How many net carbs are in alcohol? A guide for low-carb diets

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

While pure distilled spirits, such as vodka and gin, contain zero net carbs, the amount in many popular alcoholic beverages can vary drastically depending on the type and mixers used. This guide explores how many net carbs are in alcohol to help you make informed choices for your diet.

Quick Summary

This article details the net carb content of different alcoholic beverages, including zero-carb distilled spirits, low-carb dry wines and light beers, and high-carb sugary cocktails. It provides a breakdown of how different alcohol types and mixers impact carbohydrate intake, offering guidance for low-carb diets.

Key Points

Pure Distilled Spirits are Zero Carb: Unflavored vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, and rum contain no net carbs per serving because the distillation process removes all sugars.
Dry Wine is a Low-Carb Option: Dry red and white wines typically contain 3–5 grams of net carbs per glass, while sweeter varieties like Port or Moscato have much higher sugar content.
Light Beer is Lower in Carbs than Regular Beer: Light beers contain significantly fewer carbs (2-6g per 12oz) compared to traditional regular beers (10-15g per 12oz).
Mixers are the Main Source of Carbs in Cocktails: Sugary sodas, fruit juices, and premade cocktail mixes are full of carbohydrates and can turn a zero-carb spirit into a high-carb drink.
Alcohol Prioritizes Metabolism Over Fat Burning: Your body processes alcohol before it metabolizes fat, which can temporarily pause weight loss or disrupt ketosis.
Net Carbs are Digestible Carbs: The net carb count represents the carbs your body absorbs, and in alcohol, this comes from residual sugars or mixers, not the pure alcohol itself.

Understanding the Basics: Net Carbs vs. Total Carbs

For those on low-carb diets like keto, understanding the distinction between total and net carbs is crucial. Net carbs represent the digestible carbohydrates that your body absorbs and converts into glucose. The calculation generally involves subtracting grams of fiber and some sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrates listed on a nutrition label. In the context of alcohol, where fiber and sugar alcohols are not a concern in their pure forms, the net carbs are effectively the total digestible carbs, primarily from residual sugars or mixers. The key takeaway is that alcohol itself does not contain carbohydrates, but the residual sugars from fermentation (in wine and beer) and added sweeteners (in cocktails) are the main contributors.

The Carbohydrate Breakdown by Alcohol Type

Your choice of drink has the most significant impact on your net carb count. Not all alcohol is created equal when it comes to low-carb living.

Spirits: The Zero-Carb Champions

Distilled spirits are the most carb-friendly options because the distillation process removes all residual sugars and starches. For a 1.5-ounce serving, pure, unflavored liquors contain virtually zero net carbs. These include:

Vodka
Gin
Whiskey (Bourbon, Scotch, etc.)
Tequila (100% agave)
Rum (unflavored)

Wine: A Low-Carb Contender with a Catch

Wine's carb count depends heavily on its residual sugar (RS) content. Dry wines, where most of the sugar has fermented into alcohol, are the best choice. Sweeter wines have more residual sugar, and therefore more carbs.

Dry Wines: Pinot Grigio (3.0g), Sauvignon Blanc (2.8g), Cabernet Sauvignon (3.8g), and Pinot Noir (3.4g) generally have low net carbs per 5-ounce glass.
Sweet Wines: Dessert wines like Port and Moscato are significantly higher, with some varieties containing 8 grams or more per glass.

Beer: Varying Carbs for Varying Brews

Beer's carb content can vary widely based on the brewing process. Traditional, heavier beers made with malted grains have a higher carb load, while lighter alternatives are engineered to have fewer calories and carbs.

Light Beers: Examples like Michelob Ultra have as low as 2.6g of carbs per 12-ounce serving, while others range up to 6g.
Regular Beers: Standard lagers and ales can contain 10-15g of carbs per 12-ounce serving.

Cocktails and Mixers: Hidden Carb Bombs

For mixed drinks, the mixer is almost always the main source of carbohydrates. A zero-carb spirit mixed with a sugary juice or soda can quickly turn into a high-carb drink. Common offenders include:

Sugary Juices: Cranberry, orange, and pineapple juices add substantial sugar and carbs.
Syrups and Sodas: Regular sodas, grenadine, and simple syrups are pure sugar.
Premade Mixes: Margarita or piña colada mixes are packed with sugar and can contain 20-30g or more of carbs per drink.

To keep cocktails low-carb, opt for mixers like club soda, diet soda, sugar-free tonic water, or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.

Comparison of Net Carbs in Common Alcoholic Drinks


Drink Type	Example	Serving Size	Approximate Net Carbs	Notes
Pure Spirit	Vodka, Whiskey, Gin	1.5 oz shot	0g	Carb-free before mixing.
Dry Wine	Pinot Grigio, Cabernet	5 oz glass	3–5g	Varies by sweetness; drier is better.
Light Beer	Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite	12 oz can	2–6g	Carbs vary by brand, always check label.
Regular Beer	Standard Lager, IPA	12 oz can	10–15g	High in carbs from malted grains.
Sugary Cocktail	Margarita, Piña Colada	Varies	20–40g+	Mixers are the primary source of carbs.

How Alcohol Affects Weight Management on Low-Carb Diets

Beyond just the carb count, it's important to consider how alcohol affects your metabolic state. When you consume alcohol, your liver prioritizes metabolizing it, which temporarily halts the fat-burning process. This is known as “fat sparing.” The body treats alcohol as a toxin and works to eliminate it first, pushing the metabolism of carbs and fats to the backburner. For those on a ketogenic diet, this can temporarily interrupt ketosis. Furthermore, alcohol provides "empty calories" that offer little to no nutritional value. Excessive alcohol intake can also increase appetite and lower inhibitions, leading to poor food choices high in fats and carbs. Moderation is key for both health and maintaining dietary goals.

Conclusion: Mindful Choices for Low-Carb Drinking

Making informed decisions about your alcohol consumption is vital for successfully maintaining a low-carb diet. Pure distilled spirits are your safest bet, provided you mix them with carb-free alternatives. For wine drinkers, choosing dry varieties is key, while beer lovers should stick to light beers. The most critical step is to be cautious with cocktails, as sugary mixers are the most common source of high net carbs. By understanding these differences, you can still enjoy an occasional drink without derailing your progress. Always read labels, choose your mixers wisely, and remember that moderation is the most important rule of all. For more detailed information on specific brands and carb counts, authoritative resources like Healthline can be very helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Net carbs are the carbohydrates your body can digest and use for energy. In alcohol, net carbs typically come from residual sugars in fermented beverages like wine and beer, or from sugary mixers in cocktails, as pure spirits contain zero carbs.

Pure, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, and tequila are completely carb-free. The distillation process separates the alcohol from the carbohydrate-containing starches and sugars.

No, the net carb content in wine varies by sweetness. Dry wines have low residual sugar and are lower in carbs (3-5g per glass), while sweet or dessert wines have much higher carb counts.

To make low-carb cocktails, start with a zero-carb spirit and mix it with a carb-free mixer. Good options include club soda, diet sodas, sugar-free tonic water, or a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice.

When you drink alcohol, your liver prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol first. This temporarily halts the body's fat-burning process, a phenomenon known as 'fat sparing,' and can disrupt ketosis.

Yes, unlike pure distilled spirits, flavored versions and liqueurs often have added sugars for flavor. Always check the label, as these can significantly increase the carb count.

Light beers are the best low-carb option, with many brands containing only 2-6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving. This is a much better alternative than a regular beer, which can have 10-15 grams of carbs.