Does Rum Have More Carbs Than Vodka? A Detailed Look at Distilled Spirits

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof distilled rum contains zero carbohydrates, the exact same amount found in a standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof vodka. This surprising fact challenges the common misconception that all rums are loaded with sugar simply because they are made from sugarcane.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits, including unflavored rum and vodka, both contain zero carbohydrates. The primary factor influencing the carb count is the addition of sweet mixers, flavorings, or liqueurs. This guide details why distillation removes sugars and how to enjoy low-carb options.

Key Points

Zero Carbs for Pure Spirits: Both pure, unflavored rum and pure vodka contain zero grams of carbohydrates per serving due to the distillation process.
Mixers are the Culprit: The main source of carbs in rum or vodka drinks comes from sugary mixers like juice, soda, and syrups, not the alcohol itself.
Distillation Removes Sugar: The process of distillation effectively strips away all sugars and starches from the fermented base ingredients, whether it's potatoes for vodka or molasses for rum.
Check Flavored Varieties: Be cautious with flavored vodkas and spiced rums, as some brands add sugar or flavorings after distillation, which can increase the carb content.
Choose Your Mixers Wisely: To keep your alcoholic drinks low-carb, opt for club soda, diet soda, or a simple squeeze of citrus over sugary alternatives.
Identical Carb Count: When comparing unflavored spirits, a shot of rum and a shot of vodka have an identical zero-carb nutritional profile.

The Distillation Process: The Key to Zero Carbs

Many people assume that because rum is made from molasses or sugarcane, it must be high in sugar and, therefore, carbohydrates. While the fermentation process uses these sugary ingredients, the magic of distillation purifies the liquid and separates the ethanol from virtually all of the sugars and starches. The result is a clear, distilled spirit that contains only alcohol and water.

How Vodka Becomes Carb-Free

Vodka can be made from a variety of starchy or sugary bases, such as potatoes, wheat, rye, or corn. During fermentation, yeast consumes the starches and sugars to produce alcohol. The subsequent distillation process effectively strips away all carbohydrates, leaving a pure, carb-free liquor. Any added sugars or flavors are introduced after distillation.

How Rum Becomes Carb-Free

Similarly, rum starts with sugarcane byproducts, either molasses or juice. The fermentation of these products creates alcohol. As with vodka, the distillation process separates the alcohol from the residual sugars, resulting in a pure, unflavored rum that has no carbs. The flavor profile of aged rum comes from maturation in wooden barrels, not from added sugar.

Comparison Table: Rum vs. Vodka vs. Other Spirits


Beverage Type	Serving Size	Carbohydrates (g)	Sugar (g)	Notes
Vodka (pure)	1.5 oz	0	0	Can be made from various starches like grains or potatoes.
Rum (pure, unflavored)	1.5 oz	0	0	Made from molasses or sugarcane; distillation removes sugar.
Spiced Rum	1.5 oz	~0.5	Variable	Spices and sometimes sugar are added after distillation.
Flavored Vodka	1.5 oz	Variable	Variable	Can contain added sugars for flavor.
Gin	1.5 oz	0	0	Pure distilled gin is carb-free; watch for sweetened versions.
Whiskey	1.5 oz	0–0.3	0	Some varieties may have trace carbs, but generally carb-free.
Sweet Cocktail (e.g., Piña Colada)	8 oz	20–30	High	Mixers and syrups dramatically increase carb count.

The Real Carb Culprits: Mixers and Flavorings

The most significant factor determining a drink's carbohydrate content is what you mix it with. While a shot of unflavored rum and a shot of vodka are nutritionally identical in terms of carbs, the cocktails they are used in are not. A vodka soda with a squeeze of lime is a classic zero-carb drink, whereas a rum and coke is loaded with sugar from the soda.

For those on low-carb or keto diets, choosing the right mixer is crucial. Avoid sugary juices, regular soda, and cocktail syrups. Instead, opt for carb-free alternatives to keep your drink low-carb:

Club soda or sparkling water: Provides fizz without sugar or calories.
Diet soda: Many classic mixers like cola or ginger ale are available in diet versions.
Fresh citrus juice: A simple squeeze of lemon or lime adds flavor with minimal carbs.
Herbs and spices: Muddled mint or a splash of bitters can enhance flavor without adding sugar.

The Case for Flavored and Spiced Spirits

It is important to differentiate between flavored spirits and pure spirits. While many flavored vodkas contain zero carbs due to the use of artificial sweeteners, some can contain added sugar for flavor. The same applies to spiced rum. While pure rum is carb-free, some brands of spiced rum add sugar after distillation to create a sweeter product. Always read the label or check the manufacturer's website for nutritional information if you are unsure.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Rum and Vodka Carbs

The simple answer to the question "Does rum have more carbs than vodka?" is no, assuming you are comparing pure, unflavored, and unadulterated versions of each spirit. Both pure rum and pure vodka are zero-carb distilled liquors. The total carbohydrate count of your drink depends entirely on what you add to it. For anyone watching their carb intake, selecting the right mixers is far more important than choosing between unflavored rum and vodka. Stick to zero-carb mixers like soda water, and your rum and vodka drinks will remain equally carb-friendly.

For more detailed nutritional information on rum, consult the Verywell Fit article on rum nutrition, which confirms its zero-carb status.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a common misconception because rum is made from sugary sugarcane byproducts. However, the distillation process removes the sugars, leaving a carb-free spirit, just like vodka.

No. While pure, unflavored rum and vodka are carb-free, mixing them with sugary juices, sodas, or liqueurs will add carbohydrates. It's the mixer, not the spirit, that makes a cocktail high in carbs.

The carb count for spiced rum can vary by brand. While pure rum is zero-carb, some spiced rums have sugar added during the flavoring process. Some contain as little as 0.5 grams per serving, but it's best to check the label.

For a low-carb alternative, mix pure rum with diet cola instead of regular cola. This will provide a similar flavor profile without the high sugar and carbohydrate content.

Yes, both unflavored rum and vodka are suitable for a keto diet, as they contain zero carbohydrates. The key is to avoid high-carb mixers and opt for sugar-free or low-carb mixers instead.

The calorie count for pure rum and vodka is virtually identical and comes entirely from the alcohol content. A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories, which is the same for a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof rum.

No, the barrel-aging process, which gives rum its color and complex flavor, does not add carbs. It is still a zero-carb spirit. Added sugar, or 'dosage,' is the only way for carbs to be introduced into some dark rums after aging.