What Is the difference between vodka and tequila?

 What Are The Differences & Similarities Between Vodka & Tequila? 

Vodka and Tequila are both distilled spirits made by fermentation. Beyond that, they are very different in taste, process, and cultural roots. 

What are the similarities between tequila and vodka? 

Vodka and Tequila Blanco (one kind of Tequila) are both clear, versatile distilled spirits consumed as shots, on-the-rocks, with seltzer, and in cocktails. 

What Are The Differences Between How Vodka and Tequila Are Made? 

Vodka is typically made from grains or potatoes but can also be made from fruit, typically  apples and grapes, or other crops like molasses, rice, barley, and soybeans. The classic vodka ingredients are rye, wheat, corn, and potato. Although its roots go back to the Middle Ages in what is now Eastern Europe, today vodka is geographically untethered and produced all over the world. 

Worlds apart geographically, Tequila is and always has been, rooted in Mexico since the 16th century. It is made from the Weber blue agave plant that grows in Jalisco. Outside of Jalisco, spirits made with agave are not permitted to be called Tequila, and are called Mezcals. 

Once the agave is harvested, it is roasted, then macerated with yeast, and distilled twice. The crops used to make Vodka are not roasted, but macerated with enzymes before the yeast is added. Distillation varies depending on the producer with some claiming up to 18 distillations.

Are Tequila Hangovers Worse Than Vodka Hangovers? 

Many people claim that Tequila is less likely to cause a hangover than Vodka but this is still up for debate. There are many factors that can result in a hangover including, how pure the alcohol is, the presence of congeners, how much alcohol is consumed and how quickly, and what the alcohol is mixed with. However, Vodka may have an advantage over Tequila as it contains no congeners, which can linger in the body and are associated with hangovers.

The most important thing is to choose a quality spirit, like a Tequila Blanco that is 100% Agave with no additives or a 100% Vodka without additives. You are less likely to get a hangover from purer, clear spirits than darker or lower quality spirits. 

What Are The Differences In Taste Between Vodka and Tequila? 

Tequila has an earthier, more pronounced, slightly sweeter taste than vodka. Contrary to the belief that vodka should have no taste, craft distillers pride themselves in retaining subtle notes of the base grain or crop in their vodkas by not over distilling and/or filtering, which removes all traces of flavor.

What Are The Calorie Differences Between Vodka and Tequila? 

The calories in Vodka and Tequila are the same, 64 calories/oz. Both have zero carbs, protein, and fat.

How Many Types of Tequila are There? 

There are five kinds of Tequila: Blanco, Joven, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo.

Blanco is clear, unaged and presents the taste of agave in its purest form.

Joven, which means ‘young’ in Spanish, contains Blanco mixed with some amount of aged Tequila. When purchasing this kind of Tequila, look for 100% agave on the label, otherwise it may be a mixto which contains additives and may only be 51% Tequila.

Reposado, means rested in Spanish, and is aged between 2 months and one year in steel or oak barrels. Still retaining the bright agave flavor, Reposados also possess a subtle woody complexity. 

Anejo is aged in oak barrels for between 1 and 3 years producing a more golden color than Reposado and developing complex flavors of honey, vanilla, and spice. Like a whiskey, these are excellent for sipping or for making an Old Fashion. 

Extra Anejo is a premium Tequila aged for a minimum of 3 years and like a whiskey or brandy, prized for its smooth taste and decadent notes of vanilla and caramel, but has a uniquely herbaceous minerality.

How Many Types of Vodka are there? 

There are two categories of vodka, plain and flavored. Among the most popular flavored vodkas are grapefruit, lemon, and cucumber. Types of Vodka are difficult to quantify, since vodka can be made from a wide variety of grains and other crops including potato, fruit, molasses, and soy, as well as blends. Each base crop imparts unique notes and mouthfeel to the vodka. For instance, wheat will be fruitier, potato creamier, and corn sweeter.

Is Vodka or Tequila More Popular? 

Vodka is the number one selling spirit in the world today with Tequila in second place. However, with Tequila’s popularity among Millennials and subsequent generations, it is expected to surpass Vodka as numero uno in the near future. 

What Is the Alcohol Difference Between Vodka and Tequila? 

There is no alcohol difference between Vodka and Tequila. Both spirits contain ethanol that is 80 to 100 proof, meaning 40 to 50% ABV.

Is Vodka or Tequila Healthier? 

Although some people claim to get less hungover from Tequila than Vodka, there is little factual evidence to suggest that vodka is healthier than Tequila or vice versa. It is the quality of the specific brand and lack of additives, not the spirit itself, that determines which is better for you.


BH