Whiskey and vodka are two of the most popular distilled spirits, but which one is healthier? When comparing whiskey versus vodka for health and nutrition, there are a few key differences to consider.
Vodka and whiskey have different nutritional profiles. While both are relatively low in nutrients, vodka has slightly fewer calories and carbs than most whiskies. However, whiskey contains more antioxidants, which may offer some health benefits.
Alcohol content also differs significantly. Vodka typically contains 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), while whiskies are usually between 40–60% ABV. The higher alcohol content of whiskey means a standard serving provides more alcohol than vodka.
Drinking any alcoholic beverage carries health risks, including liver disease, cancer, and addiction. However, moderating your drinking may reduce these hazards. When consumed responsibly, some research suggests whiskey may have modest heart health benefits compared to vodka due to its antioxidants.
This article compares vodka and whiskey to determine which spirit may have an edge for health.
Calorie and Carb Differences
Calorie-wise, vodka has a slight advantage over whiskey.
A standard 1.5-ounce (44-mL) shot of distilled, 80-proof (40% ABV) vodka contains around 97 calories, while the same serving of 86-proof (43% ABV) whiskey has 105 calories (1, 2).
Since alcohol has 7 calories per gram, the difference comes down to the alcohol content. Higher proof spirits like whiskey contain more alcohol, so they’re more calorie-dense.
Most vodka and whiskey also provide 0–2 grams of carbs per serving. The main source is residual sugars left after fermentation. However, some flavored varieties contain added sugars and have 3–30 grams of carbs (1, 3, 4).
Summary
Vodka tends to have slightly fewer calories and carbs than whiskey. The difference in calories is related to the alcohol content.
Nutrient Content
Although vodka and whiskey are low in most nutrients, whiskey contains more B vitamins and antioxidants.
Here are the main nutrients found in 1.5 ounces (44 mL) of vodka versus whiskey (1, 2, 5, 6):
| Nutrient | Vodka | Whiskey |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 97 | 105 |
| Carbs | 0 grams | 0 grams |
| Fat | 0 grams | 0 grams |
| Protein | 0 grams | 0 grams |
| Niacin | 0% of the DV | 2% of the DV |
| Riboflavin | 0% of the DV | 2% of the DV |
| Vitamin B6 | 0% of the DV | 2% of the DV |
| Folate | 0% of the DV | 0% of the DV |
| Pantothenic acid | 0% of the DV | 0% of the DV |
| Total antioxidants | Minimal | High in polyphenols like ellagic acid |
While neither vodka nor whiskey is particularly high in vitamins or minerals, whiskey tends to provide more B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin B6.
Whiskey also contains significantly more antioxidants than vodka. Polyphenols like ellagic acid are present at high levels in whiskey due to the malting and fermentation processes (7).
Studies show that consuming ellagic acid and other polyphenols in whiskey may help increase antioxidant capacity in your body (8).
That said, only very small amounts of these nutrients remain in the finished spirits. The calories in vodka and whiskey come almost entirely from alcohol.
Summary
Whiskey provides more B vitamins and antioxidants than vodka. However, levels are generally too low to significantly affect your daily nutrient intake from either drink.
Alcohol Content and Serving Sizes
One key difference between vodka and whiskey is their alcohol content.
By definition, vodka must contain at least 37.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) — which equates to roughly 75 proof. Most vodkas are sold at 80 proof or 40% ABV (9).
In comparison, whiskey can range from 40–60% ABV (80–120 proof). However, most are sold at 86 proof or 43% ABV (10).
Here’s how standard serving sizes of vodka vs. whiskey compare (9, 11):
| Beverage | Typical proof | Alcohol by volume | Standard serving size | Alcohol per serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vodka | 80 proof | 40% | 1.5 ounces (44 mL) | 0.6 ounces (17 mL) |
| Whiskey | 86 proof | 43% | 1.5 ounces (44 mL) | 0.65 ounces (19 mL) |
Since whiskey contains more alcohol per volume, a standard shot provides slightly more alcohol than vodka — about 8% more, or 0.05 ounces (1.5 mL) per shot.
This also means the number of servings per bottle is lower for whiskey:
– 750-mL bottle of 80-proof vodka: approximately 17 servings
– 750-mL bottle of 86-proof whiskey: approximately 16 servings
Overall, while a single shot may contain only slightly more alcohol, opting for higher proof whiskey means you’ll get fewer servings per bottle.
Summary
The typical alcohol content of whiskey exceeds vodka. As a result, a standard serving of whiskey provides more alcohol than vodka.
Short-Term Health Effects
The higher alcohol content of whiskey affects short-term health effects like intoxication and dehydration.
Each drink of whiskey provides more alcohol than a drink of vodka. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, causing symptoms like (12):
– Impaired coordination
– Poor judgment
– Slurred speech
– Drowsiness
Higher blood alcohol content also further exacerbates alcohol’s dehydrating effects. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, increasing urine output and fluid loss. Whiskey’s additional alcohol amplifies this effect (13).
Additionally, although congeners in whiskey offer antioxidant benefits, they’re also linked to more severe hangovers than vodka. Congeners are compounds produced during fermentation that give whiskey its color and some of its flavor (14).
That said, drinking any distilled spirit in excess is ill advised. Binge drinking and intoxication from vodka or whiskey can both lead to serious health and safety issues.
If consuming whiskey, it’s best to drink in moderation and alternate with water to reduce votre risk of adverse effects.
Summary
The higher alcohol content of whiskey can promote intoxication and dehydration to a greater extent than vodka. However, moderating your intake minimizes health and safety risks.
Long-Term Health Effects
Heavy, long-term alcohol consumption from any source raises your risk of serious conditions like liver disease, heart disease, and cancer (15).
However, moderate intake of up to 1 drink per day for women and 1–2 for men may actually lower heart disease risk. Some research indicates whiskey may offer greater benefits than vodka (16).
In one study, researchers gave participants vodka, whiskey, red wine, or gin for 4 weeks each. Only whiskey significantly increased HDL (good) cholesterol, which aids heart health (17).
Additionally, a review of 13 studies determined that whiskey lowered fibrinogen by 8.1 mg/dL (0.24 mmol/L), on average, compared to vodka. Fibrinogen is a protein involved in blood clotting and inflammation (18).
The antioxidants in whiskey may be responsible for some of these benefits. Still, more studies are needed to determine specific effects on heart disease risk (19).
Regarding other health outcomes like stroke, liver disease, and diabetes risk, research has not identified major differences between whiskey and vodka (20).
Heavy drinking of either spirit has been linked to increased disease risk. However, moderate intake hasn’t demonstrated significant harms (21).
Overall, small amounts of whiskey may offer modest benefits over vodka for heart health. Still, both should be consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
Summary
Long-term heavy drinking of either vodka or whiskey may increase disease risk. However, moderate whiskey intake may lower heart disease risk slightly more than vodka.
Flavored Vodka and Whiskey
In addition to traditional unflavored varieties, vodka and whiskey come in a variety of fruit, sweet, and savory flavors.
Unfortunately, many flavored versions contain added sugar. Just 1.5 ounces (44 mL) can provide (22, 23, 24):
– Whipped cream vodka: 9 grams of sugar
– Cinnamon whiskey: 11 grams of sugar
– Grape vodka: 15 grams of sugar
Not only does this add empty calories, but emerging research also links added sugars to an increased risk of heart disease — even when consumed in moderation (25).
If you want to reap the potential heart health benefits of whiskey, opt for an unsweetened variety. Flavored vodka and whiskey with artificially sweeteners may be better alternatives if you don’t mind artificial sweeteners.
Of course, reducing your intake of flavored spirits in favor of straight varieties is another simple option to limit added sugars and reduce potential health risks.
When consumed in high amounts, sugar-sweetened alcoholic beverages contribute to obesity, diabetes, liver damage, and other negative health effects (26).
Summary
Flavored vodkas and whiskies often contain added sugars that may counteract any potential health benefits. Opt for straight varieties or artificially sweetened versions.
The Bottom Line
Vodka and whiskey offer different nutritional profiles and health effects.
Here are a few key points to consider:
– Vodka is very low in nutrients and normally does not contain congeners or added sugar. It provides fewer calories per serving than most whiskies.
– Whiskey contains more B vitamins and antioxidants than vodka, which may provide modest heart health benefits. However, whiskey’s higher alcohol content can promote dehydration and hangovers.
– Flavored vodka and whiskey often have added sugars, which add empty calories and increase disease risk. If opting for flavored spirits, choose options without added sugar.
– Heavy, long-term drinking of either vodka or whiskey can negatively impact your health. However, moderate intake hasn’t demonstrated significant health risks.
Overall, whiskey provides more nutrients than vodka, but vodka contains fewer calories per serving. If you don’t overdo it, either spirit can be reasonably healthy in moderation.
Just keep in mind that any type of alcohol is high in calories and should be enjoyed responsibly. Opting for measures pours and drinking with food can help mitigate adverse effects.
The Bottom Line
When consumed in moderation, vodka and whiskey have minimal health differences for most people. The key is avoiding excessive intake, especially on a regular basis.
Whiskey contains more antioxidants, which may provide modest heart health benefits. However, its higher alcohol content also means it’s more dehydrating and can promote hangovers.
Vodka is extremely low in nutrients, but its lower alcohol content results in fewer calories per serving.
Overall, whiskey rates slightly better than vodka for heart health. Nonetheless, both spirits are reasonably healthy for most people when enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.