Tequila Vs. Vodka: What's the Real Difference?

Tequila vs. Vodka: What’s the Real Difference?

Introduction: What Are Tequila and Vodka?

In a busy bar or crowded nightclub, it can be difficult to decide between two classic nightlife spirits: tequila vs. vodka. So when the decision has to be made, which is better, and what are the differences? Will guests notice a difference in their shots or mixed drinks between vodka and tequila? Before jumping to any conclusions, let’s first explore what each is and how they are different. While both are typically 40% ABV spirits, the main difference between vodka and tequila is that vodka is typically made from grains (like wheat, rye, or corn) or potatoes, whereas tequila is made specifically from Blue Weber agave grown in designated regions of Mexico. Most tequilas also undergo a double distillation process, which preserves the flavors and aromas of the agave plant. Vodka, on the other hand, is typically triple-distilled and designed to have a much more neutral flavor and aroma. The additional rounds of distillation remove impurities — but they also strip away most of the original flavor from the base ingredients.

Taste Differences

Due to the differences in ingredients and production, vodka and tequila can taste quite different. Vodka is intentionally distilled to have a clean, neutral flavor, while tequila — especially in its unaged form — retains distinctive agave characteristics. However, tequila also has multiple expressions, which can create a wider variance within the category. While vodka is typically not aged, tequila includes varieties such as Reposado, Añejo, Cristalino, and Rosa — many of which are aged in different types of barrels. This aging process can impart additional flavors like oak, bourbon, wine, and woody notes. While vodka is more neutral, it can have a slightly sweet taste depending on the base. These flavor differences are best observed when sipping vodka or tequila neat, or in simple cocktails like a Ranch Water or a Vodka soda.

Health Perception: Tequila vs. Vodka

When most consumers compare vodka vs. tequila, a common question is: Which is healthier? While we can compare calories between specific brands, most 1.5 oz (44 ml) shots of tequila or vodka contain approximately 96–110 calories and vary by brand and proof. With such a small difference, which is better for you largely boils down to how you consume your beverages. If you shoot or drink your spirits neat, you can directly compare calories between brands. Otherwise, consumers will need to pay closer attention to what’s in their tequila or vodka cocktails, and what else is added.Many popular drinks — like margaritas or flavored vodka cocktails — use pre-made mixers or sugary sodas that significantly increase calorie and sugar content. To keep things healthier, opt for low-calorie cocktails like a Ranch Water, vodka soda, or tequila soda, which are typically made with minimal ingredients and less added sugar. When choosing your spirit, also consider what additives may be present. Some flavored vodkas can contain added sweeteners, but most unflavored, premium vodkas distilled from 100% grain are typically additive-free. Tequila, by contrast, is allowed to contain up to 1% additives by volume, even if labeled 100% agave. This can make it confusing, but doing some research and finding a quality additive-free tequila can make a difference for those who want minimal ingredients.

Substituting Tequila and Vodka

For some cocktails, tequila and vodka can certainly be substituted. For a low-calorie option, a Ranch Water can feature vodka instead of tequila, and similarly, a vodka soda can be made into a tequila soda with similar results. However, blanco tequila, or unaged tequila, is best for vodka substitutions. Other barrel-aged varieties like Reposado or Añejo have different flavors from the aging process, which make them harder to substitute for vodka. Many cocktails, however, embrace the unique notes brought by the substitution, leading to creative variations like the Mexican Mule instead of a traditional Moscow Mule made with vodka.