Which has less sugar vodka or tequila?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

By their very nature, pure distilled spirits, including both vodka and tequila, contain zero grams of sugar. While this might be surprising to some, the fermentation and distillation process removes all residual sugars, leaving only alcohol and water. Therefore, when it comes to a direct comparison of pure spirits, the question of which has less sugar, vodka or tequila, results in a tie.

Quick Summary

Pure vodka and 100% agave tequila both contain no sugar due to the distillation process. Any sugar content comes from mixers or flavorings, not the spirit itself. The choice between them depends on taste, cocktail preference, and what you mix them with.

Key Points

Zero Sugar in Pure Spirits: Both unflavored vodka and 100% agave tequila contain zero grams of sugar due to the distillation process.
Mixers are the Problem: Any sugar content in your drink comes from the mixers and cocktail ingredients, not from the pure spirits themselves.
Check Tequila Labels: Always choose 100% agave tequila, as 'mixto' tequilas can contain up to 1% added sugar or other sweeteners.
Avoid Flavored Spirits: Flavored versions of both vodka and tequila often have added sugars to enhance their taste profile.
Opt for Sugar-Free Mixers: To create a low-sugar cocktail, use mixers like club soda, diet soda, or fresh citrus juice instead of sugary juices or pre-made mixes.
Calorie Counts are Similar: Both spirits contain a similar number of calories per serving, approximately 97 calories for a 1.5 oz shot.

The Zero-Sugar Distillation Process

Both vodka and tequila are produced through a fermentation and distillation process. The fundamental principle of distillation is to separate alcohol from the fermented base ingredients by boiling and then collecting the vapor. During this process, all of the residual sugars from the initial ingredients are converted into ethanol or are left behind, resulting in a finished product with a negligible, or more accurately, zero sugar content.

How is Vodka Made?

Vodka can be distilled from a wide range of ingredients, including potatoes, various grains (like wheat, corn, or rye), and even fruit. The source material provides the sugars necessary for fermentation, but these are completely consumed by yeast. The liquid is then distilled, often multiple times, to create a neutral, sugar-free spirit. Some flavored vodkas on the market are made by adding sugar and other flavorings after distillation, but pure, unflavored vodka contains no sugar.

How is Tequila Made?

For tequila, the process begins with the blue agave plant. The heart of the plant, known as the piña, is cooked to convert starches into fermentable sugars. This sugary liquid is then fermented and distilled. Pure tequila, especially those labeled "100% agave," has zero sugar because the sugars are converted to alcohol during fermentation. As with vodka, the exception lies with flavored tequilas or 'mixto' tequilas, which may contain up to 1% added sugar or other sweeteners.

The Real Culprit: Your Mixer

Since neither pure vodka nor pure tequila contains sugar, the sugar content of your drink is entirely determined by what you mix it with. This is the single most important factor for anyone watching their sugar intake.

Commonly Sugary Mixers:

Sodas and Juices: Regular cola, cranberry juice, orange juice, and tonic water can add a significant amount of sugar and calories to your drink.
Pre-made Mixes: Store-bought margarita and cocktail mixes are often loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners.
Syrups: Simple syrup, grenadine, and other flavored syrups are pure sugar and a major source of added calories.

The Low-Sugar Solution

To keep your mixed drink's sugar content low, opt for sugar-free mixers. Some popular alternatives include:

Club soda or sparkling water
Diet soda
A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice
Herbal infusions
Sugar substitutes, if desired

Comparison Table: Vodka vs. Tequila (Pure, Unflavored)


Feature	Pure Vodka	Pure Tequila (100% Agave)
Sugar Content	0g	0g
Carbohydrates	0g	0g
Calories (per 1.5 oz shot)	~97 calories	~96-97 calories
Base Ingredient	Grains (wheat, corn, rye), potatoes	Blue agave plant
Flavor Profile	Neutral, largely tasteless	Earthy, sweet, and vegetal, depending on variety
Flavoring	Added after distillation (for flavored varieties)	Added after distillation (for 'mixto' or flavored)
Best for Sugar Control	Both are equal; depends on the mixer	Both are equal; depends on the mixer

How to Drink Responsibly on a Low-Sugar Diet

Whether you choose vodka or tequila, the best strategy for managing sugar intake is controlling your mixers. This approach is essential for those on low-carb or keto diets, where net carbs and sugar are a primary concern. For a refreshing, low-sugar drink, mix a shot of pure vodka or 100% agave tequila with club soda and a fresh citrus wedge. Always drink in moderation and consider the overall health implications of alcohol consumption. For further guidance on how alcohol and sugar affect health, consult with authoritative resources like the World Health Organization (WHO).

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

In the direct head-to-head comparison of pure, unflavored spirits, neither vodka nor tequila has less sugar; they both contain zero grams. The choice between them comes down to personal taste preference for either vodka's neutral profile or tequila's distinct agave flavor. The critical factor for anyone monitoring sugar intake is to be mindful of the mixers and cocktail ingredients, as these are the source of virtually all added sugars. By opting for sugar-free mixers, you can enjoy either spirit without consuming unnecessary sugar. The myth that one is inherently 'healthier' or has less sugar is simply incorrect when comparing the pure distilled versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, 100% agave tequila has no sugar. The fermentation and distillation process converts the sugars from the blue agave plant into alcohol, leaving a finished spirit with zero sugar content.

Not necessarily. While pure, unflavored vodka contains no sugar, flavored vodkas often have added sugar and flavorings after distillation. It is important to read the label to check the ingredients.

Pure distilled spirits like vodka, tequila, gin, and whiskey are all zero-sugar options. The lowest sugar drink you can have is any of these spirits mixed with a sugar-free mixer, like club soda or sparkling water.

Both pure vodka and 100% agave tequila are excellent choices for a keto diet because they contain zero carbs and zero sugar. The key is to use a keto-friendly, sugar-free mixer.

To make a low-sugar cocktail, combine your spirit of choice with sugar-free mixers. For example, use club soda and a lime wedge for a simple, zero-sugar drink. Avoid sweetened juices, sodas, and pre-made mixes.

The perceived sweetness in 100% agave tequila comes from the natural flavor profile of the agave plant, not from residual sugars. Vodka, being a neutral spirit, has no taste profile of its own.

Yes, for properly distilled spirits, the process of fermentation and distillation removes all sugar. The yeast consumes the sugars to produce alcohol during fermentation, and distillation further purifies the liquid, leaving a zero-sugar product.