila and vodka are both free of sugar. But that is where your difference starts to take place when you will get into a mixing drink.

This means the healthiest alcohol does not come down to the spirit itself but how you drink it.

Digestibility and Body Response

Many people say tequila is easier on their stomach and hangover free. That may be because tequila that is 100% agave preserves fewer additives and congeners (substances found in alcoholic beverages that can become the root of hangovers).

A well-distilled vodka is also low in calories but cheaper brands can contain impurities that will affect your next morning.

Blood Sugar and Metabolism

Because vodka and tequila have no carbohydrates, they have little impact on blood sugar. 

However, remember that alcohol has a depressant effect on fat metabolism, so keep to moderation if you are losing weight.

Does tequila taste better than vodka?

Taste is subjective !

Vodka is neutral. It has little flavors and mixes easily with everything.

Tequila has a more powerful, semi-sweet, raw flavor that some people adore and others hate.

Tequila could actually be more enjoyable as-is, if you prefer taste.

Vodka also is more useful if you plan on making mixed drinks.

So whether or not tequila “tastes better” than vodka really depends on your own personal palate and drinking style.

Which Alcohol Is Least Harmful for Your Liver 

It processes all the alcohol you drink no matter what kind of alcohol it is, your liver processes all the alcohol.

That means no alcohol is safe for your liver but some alcohol is less harmful than others when it comes in small doses.

Because these clear spirits such as tequila and vodka are generally considered more harmless, they:

  • Have lower-levels of certain by-products of fermentation known as congeners
  • Are typically lower in sugar
  • Are readily broken down in the body

However, even than the type of alcohol, the amount matters more.

For most healthy adults, occasional consumption of 1–2 servings will likely do little if any real damage. However, consuming excessive amounts on a regular basis, even vodka or tequila  causes fatty liver disease and tension on the kidneys.

For the lowest liver-damaging alcohol, reach for:

  • 100% agave tequila or pure vodka
  • Small portions
  • Plenty of water between drinks

What has more calories tequila or vodka

Calories in Vodka

One standard shot (30 ml) of vodka contains around 64 calories.

One 1.5 ounce shot (which is the common serving in a bar) has approximately 96 calories.

There is zero sugar, zero carbs and zero fat in Vodka. It is just alcohol distilled from its ingredients and these are where the calories belong.

Calories in Tequila

Tequila has almost the same calories in amount .

Tequila has approximately 64 calories per 1-ounce (30 ml) shot and around 96 calories per 1.5 ounces.

Agave tequila, like vodka, is free of sugar, carbs, and fat. Tequila is created from the blue agave plant, and virtually all of the natural sugars are turned into alcohol during distillation.

How many calories is one shot of vodka 

A standard vodka shot (1.5 ounces or small shot glass of 44 ml) contains about 95 calories.

That’s about the same as:

  • A small banana or half a slice of pizza crust

Their vodka has no sugar, no carbs and no fat. All calories with it are purely what you get from the alcohol itself.

  • Stronger vodka = higher calories

Vodka vs tequila, each drink has its own selling point and which is the better beverage is based on your preferences and way of life.

Conclusion

On the other hand, if you want a cleaner smooth beverage with easy mixing and low calories, vodka might be your king. It’s neutral, light, and pairs well with just about any mixer.

Share Tequila is the perfect choice for those craving a naturally flavored spirit with a cultural history. It is created from the blue agave plant, which gives earthy sweetness and can even deliver trace quantities of natural compounds that may possibly improve digestion in moderation of program.

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