Vodka vs Tequila - What is the difference?

Most Americans over the age of 21 have been in the presence of both tequila and vodka. Whether or not they decided to try these spirits is another matter. They are two of the most popular spirits in the country and we thought it might be useful to talk about their many interesting qualities.

What is the difference between vodka and tequila? Both vodka and tequila are clear spirits with an average ABV of 40%, but that’s where the similarities end. Traditionally, vodka was made from potatoes, but it can also be made from cereal grains. Straight vodka has no flavor, so it’s common to find flavored vodka in the store. Tequila is only produced in Mexico and is made from the blue agave plant. It has an earthy and spicy flavor and tastes somewhat sweet.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all of these differences and more, while also encouraging you to remember to always drink responsibly if you decide to indulge in any of the delicious cocktails mentioned.

Types of spirits: Vodka and Tequila

For alcohol to be classified as a spirit, it must be distilled and have at least 20% alcohol by volume (ABV), although the average spirit is usually around 40%.

There are 6 main types of spirits that you will see again and again in cocktail ingredients and on liquor store shelves: Vodka, Whiskey, Rum, Tequila, Brandy, and Gin.

Two of those ever-popular spirits are Vodka and Tequila, which we’ll talk about in depth in this article.

What is vodka?

Vodka is a clear water spirit that has been the best-selling in the United States for many years, despite originating in Russia and Poland.

What is vodka made of?  Although it sounds funny, vodka was originally made with potatoes, although nowadays it is more common to make it with cereal grains such as rye or wheat. You can also find popular brands that use corn, rice, fruit, or even just plain sugar.

How is vodka made?  The grain or starch is first fermented with yeast, producing a liquid with an alcohol content of approximately 16%.

That’s not enough for a spirit, so it goes through a distillation process that boils the liquid in a still, separating the alcohol from the water until it reaches a more appropriate proof of 80 proof.

The first vodka distillery to open in the US was Smirnoff, which remains a favorite brand.

Our favorite fun fact about vodka is that the original Slavic translation means “water of life.”

What is tequila?

Tequila is a fairly exclusive spirit, which means that it is only produced in Mexico and, even within Mexico, it can only be produced in 5 very exclusive regions of the country.

The vast majority of all tequila available in the world is made in Jalisco, Mexico. Mexico has the right to call a product tequila, so if it’s made anywhere else, it’s not tequila.

What is tequila made of so that there is so much exclusivity?  Because tequila must contain at least 51% Blue Agave, also known as Agave del Tequila, which is native to Jalisco, Mexico. These spiky plants are often called cacti, but they are actually giant-sized succulents.

They are notoriously difficult to grow because they need perfect desert conditions and approximately 8 years to mature.

From that moment on, only the heart is used to make tequila. Like Heart of Palm, this kills the plant, so it can only be used once.

After the heart is harvested, it is steamed and crushed, sometimes with the help of a donkey, and then distilled.

If a spirit drink is made with more than 51% Blue Agave anywhere in the world, it is called Mezcal.

Vodka vs Tequila - The Differences

Now the main difference between vodka and tequila is the material from which each spirit is made, but after going through a distillation process, there are many important differences to be aware of, which we will now look at.

tequila vs. Vodka: Health

Before you start indulging at your next social event or even snuggling solo with your partner and/or fur companion, you may want to know if your chosen drink is going to harm your health or substantially swell your waistline.

The healthiest tequila

Pure tequila, made from 100% blue agave, is surprisingly low in sugar, carbs, and calories.  When it comes to alcohol, that’s a good start.

Many Internet sites would have you believe that tequila is diabetic-friendly, good for your bones, and a strategic part of any weight loss plan.  Don’t believe those sites.

There is very little research linking any of these health benefits to the agave plant itself, beyond the positive benefits of eliminating processed white sugar from your diet.

Adding to the lack of scientific evidence, any potential benefits would evaporate along with the water from the distillation process.

And what’s worse, since all alcohol is processed exclusively by the liver , drinking any spirit can cause a drop in blood sugar and turn off your body’s fat-burning potential.

You should also keep in mind that most tequilas, especially the reasonably priced bottles, are not 100% pure agave.

And if you drink your tequila in cocktail form, you’ll also need to consider the health effects of your mix.

Tequila itself is a decent, low-sugar option when it comes to alcoholic beverages , but it’s hardly a healthy drink.

Vodka Health Facts

Like tequila and other distilled spirits, vodka has essentially no nutritional value.

This means it won’t add a lot of calories, carbs, or sugar to your diet, but it won’t add any vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants either.

All the same tequila concerns apply to vodka.

It’s a drink that’s low in sugars, calories, and carbs , but you do have to be careful what you mix in, and the potentially detrimental health consequences of drinking alcohol in any form. Drinking vodka has no real benefits.

vodka vs. Tequila: calories

A general rule of thumb to keep in mind with spirits is that the higher the ABV %, the higher the calories.

We are used to thinking of calories in terms of carbohydrates and protein, which each have 4 calories per gram, and fat, which have 9 calories per gram. Alcohol is a category of its own, averaging 7 calories per gram.

Tequila aficionados will tell you that tequila has fewer calories than vodka, which may be true, but it will depend on the alcohol percentage.

1 ounce of José Cuervo Gold tequila, 40%, has 69 calories. 1 ounce of Tito’s House Vodka, 40%, has 65 calories. They are the two best sellers in the US for each type of spirit.

Sugar in tequila vs. vodka

Both tequila and vodka start out as sugary foods, but the fermentation and distillation process burns off all the sugar in both drinks.

Neither spirit has sugar in its pure form.

vodka vs. Tequila: Which is stronger?

Stronger is a relative term that can refer to flavor, but we’re going to interpret it as alcohol content.

The contenders are fairly balanced in terms of the alcohol content of tequila vs. vodka. The average for both is 40%, although some vodka alcohol percentages can reach 95%. The percentage of tequila reaches a maximum of 60%.

tequila vs. Vodka: Taste

The taste of tequila varies depending on the percentage of Blue Agave used, the degree of “aging” and the region in which it was produced.

If you are familiar with the taste of agave, you have a basis for guessing what a spirit made from this plant will taste like. A straight tequila made with 100% blue agave will have a strong agave flavor, earthy, and just a little sweet.

The younger the tequila, the less expensive it will be and the stronger its alcoholic sting.

As tequila ages, it softens, taking on some of the characteristics of the barrel in which it rests. A well-aged tequila can have undertones of vanilla, oak, caramel, or spice.

Vodka is technically “tasteless,” but those with a fine palate will notice slight variations in flavor depending on the type of vodka.

Fruit vodkas have floral notes, while a rye vodka will have a more intense flavor, which some might even describe as spicy. Traditional potato vodka is slightly creamier, yet still completely colorless.

Of course, a flavored vodka will taste like whatever flavor has been added to the spirit after the distillation process.

tequila vs. Vodka: Price

As with most alcohols, the price tends to rise with the quality of the spirit. However, you can find a decent or above average bottle of both vodka and tequila for $20-$30.

That being said, vodka is less exclusive, more popular, and less expensive in general.

The most popular vodkas are within that mid-$25 zone, while the most popular tequilas are closer to $40.

Drinks with vodka and tequila

The 10 best vodka cocktails The 10 best tequila cocktails

Frequently asked questions about vodka and tequila

What is the best tequila for margaritas?

The best tequila for margaritas will always be the one made from 100% blue agave. It is also often called Blanco, which is a clear, white, unaged tequila with the best agave flavor.

If you want to make a good margarita, you’ll also need triple sec. We’ve picked our favorite triple sec options for margaritas.

Is vodka gluten free?

Yes, vodka is naturally gluten-free, although it is often made with wheat and other gluten-containing grains. This is because the fermentation and distillation process removes the gluten-containing proteins from wheat.

However, if the vodka you choose has flavorings or ingredients added after the distillation process, there is no guarantee that those additives are gluten-free.

Also, if the vodka is made with grain, it’s obviously being produced in a facility that puts the final product at risk of cross-contamination.

If you really want to be safe, look for a good old and still popular potato or corn vodka made in a gluten-free facility.

Smirnoff is one of America’s best-selling vodka brands and is made from corn. Glacier vodka is also easy to find and is made in Idaho with Idaho potatoes.

How do you sip tequila?

In Mexico, tequila is traditionally drunk neat (room temperature straight tequila), savored for its complex flavor, and served with a garnish of spicy sangrita.

Sangrita is essentially a citrus juice mixed with hot sauce and is not meant to be used as a side, but as a palate cleanser. It is designed to enhance the flavor of the tequila, rather than remove it.

If you’re going to try sipping tequila, the first step is to buy a bottle of good quality, 100% blue agave, preferably one that has been purposefully aged.

Save the “mixto,” tequila with only 51% blue agave, for cocktails you’ll be drinking by the dozen on a big night.

What is a vodka gimlet?

A traditional gimlet is a cocktail made with gin and lime juice. A vodka gimlet swaps the gin for vodka.

Use 2 parts vodka to 1 part lime juice, and if that’s too fresh for your palate, you can try adding a splash of simple syrup.

Why is there a worm in the tequila?

Actually, the worms are never in the tequila, but in the mezcal . Mezcal is a similar spirit in that it is also made from the agave plant, but it doesn’t have to be primarily blue agave, like tequila.

As for why there is a worm, there are many different legends. Some stories suggest that a distiller in the 1940s discovered a positive flavor enhancement from a stray worm and made it part of his process from then on.

Others hold a more superstitious view, believing that the worm will bring good luck, special powers, or added strength and fortune to the lucky person who found the worm in their cup.