How many carbs are in a vodka seltzer? Breaking down the nutrition

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

While pure, distilled vodka contains zero carbohydrates, the carb count for a vodka seltzer can range from zero to several grams, depending on whether it's homemade or a commercially flavored brand. Understanding this key difference is crucial for anyone watching their nutritional intake, especially those on a low-carb diet.

Quick Summary

The carb content of vodka seltzer depends on the preparation: a homemade version with plain seltzer is zero-carb, whereas popular canned, flavored varieties typically range from 1 to 5 grams due to added sugars or fermented ingredients.

Key Points

Homemade is Zero-Carb: A simple mix of plain vodka and plain seltzer water contains zero carbohydrates.
Canned Seltzers Vary: Commercially produced vodka seltzers and hard seltzers range from 0 to over 4 grams of carbs per can.
Flavor is the Source of Carbs: Carbs in flavored versions come from added sugars, real fruit juice, or residual carbohydrates from the fermentation process.
Tonic Water is Not Seltzer: Be careful not to confuse plain seltzer with tonic water, which contains significant carbs and sugar.
Moderation is Key: While often lower in carbs and calories than other alcoholic drinks, moderation is still important for any alcohol consumption.
Always Check the Label: For store-bought options, reading the nutrition label is the only way to confirm the exact carb count.

The Zero-Carb Foundation of Vodka Seltzer

The fundamental components of a true vodka seltzer are pure vodka and plain seltzer water. The distillation process removes all carbohydrates and sugars from vodka, making it a zero-carb spirit. Similarly, plain seltzer water (also known as soda water or sparkling water) is just carbonated water with no calories, carbs, or sugar. When these two are combined, the resulting drink is completely free of carbohydrates. This makes a homemade vodka seltzer a favorite for those following keto or other low-carb eating plans.

Why Ingredients Matter for Carb Count

The zero-carb nature of the basic drink can quickly change with the addition of other ingredients. Common mix-ins that can introduce carbs and sugars include:

Sugary juices: Cranberry juice, orange juice, and grapefruit juice are often high in sugar and, consequently, high in carbs.
Flavored syrups: Simple syrups, grenadine, or other sweet flavorings can significantly increase the carb load of a cocktail.
Tonic water: Many mistake tonic water for plain seltzer, but it is not the same. Tonic water contains added sugar for its distinct flavor and can have over 30 grams of carbs per serving.

Homemade vs. Canned: A Carb Comparison

Commercially available vodka seltzers and hard seltzers have varying carb counts, largely dependent on how they are flavored and produced. Some are made with distilled spirits and natural flavorings, while others are malt-based or fermented from sugar. Always check the nutritional label, as the numbers can be surprising.


Drink Type	Base Ingredients	Estimated Carbs (12 oz)	Calories (approx.)
Homemade Vodka Seltzer	Vodka, Plain Seltzer, Lime	0g	~96-100
Truly Vodka Seltzer	Vodka, real fruit juice, seltzer	4g	110
Minus196 Lemon Vodka Seltzer	Vodka, seltzer, lemon flavor	4.1g	139
Southern Tier Vodka Seltzer	Vodka, seltzer, fruit flavors	1g	95
Served Hard Seltzer	Fermented fruit alcohol, seltzer	0g	57
Average Light Beer	Malted barley, water, hops, yeast	~6g-7g	~100-110

Decoding Canned Hard Seltzers

Many commercially sold hard seltzers, including those marketed as vodka seltzers, are not simply vodka and seltzer. They often use a base of fermented cane sugar or malted rice to create alcohol, then add flavorings. The fermentation process consumes the sugar, which is why many brands can claim a low-carb or zero-sugar status, even if their flavorings contribute a small number of carbs. However, it's essential to read the label carefully to distinguish between truly zero-carb options and those with residual sugars or added flavorings that increase the carb count.

How to Enjoy Low-Carb Vodka Seltzers

If minimizing your carb intake is a priority, here are some strategies for enjoying a vodka seltzer:

DIY is best: The safest and most reliable method is to make your own drink. Combine a standard 1.5-ounce shot of your preferred vodka with a zero-calorie, zero-carb seltzer water. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon, lime, or other citrus for flavor. The only calories will be from the alcohol itself.
Read the label: For canned products, always check the nutrition facts. Brands vary widely. Look for those explicitly stating 0 grams of sugar and low total carbohydrates. Be wary of marketing phrases that might be misleading.
Use natural flavorings: Add flavor without carbs by infusing your seltzer with slices of cucumber, fresh mint leaves, or a handful of berries. While berries contain some carbs, the amount released into the drink will be minimal.
Avoid tonic water: As previously mentioned, always use plain seltzer or club soda, not tonic water, to keep the carb count low.
Limit your intake: Even low-carb alcohol should be consumed in moderation. Excessive drinking can impact your health goals and overall well-being.

Conclusion

How many carbs are in a vodka seltzer depends entirely on its ingredients. A pure, homemade version containing only vodka and plain seltzer has zero carbohydrates, making it a perfect choice for low-carb diets. However, commercially prepared, flavored vodka seltzers often contain small to moderate amounts of carbohydrates from added sugars or the fermentation process. For those focused on a low-carb lifestyle, creating your own is the safest bet, but knowing the labels of canned alternatives is key to making an informed decision. Enjoying your drink responsibly and with full awareness of its nutritional profile is the best approach.

For more information on alcohol and diet, you can visit a trusted health resource like Healthline's article on vodka nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a simple homemade vodka seltzer made with unflavored vodka and plain seltzer is zero-carb and completely keto-friendly. For canned versions, you must check the label to ensure it fits within your daily carb limits, as many contain small amounts of sugar.

Generally, yes. Most vodka seltzers and hard seltzers are much lower in sugar and carbohydrates than the average beer. Many popular hard seltzers contain less than 2 grams of sugar, while an average beer can contain 13 grams or more.

No, not all hard seltzers are made with vodka. While some are explicitly vodka seltzers, many are made from a fermented sugar or malt base, flavored with fruit or other extracts.

The calories in a homemade, zero-carb vodka seltzer come entirely from the vodka itself, around 96 calories per 1.5-ounce shot. For canned brands, calories typically range from 90 to 140 per 12-ounce can, with lower-carb options having fewer calories.

Seltzer water is simply carbonated water with zero carbs and sugar, while tonic water contains quinine and added sugar for a distinct bitter and sweet flavor, making it high in carbohydrates.

This can happen if the seltzer is made from a fermented sugar base. The yeast consumes most of the sugar during fermentation, but some residual sugars or added flavorings may contribute to a low, non-zero carbohydrate count.

The best low-carb mixers for vodka are plain seltzer water, diet sodas, or water with a squeeze of fresh citrus like lemon or lime. These options add flavor without increasing the carb or calorie content.