Tequila and vodka are two of the most popular distilled spirits made in different parts of the world, with different ingredients, tastes, and calories. They’re both great for making cocktails and mixed drinks that taste great. 

However, if you’re on a diet or want to limit your calorie intake, it’s important to know how many calories your food and drinks contain.

As one of the most consumed liquors, tequila and vodka have a significant amount of calories, depending on their ABV and added mixers.

The alcohol content of tequila and vodka can vary depending on the brand, production process, etc. Therefore, their calorie content will also vary.

1 ½ oz of tequila with 40% ABV has 97 calories, while 1 ½ oz of vodka with 40% ABV has 96 calories.

Let’s learn something more about these liquors.

Also check: Can You Mix Vodka And Tequila?

What’s Tequila?

Tequila is distilled spirit produced in certain Mexican regions. It’s made by fermenting and distilling the juice of the Weber blue agave plant to make a clear, amber-colored spirit. 

Tequila usually contains 35-40% ABV. It has a complex, slightly sweet, and slightly earthy flavor with hints of oak and vanilla.

Tequila can also have a slightly spicy or herbal finish. The taste of tequila can vary depending on the specific brand and the production process used. 

Some tequilas may have a more pronounced agave flavor, while others may be more subtle. The aging process can also affect tequila’s taste, with aged tequilas generally having a more complex and smooth flavor than younger unaged tequilas.

Tequila is most commonly consumed in its pure form, either as a shot or as an ingredient in various cocktails.

More: 20 Best Low Calorie Tequila Drinks

Tequila Shot Calories

The number of calories in a tequila shot depends on the size of the shot and the alcohol content of the tequila.

A standard shot of tequila is usually 1.5 oz (44ml), and most tequila brands have an alcohol content of 38–50% ABV. Based on these values, a regular shot of this drink would contain about 97 calories.

The calorie content of tequila can vary depending on the specific brand and the alcohol content. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the label to determine the exact calorie content of a tequila brand.

What’s Vodka?

Vodka is a clear, colorless, unsweetened liquor made of grains, potatoes, or sometimes fruit. When producing vodka, companies distill liquid from fermented grains or potatoes, usually 40% ABV.

Vodka is typically distilled to a high-proof, which means it has a relatively neutral flavor and aroma.

However, some vodka brands may add small amounts of flavoring agents or other ingredients to give their vodka a unique flavor profile.

For example, some vodka brands may add fruit essences, herbs, or spices to give their vodka a flavored taste. Vodka usually has a clear color, but some brands may add color to their vodka using natural or artificial ingredients.

Vodka is popular in many countries and is often used as a base for cocktails and mixed with other beverages to create mixed drinks, but it’s also used neat.

There are many different types of vodka available on the market. Some popular types of vodka include:

• Wheat vodka: made from wheat and has a smooth, grainy flavor
• Rye vodka: made from rye and has a slightly spicy flavor 
• Potato vodka: made from potatoes and has a slightly sweet flavor
• Corn vodka: made from corn and has a slightly sweeter, smoother flavor
• Fruit vodka: made from fruit and has a fruity flavor 

The type of grains and the other ingredients used to make vodka influence the vodka’s flavor and texture. Some prefer the taste of vodka made of certain grains, while others prefer fruit vodka.

More: What Does Vodka Taste Like?

Vodka Shot Calories

Vodka, like other types of alcohol, contains calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.

One 1.5 oz shot of vodka has 96 calories and no protein, fat, or carbohydrates. The calorie content of vodka can vary depending on the brand and the type of grains or other ingredients used to make it.

For example, vodka made from potatoes may have a slightly different nutritional profile than vodka made from grains.

Many mixed drinks contain vodka, added sugar, and other ingredients that can contribute to their calorie and carbohydrate content.

For example, a vodka tonic or a vodka cranberry may have significantly more calories and carbohydrates than pure vodka.

Higher-proof vodkas have a higher calorie count.

Different types of vodka with the same alcohol content have the same calorie content.

• 1.5 oz shot of vodka with 35%ABV has 85 calories
• 1.5 oz shot of vodka with 40%ABV has 96 calories
• 1.5 oz shot of vodka with 45%ABV has 110 calories
• 1.5 oz shot of vodka with 50%ABV has 124 calories

Tequila vs. Vodka Compared

Tequila and Vodka are both distilled alcoholic beverages and usually have an alcohol content of 40% ABV, equivalent to 80 proof.

However, some tequila and vodka brands may have higher or lower alcohol content. Tequila and vodka don’t contain significant amounts of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

Here’s a table that compares tequila and vodka’s nutritional value and calorie content.

Here is a comparison of some key differences between tequila and vodka.

Origin

Vodka originated in Russia and Poland, while tequila is native to Mexico.

Ingredient

Vodka is made from grains such as wheat or potatoes, while tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is native to Mexico.

Production Process

The production process for vodka involves fermenting and distilling the grain to create a neutral spirit, which is then filtered to remove impurities and flavor. Tequila, on the other hand, is made by fermenting and distilling the juice of the blue agave plant.

Flavor Profile

Vodka is known for its smooth neutral flavor, while tequila has a slightly sweet and slightly earthy taste with hints of oak and vanilla. Tequila can also have a slightly spicy or herbal finish.

Alcohol Content

Both vodka and tequila usually have an alcohol content of 40-50 %ABV, or 80 to 100 proof.

Calories

1 ½ oz of tequila with 40 % ABV has 97 calories, while 1 ½ oz of vodka with 40 %ABV has 96 calories.

Uses

Vodka is a versatile spirit often used as a base for cocktails and mixed drinks, while tequila is most commonly consumed in its pure form or as an ingredient in cocktails like margaritas.

Different Types of Drinks and Their Calories Content

Here is a comprehensive table of the approximate number of calories in common types of alcoholic drinks based on a serving size of 1.5 oz for spirits and 12 oz for beer and wine.

Remember that the number of calories in a specific drink varies depending on the brand and alcohol content. Mixers and other ingredients can also significantly boost the calorie content of a drink.

Is Tequila Lower Calorie Than Vodka?

Tequila and vodka are relatively low in calories compared to other types of alcohol. However, the number of calories in a serving of tequila or vodka can vary depending on the specific brand and its alcohol content.

Generally, one serving of tequila, 1.5 oz, has 97 calories, while one serving of vodka, 1.5 oz, of vodka contains 96 calories.

That means tequila and vodka have around 100 calories per shot. If you want to keep this amount of calories in your tequila or vodka, it’s best to consume them straight, on the rocks, or with club soda or sparkling water.

If you add high-calorie and sugary mixers to your drinks, they will increase their calorie content.

For example, adding a splash of orange juice to a vodka shot can add around 20 calories, while adding a splash of grenadine syrup can add about 75 calories. These numbers can vary depending on the specific mixer and the amount used.

If you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, it’s best to use lower-calorie mixers, such as club soda, diet tonic water, or diet soda. They can help keep the calorie content of your cocktails as low as possible while still adding flavor.

It’s also important to remember that alcohol should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Which Has Less Sugar, Vodka or Tequila?

Both vodka and tequila are relatively low in sugar compared to other types of alcohol.

However, the amount of sugar in a serving of vodka or tequila can vary depending on the type and quality of the ingredients used to make the liquor and the production process.

Generally, one serving of vodka, 1.5 oz, contains no sugar, while one serving of tequila contains a small amount of naturally occurring sugar.

This is because tequila is made from the agave plant, which contains a small amount of sugar. The sugar in tequila is not added but is a natural component of the agave plant.

However, this amount of sugar in a serving of tequila is usually very small and is not likely to significantly impact your blood sugar levels.

More: Vodka Vs. Whiskey: Key Differences

On the other hand, vodka is made from various grains and does not naturally contain any sugar. However, some flavored vodka brands may contain added sugar or other sweeteners to enhance their flavor.

It’s important to check the label of your vodka or tequila to determine the sugar content and to choose a lower-sugar brand if you’re trying to limit your intake of added sugars.

Limiting sugary mixers like fruit juice and soda is also a good idea, which can contribute significantly to your daily sugar intake.

Is Tequila or Vodka More Calories?

Tequila and vodka are relatively low in calories compared to other types of alcohol. In general, vodka contains fewer calories per serving than tequila. One serving of vodka (1.5 oz or 44ml) contains about 96 calories. In comparison, one serving of tequila (1.5 oz or 44 ml) has about 97 calories.

The difference in the calorie content between these two liquors is due to the ingredients used for their production.

Vodka is made from grains or potatoes, which have a lower calorie content than the blue agave plant used to make tequila.

However, the difference in calorie content between these two types of alcohol is small, with only one calorie difference per serving.

The number of calories in a drink can also be influenced by other factors, such as the mixers that are added to the alcohol.

For example, a vodka soda will have fewer calories than a vodka cranberry; cranberry juice contains more calories than soda water.

Summary

Tequila and vodka are two popular liquors you can enjoy in various cocktails and mixed drinks. They’re also relatively low in calories compared to other alcoholic beverages.

A 1.5 oz shot of tequila contains 97 calories, whereas a 1.5 oz shot of vodka has 96 calories.

However, it’s important to note that these calories only apply to the alcohol itself and not to any mixers or other ingredients that may be added to the drink.

For example, a margarita made with tequila, lime juice, and syrup can have significantly more calories than a shot of tequila on its own.

It’s important to keep in mind that alcohol can have a negative impact on your health, regardless of its calorie. If you choose to drink alcohol, it’s best to do so in moderation and be aware of the potential risks and consequences.

Resources

• https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/vodka-calories#:~:text=Vodka%20nutrition%20facts,come%20from%20the%20alcohol%20itself
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322568