A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) spirit contains approximately 97 calories. Given this baseline, the surprising truth about which has more calories—tequila or vodka—is that they are almost identical. If we have to pick a winner for “more calories,” unflavored vodka often edges out unflavored tequila by a negligible amount, primarily because many vodkas hover slightly above 40% ABV, adding a few extra calories per serving. The critical point isn’t the spirit itself, but what’s in the glass with it.
The Calorie Source: Alcohol, Not Sugar
The calories in distilled spirits like vodka and tequila come almost entirely from the alcohol (ethanol) itself. Ethanol is calorically dense, providing about 7 calories per gram. In contrast, carbohydrates and proteins offer about 4 calories per gram, and fats offer 9.
Pure, unflavored spirits contain virtually no carbohydrates, fats, or proteins. They are essentially alcohol and water. This means that for a given volume, the higher the alcohol by volume (ABV), the higher the calorie count will be.
The Numbers Game: Tequila vs. Vodka (Unflavored)
When comparing unflavored versions of both spirits at the same alcohol percentage, their calorie counts are essentially the same.
- 80-Proof (40% ABV) Vodka: A 1.5 oz (44ml) shot typically contains around 97 calories.
- 80-Proof (40% ABV) Blanco Tequila: A 1.5 oz (44ml) shot also typically contains around 97 calories.
The marginal difference often arises because some common vodka brands might be bottled at 42-45% ABV (84-90 proof), while most tequilas stick closer to 40% ABV. This slight increase in alcohol content in some vodkas translates to a few more calories per serving. However, the difference is so small that it’s rarely a significant factor for anyone not meticulously tracking every single calorie.
For aged tequilas (Reposado, Añejo), the aging process in barrels imparts color and flavor but does not significantly increase the calorie count, as no sugars or caloric additives are typically introduced.
What Most People Get Wrong About Spirit Calories
The conversation around spirit calories is often clouded by misconceptions. Here are a few common ones:
- Myth 1: Tequila is a “healthier” choice or lower in calories. This belief often stems from the agave plant’s natural sugars, but 100% agave tequila is fermented and distilled, removing those sugars. The final product is a pure spirit with calories derived solely from alcohol, just like vodka. There’s no inherent calorie advantage.
- Myth 2: Clear spirits are always lower in calories than dark spirits. While many dark spirits (like some rums or whiskies) can have added sugars or flavorings that boost calorie counts, the color itself doesn’t dictate calories. A clear, flavored vodka with added sugar can have significantly more calories than a pure, unflavored aged whiskey.
- Myth 3: The grain or plant base affects the final calorie count. Whether a spirit is made from potatoes (vodka), agave (tequila), or grain (whiskey), once it’s distilled to a pure ethanol form, its origin no longer impacts the calorie count. What matters is the final alcohol percentage. To dive deeper into the science behind this, understand the calorie truth behind your favorite clear spirits.
The Real Calorie Culprit: Your Mixer
For most drinkers, the biggest variable in cocktail calorie counts isn’t the spirit itself but what you mix it with. Sugary sodas, fruit juices, and caloric liqueurs can easily add hundreds of calories to a single drink.
- Low-Calorie Options: Soda water, diet tonic, fresh lime/lemon juice, zero-calorie flavored sparkling water.
- High-Calorie Options: Regular soda, orange juice, cranberry juice, tonic water (regular), simple syrup, sweet liqueurs.
For example, while a shot of vodka is consistent, the choice between a vodka soda and a screwdriver makes a dramatic difference in calorie count. Explore more on that topic with The Ultimate Guide to Vodka and Orange Juice.
Final Verdict
When directly comparing a standard shot of pure, unflavored tequila and vodka, vodka technically has a marginally higher calorie count due to slightly higher average ABVs in some brands. However, for practical purposes, the calorie difference is negligible. If your goal is to manage calorie intake, focus overwhelmingly on the mixers you choose, as these are almost always the primary source of hidden calories. The one-line usable takeaway: stick to soda water, and the spirit choice between tequila and vodka is largely irrelevant for calories.