What is the Difference Between Vodka and Tequila

The main difference between vodka and tequila is that vodka is made from grains or potatoes, while tequila is made from blue agave plants.

Vodka and tequila are two popular alcoholic beverages we all love. Vodka is a clear alcoholic beverage that has no noticeable aroma or taste, while tequila is an alcoholic beverage that uses blue agave for its production. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Vodka 
     – Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Tequila
     – Definition, Features, Uses
3. Difference Between Vodka and Tequila
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Tequila, Vodka, Alcohol 

What is Vodka

Vodka is a clear alcoholic beverage that has no noticeable aroma or taste. Vodka is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. Different varieties of vodka originated from Poland, Russia, and Sweden. Traditionally, vodka has two main raw materials: water and ethanol from the fermentation of cereal grains like wheat and rye. However, many vodka manufacturers now incorporate other ingredients like potatoes and sugar beets to produce vodka.

In the United States, vodka should have a minimum alcohol content of 40%, while the guidelines of the European Union state that minimum alcohol content of 37.5% for vodka. Many people drink vodka neat (not mixed with water or another beverage). It is also used in cocktails like Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary, vodka martini, and screwdriver.

What is Tequila

Tequila is a distilled spirit manufactured from the blue agave plant. It has its origins in Mexico. According to Mexican law, it can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and some municipalities in the states of  Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. However, people all around the world enjoy this alcoholic beverage. There are several styles and types of tequila.

The five main types of tequila are Blanco Tequila (silver tequila), Joven Tequila (gold tequila), Reposado Tequila, Añejo Tequila, and Extra-Añejo Tequila. Blanco tequila is a clear, affordable spirit we use for mixed drinks and shots while Joven tequila is a blend of white and aged tequilas and has a golden color. Reposado tequila, on the other hand, undergoes aging in oak casks for several months. Añejo tequila is tequila that has undergone aging somewhere from 18 months to 3 years, while extra-Añejo tequila undergoes aging for more than 3 years.

Tequila has 38–55% alcohol by volume, and its proof is 76–110°. Tequila usually has a clear, brown, or golden color. It also has a unique earthy flavor. The flavor can also change in different tequila types according to their style and the condition of the agave plant. However, Blanco tequilas have an earthy, semi-sweet flavor with a distinctive agave hint.

Tequila is a versatile drink. We can either sip it straight or on the rock. It is also an essential ingredient in margaritas and several other cocktails.

Difference Between Vodka and Tequila

Definition

Vodka is a clear distilled spirit that has no noticeable aroma or taste, while tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant.

Production

Vodka is made from grains or potatoes, while tequila is made from blue agave plants.

Color

While vodka is colorless, tequila can be colorless, brown, or golden in color.

Flavor

Vodka doesn’t have a flavor, while tequila has a unique earthy flavor.

Geographical Location

Tequila originated from Mexico, whereas vodka has its origin in Russia, Poland, and Sweden.

Mixed Drinks

Vodka is used to make Cosmopolitan, Bloody Mary, vodka martini,  screwdriver, etc., while tequila is used to make Margarita, Long Island iced tea, Paloma, Mexican Mule, and Bloody Maria.

Price

Tequila is usually more expensive than vodka.

Conclusion

Vodka is a clear alcoholic beverage that has no noticeable aroma or taste, while tequila is an alcoholic beverage that uses blue agave. The main difference between vodka and tequila is the ingredients manufacturers use in the production; vodka uses grains or potatoes, while tequila uses blue agave plants.

Reference:

1. Graham, Colleen. “Do You Know the Different Styles of Tequila?” The Spruce Eats, 21 Jan. 2022.
2. “What Is Vodka? Inside Vodka’s Origins and Common Uses – 2022.” MasterClass, 10 Mar. 2021.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Tequila-2429376 1920” By Andrzej –  (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Vodka Wyborowa Bottle” By Kamil Śliwiński, Pernod Ricard Poland – File:Wódka_Wyborowa.jpg (CC BY-SA 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia