How Many Carbohydrates Are in a Shot of Bourbon? The Zero-Carb Truth

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof bourbon contains exactly zero grams of carbohydrates. This fact often surprises people who know bourbon is made from carb-heavy grains. The distillation process is the key to understanding how many carbohydrates are in a shot of bourbon.

Quick Summary

A neat shot of bourbon has zero carbohydrates because the distillation process removes all sugars from the fermented grain mash. The total carb count increases only when bourbon is mixed with sugary ingredients like juices or syrups.

Key Points

Zero Carbs: A straight shot of bourbon contains no carbohydrates, fat, or protein.
Distillation Process: The zero-carb reality is due to the distillation process, which separates pure alcohol from the grain mash and its sugars.
Mixers are the Culprit: The carbohydrate count of any bourbon drink comes from the mixers added, such as sodas, juices, or simple syrups.
Keto-Friendly: Straight bourbon is a suitable choice for those on a ketogenic or other low-carb diet.
Check Labels: Always check the label on flavored bourbons, as added sugars and carbs may be present.
Calories from Alcohol: All calories in straight bourbon come from the alcohol itself, which contains 7 calories per gram.
Moderation is Key: Even with zero carbs, alcohol contains calories and should be consumed in moderation to avoid impacting weight management goals.

The Science Behind a Zero-Carb Spirit

Many people are surprised to learn that a spirit made from grains like corn, rye, and barley, which are all rich in carbohydrates, can end up with none. The secret lies in the production process, specifically fermentation and distillation.

The Distillation Process Explained

During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugars in the mashed grains and converts them into alcohol. This process leaves a liquid called 'distiller's beer,' which still contains the original carbohydrates and sugars. The magic happens during distillation, where this liquid is heated. Alcohol has a lower boiling point than water and the remaining solids, so it vaporizes first. This alcohol vapor is collected and condensed back into a liquid. The distillation process effectively separates the pure alcohol from the non-alcoholic parts of the mixture, including all the residual carbohydrates and sugars.

This is why, regardless of the grain mash, the final product—the straight distilled spirit—is essentially free of carbs and sugars. The final product is a mix of alcohol and water, with the characteristic flavors and colors coming from the aging process in charred oak barrels.

The Real Culprits: Bourbon Mixers

While straight bourbon is a zero-carb spirit, the total carbohydrate count of a drink can skyrocket depending on what you mix it with. Sugary additions are a primary source of carbs and calories in most cocktails. For anyone watching their carb intake, being mindful of mixers is essential.

Here are some common bourbon drinks and their approximate carb counts:

Bourbon Sour: Contains about 7 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from added simple syrup and lemon juice.
Old-Fashioned: This classic cocktail can have around 6 grams of carbohydrates from the sugar cube and bitters.
Manhattan: With the addition of sweet vermouth, a Manhattan typically contains around 4 grams of carbs.
Mint Julep: The combination of muddled mint, powdered sugar, and bourbon gives this drink about 3 grams of carbs.

Low-Carb Mixing Options

For those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, there are plenty of options to enjoy bourbon without adding extra carbohydrates:

Bourbon and Club Soda: A simple, refreshing mix with zero added carbs.
Bourbon and Diet Soda: Using diet cola or ginger ale keeps the drink carb-free.
Bourbon with Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime adds flavor with minimal to zero carbs.
Neat or On the Rocks: The purest form of drinking bourbon, with zero carbs.

Bourbon vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

To put bourbon's zero-carb status into perspective, consider how it stacks up against other popular alcoholic drinks. The following table compares the typical carbohydrate content of a standard serving size for different beverages.


Alcoholic Beverage	Typical Serving Size	Approx. Carbohydrate Count (grams)
Bourbon	1.5 fl oz shot	0
Light Beer	12 fl oz bottle	2–6
Regular Beer	12 fl oz bottle	10–15
Dry White Wine	5 fl oz glass	3–4
Dry Red Wine	5 fl oz glass	3–5
Margarita	8 fl oz cocktail	20–30

As the table clearly shows, plain bourbon is one of the most carbohydrate-friendly alcoholic options available. This makes it a preferred choice for individuals following a keto or other low-carb diet.

A Note on Calories and Moderation

Even with zero carbs, bourbon is not calorie-free. All of its calories come from the alcohol itself, which contains approximately 7 calories per gram. A typical 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof bourbon contains about 97 calories. It's crucial to remember that alcohol can still impact your weight management goals, and moderation is key. Overconsumption of alcohol can interfere with your body's fat-burning process and stimulate appetite, leading to weight gain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a straight shot of bourbon contains no carbohydrates, a result of the distillation process that leaves the sugars behind. For those on a carb-conscious diet, bourbon is an excellent choice when consumed neat or with zero-carb mixers. The real challenge comes from high-sugar mixers and cocktails, which can quickly add a significant number of carbohydrates. By understanding how bourbon is made and what you mix it with, you can enjoy it responsibly while keeping your dietary goals on track. For more information on how alcohol affects blood sugar, consult authoritative sources such as Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/vodka-calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, straight, unflavored bourbon is keto-friendly because it contains zero carbohydrates. It is the mixers added to bourbon that contain carbs.

The carbs from the original grain mash are consumed by yeast during fermentation and are then removed during distillation, which separates the pure alcohol from the remaining solids and sugars.

To keep your drink low-carb, stick to zero-carb mixers like club soda, diet soda, water, or a squeeze of fresh citrus.

An average 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof bourbon contains approximately 97 calories, all of which come from the alcohol content.

No, the barrel aging process does not add carbohydrates to the bourbon. It primarily imparts flavor and color.

Most unflavored, straight distilled spirits like vodka, tequila, gin, and whiskey are carb-free because of the distillation process. However, liqueurs and many flavored spirits contain added sugars.

Cocktails made with sweet juices, syrups, or other sugary mixers will have a higher carbohydrate count. The carbs come from the mixers, not the bourbon itself.