Vodka vs Tequila: What Has More Carbs?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Most unflavored distilled spirits, including both vodka and tequila, contain zero carbohydrates per standard serving. For those monitoring their carb intake, the difference between these two liquors is negligible when consumed neat or with carb-free mixers. The key lies in understanding the distillation process and the mixers used in cocktails, which can dramatically alter the total carb count.

Quick Summary

Pure, unflavored vodka and tequila are both zero-carb distilled spirits. The difference in total carbohydrate content comes from mixers and added ingredients, not the liquors themselves. Both are suitable for low-carb diets if paired with a carb-free beverage. Mixers like sugary sodas, juices, and liqueurs will increase the final carbohydrate count significantly.

Key Points

Zero Carbs: Both pure, unflavored vodka and 100% agave tequila contain zero carbohydrates per serving due to the distillation process.
Mixer Matters: The carbohydrate content of a vodka or tequila drink depends entirely on the mixers used, not the liquor itself.
Low-Carb Mixers: To keep drinks carb-free, use mixers like club soda, soda water, diet soda, or a fresh squeeze of citrus.
High-Carb Culprits: Avoid sugary mixers like regular sodas, fruit juices, and premade cocktail mixes, which can add significant carbs.
Flavor Check: Flavored versions of vodka or tequila may contain added sugars and carbs, so always check the label.
Keto Friendly: Both spirits are excellent low-carb options for diets like keto when consumed neat or with the right mixers.

The Core Nutritional Profile of Distilled Spirits

When comparing the nutritional content of spirits like vodka and tequila, the most important factor is the distillation process. Distillation involves heating a fermented liquid to separate the alcohol and water from the original base ingredients. This process effectively removes nearly all of the sugars, starches, and other carbohydrates that were present in the source material.

Where Vodka Gets its Zero Carbs

Vodka can be made from a variety of ingredients, including potatoes, wheat, corn, or other grains. Regardless of the starting material, the final product—pure, unflavored vodka—contains only ethanol and water. This is why an average 1.5-ounce serving has zero grams of carbohydrates and no sugar. Any calories present come solely from the alcohol itself, which contains roughly 7 calories per gram. This makes it a popular choice for those on low-carb diets like keto. It's crucial to check labels, however, as flavored vodkas can have added sugars and syrups that increase the carbohydrate content.

Where Tequila Gets its Zero Carbs

Tequila is produced from the fermented juice of the blue agave plant. The distillation process for authentic 100% agave tequila removes the carbohydrates, resulting in a zero-carb product just like vodka. Like vodka, all the calories in pure tequila come from the alcohol. Some cheaper tequila varieties, known as 'mixto,' can have added sugars to supplement the agave, which can introduce a small number of carbohydrates, so sticking to 100% agave is the safest bet for those minimizing carb intake.

The Real Carb Culprit: The Mixer

While the spirits themselves are carb-free, the overall carbohydrate count of a drink is determined by what you mix with it. A vodka and soda is a zero-carb drink, but a vodka cranberry can have over 30 grams of sugar and carbs. The same applies to tequila. A tequila with a lime wedge is fine, but a margarita made with a standard sugary mix can be loaded with carbohydrates.

Common Mixers and Their Carbohydrate Impact

High-Carb Mixers: Sodas, fruit juices (orange, cranberry, pineapple), tonic water (unless sugar-free), and premade cocktail mixes (margarita mix, piña colada mix). Many liqueurs also contain significant sugar.
Low-Carb Mixers: Club soda, soda water, diet soda, sugar-free tonic water, and a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Vodka vs Tequila Nutritional Comparison Table


Feature	Vodka (Pure, 80-Proof)	Tequila (100% Agave, 80-Proof)
Carbohydrates	0 grams per 1.5 oz	0 grams per 1.5 oz
Sugar	0 grams per 1.5 oz	0 grams per 1.5 oz
Calories	~97 calories per 1.5 oz	~97 calories per 1.5 oz
Primary Ingredient	Grains (wheat, corn) or potatoes	Blue agave plant
Mixer Consideration	Flavored versions may add carbs; classic cocktails often use sugary mixers.	'Mixto' tequilas may add carbs; margaritas often contain high-sugar mixes.

The Verdict and How to Drink Wisely

From a pure nutritional standpoint, the question of "what has more carbs, vodka or tequila?" is a trick question. They both have zero carbohydrates in their unflavored, distilled forms. The health-conscious choice depends entirely on how you consume them. The primary dietary concern is not the spirit itself but the mixers, liqueurs, and sweeteners that are added to create cocktails. To keep your drinks low-carb, opt for simple additions like soda water, a twist of citrus, or a sugar-free mixer.

For those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, understanding this distinction is crucial. When comparing different types of alcoholic beverages, distilled spirits stand out for their lack of carbohydrates. In contrast, beers and many wines retain a significant amount of residual sugars and starches after fermentation, leading to higher carbohydrate counts. By choosing pure spirits and mindful mixers, you can enjoy an alcoholic beverage without derailing your dietary goals.

Conclusion: Mixers are the Key to Carbs

The ultimate takeaway is that neither vodka nor tequila has more carbs than the other when it comes to the pure liquor. Both contain zero carbohydrates thanks to the distillation process. The carb count of your drink is a direct result of the mixers you choose. If you want to keep your carb intake at a minimum, remember to stick to simple, sugar-free mixers and always double-check the ingredients in flavored spirits or premade cocktail mixes. Ultimately, moderation is key for both health and dietary management, regardless of your choice of spirit.

Center for Science in the Public Interest: Which alcoholic beverages have the most (or least) calories?

How to Enjoy Low-Carb Vodka or Tequila Cocktails

Creating delicious, low-carb drinks is simple once you know the right combinations. For a keto-friendly option, consider a classic vodka soda with a twist of lemon. If you prefer tequila, a tequila with club soda and a lime wedge is a refreshing choice. These simple substitutions ensure you can enjoy a drink without the high-carb cost of traditional cocktails. The flavors of both spirits can be highlighted with natural, carb-free additions, proving that you don't need sugar to have a great-tasting drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither pure, unflavored vodka nor pure, 100% agave tequila has more carbs. Both contain zero carbohydrates due to the distillation process that removes sugars and starches.

This common misconception arises from the fact that mixers used in cocktails, such as juices, sodas, and syrups, are often very high in carbohydrates. People may mistakenly attribute the carb load of a mixed drink to the liquor itself.

Yes, both unflavored vodka and pure tequila are suitable for a keto diet, as they contain zero carbs. The key is to consume them without high-carb mixers.

Not necessarily. Many flavored spirits have added sugars and sweeteners to enhance the taste, which increases the carb count. Always check the nutritional label of flavored varieties.

To make a low-carb cocktail, use carb-free mixers like club soda, diet soda, or a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice. A simple vodka soda or tequila and lime are good examples.

Authentic 100% agave tequila contains zero carbs. Mixto tequila, which can contain added sugars, might have a small amount of carbohydrates. For the lowest carb count, opt for 100% agave.

Most pure, unflavored distilled spirits—including vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey—contain zero carbs. The carbs and sugars are removed during the distillation process.