Are There Any Sugar-Free Vodkas?

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Pure distilled spirits, including standard, unflavored vodka, are created without sugar and contain zero carbohydrates. This is because the distillation process effectively removes any residual sugars from the base ingredients, which can include grains, potatoes, or fruits. While the base ingredients might contain sugar initially, the final product is pure ethanol and water.

Quick Summary

Pure vodka is sugar-free, but flavored versions and popular mixers can add significant amounts of sugar. The key to a low-sugar vodka drink is to opt for unflavored spirits and pair them with sugar-free mixers like soda water or diet beverages.

Key Points

Pure, unflavored vodka contains no sugar: The distillation process removes all carbs and sugars from the base ingredients, leaving only ethanol and water.
Flavored vodkas may contain added sugar: To create their distinct taste profiles, many flavored vodkas have sweeteners added after distillation, and the amount can vary by brand.
Mixers are a major source of sugar: The most common way sugar is added to a vodka drink is through high-sugar mixers like juice, regular soda, and traditional tonic water.
Choose sugar-free mixers for a low-sugar drink: To keep your drink sugar-free, use club soda, seltzer, or diet beverages as mixers.
Not all flavored vodkas contain sugar: Some premium brands, like Grey Goose Essences, produce flavored vodkas without added sugar.
Look for transparency or use a DIY test: Some brands are transparent about their sugar-free status, but if in doubt, you can rub a drop between your hands; a sticky residue suggests added sweeteners.

Understanding Vodka's Composition

Vodka, in its most basic form, is a distilled spirit comprised of water and ethanol. The source materials, such as grains (wheat, rye), potatoes, or grapes, are first fermented, a process where yeast consumes the sugars to produce alcohol. After fermentation, the liquid is distilled, which concentrates the alcohol and separates it from the other components, including any remaining sugars. This crucial step is why plain, unflavored vodka has a sugar content of zero. The calories in pure vodka come solely from the alcohol itself, which contains roughly 7 calories per gram.

The Sugar Content of Flavored Vodkas

This is where things get complicated. While pure vodka is universally sugar-free, flavored varieties are a different story. To achieve the desired taste—be it vanilla, fruit, or dessert flavors—manufacturers often add sweeteners and flavoring agents after the distillation process. The amount of added sugar varies significantly by brand and flavor. Some premium brands, like Grey Goose Essences, state they add no sugar. Other flavored vodkas, however, can contain anywhere from 5 to 15 grams of sugar per 100ml. It is essential for consumers, especially those monitoring their sugar intake for dietary reasons like keto or diabetes management, to check the label or the manufacturer's website for specific nutritional information.

The Role of Mixers

Even if you choose a sugar-free, unflavored vodka, the mixers you pair with it can quickly turn your drink into a sugar-laden beverage. Common culprits include:

Regular Soda: A standard cola can add significant grams of sugar to a single drink.
Juices: Fruit juices, such as cranberry or orange, are naturally high in sugar.
Tonic Water: Traditional tonic water contains added sugars, unlike club soda.
Syrups: Cocktails featuring simple syrups or grenadine will have a high sugar content.

Low-Sugar Mixer Alternatives

To enjoy a vodka cocktail while keeping sugar in check, consider these alternatives:

Club Soda or Seltzer: Adds fizz without any sugar or calories.
Diet Soda: Provides the familiar soda flavor with zero sugar.
Diet Tonic Water: A sugar-free version for a classic Vodka Tonic.
Lemon or Lime Juice: A simple squeeze of fresh citrus offers flavor with minimal impact on sugar content.
Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Add a few drops of a natural or artificial sweetener to taste.
Herbal Infusions: Infuse your vodka with herbs like mint or rosemary for a natural flavor boost.

Can You Tell if a Vodka Has Added Sugar?

Since the FDA does not require distilleries to list nutritional information on bottles of liquor, identifying added sugars can be difficult. One way to potentially identify a vodka with added sugar or glycerin is a simple hand-rub test. A pure vodka will dry clean, like hand sanitizer, while one with additives may leave a sticky or oily residue on your skin. Ultimately, the most reliable method is to research brands known for their purity and transparency, or stick to unflavored options.

Comparison of Vodka Types and Mixers

This table illustrates how different choices impact the sugar content of a vodka drink.


Drink Type	Vodka Base	Mixer	Added Sugar	Estimated Sugar Content (per serving)
Vodka Soda	Pure (Unflavored)	Club Soda	None	0g
Vodka Cranberry	Pure (Unflavored)	Regular Cranberry Juice	Yes (from juice)	25+g (based on 1 cup juice)
Vodka & Diet Cola	Pure (Unflavored)	Diet Cola	None	0g
Flavored Vodka Soda	Flavored (e.g., Vanilla)	Club Soda	Yes (from vodka)	1.5-5g (based on 1.5oz shot)
Moscow Mule	Pure (Unflavored)	Ginger Beer	Yes (from mixer)	Variable (often high)
Low-Carb Mule	Pure (Unflavored)	Diet Ginger Beer	None	0g

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Yes, there are sugar-free vodkas, and they are the norm for any standard, unflavored product. The key takeaway is to be mindful of flavored vodkas, which may have added sweeteners to enhance taste, and to be highly cautious with mixers. For those on low-carb or keto diets, choosing a pure, unflavored vodka and mixing it with zero-sugar beverages like club soda or diet tonic is the safest approach. Always read the labels or research specific brands if you are concerned about hidden sugars in flavored spirits. By making conscious choices about both your spirit and your mixers, you can enjoy a sugar-free vodka drink. For further information on alcohol and nutrition, consider consulting resources like Healthline for detailed facts about vodka's nutritional content and its impact on diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all standard, unflavored vodka is sugar-free. The distillation process separates the alcohol from the sugars in the base ingredients, resulting in a product with zero residual sugar and zero carbs.

Many flavored vodkas contain added sugar to enhance their taste. However, some premium brands and product lines, like Grey Goose Essences, explicitly state they use no added sugar. Always check the label or brand information.

For a truly sugar-free drink, mix vodka with club soda, seltzer, diet sodas, or diet tonic water. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can also add flavor without sugar.

Nutritional information isn't always on the label for distilled spirits. You can check the brand's website or perform a simple hand test: rub a drop of vodka on your hands. If it feels sticky after drying, it likely has added sugar or glycerin.

Yes, pure vodka is considered keto-friendly because it contains zero carbs and zero sugar. The key is to ensure you use keto-approved mixers to maintain a low-carb intake.

Yes, pure vodka has calories that come exclusively from the alcohol itself, not from sugar. For instance, a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories.

Pure, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila all have zero sugar due to the distillation process. Sugars are only present if they are added back in, as is common with liqueurs and some flavored spirits.