How much sodium is in Jim Beam bourbon?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to reputable nutrition databases, a standard 1.5 fl oz serving of Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon contains a negligible amount of sodium, often reported as 0mg or less than 1mg. This makes the pure, distilled spirit a very low-sodium beverage choice for consumers.

Quick Summary

Jim Beam bourbon has a minimal sodium content, typically less than 1mg per serving, because the distillation process effectively purifies the liquid. The final product is very low in sodium, especially when consumed neat or with low-sodium mixers.

Key Points

Virtually Sodium-Free: Pure Jim Beam bourbon contains a negligible amount of sodium, often recorded as 0mg or less than 1mg per serving.
Distillation Process: The distillation process removes mineral salts, including sodium, from the final whiskey product, explaining its low sodium count.
Mixers are Key: While the bourbon itself is low in sodium, mixers like soda, pre-made cocktails, or flavored mixes can add significant amounts.
Dietary Suitability: Enjoying Jim Beam neat, on the rocks, or with low-sodium mixers is an excellent way to incorporate it into a low-sodium diet.
Moderation is Important: As with all alcoholic beverages, moderate consumption is recommended, even for low-sodium options.
Gluten-Free Status: Distilled bourbon is also considered gluten-free, making it suitable for those with celiac disease.

The Distillation Process and Sodium

The reason behind Jim Beam's low sodium content lies in the science of distillation. Bourbon production begins with a fermented mash of grains, including at least 51% corn, which naturally contain trace minerals and compounds. However, the distillation process is designed to separate ethanol and flavor compounds from the non-volatile components, such as mineral salts, proteins, and sugars, which are left behind in the distillation still. When the fermented mash is heated, the alcohol and other volatile molecules evaporate first. This vapor is then collected and condensed back into a purified liquid. Any mineral salts, like sodium, have a much higher boiling point and do not evaporate with the alcohol, effectively separating them from the final product. This purification process is a key factor that makes all true distilled spirits, including Jim Beam, inherently low in sodium.

The Role of Aging Barrels

Another consideration is the aging process. Bourbons like Jim Beam are aged in new, charred oak barrels. The wood imparts flavor, color, and aroma to the whiskey, but it does not add any significant amount of sodium. The charred wood filters and interacts with the spirit, but the mineral profile of the wood does not result in a measurable increase in sodium in the final product. The taste profile comes from the oak's sugars, vanillin, and other compounds, not from sodium absorption.

Jim Beam vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

When evaluating the sodium content of alcoholic drinks, it's important to differentiate between spirits, wines, and beers, and to also consider the mixers often used. Pure distilled spirits like Jim Beam, vodka, rum, and gin are almost universally low or free of sodium. The story changes with other beverages.


Comparison of Sodium Content in Common Drinks	Beverage	Serving Size	Sodium (mg)	Notes
Jim Beam Bourbon	1.5 fl oz (shot)	0-0.4mg	Pure distilled spirit, negligible sodium.
Standard Beer	12 fl oz (can)	~7-14mg	Varies by brand and style.
Craft 'Gose' Beer	12 fl oz	Up to 400mg	A specific style known for its salty flavor.
Standard Glass of Wine	5 fl oz	~5mg	Generally low in sodium.
Cola	12 fl oz (can)	~30-40mg	Contains significantly more sodium than bourbon.
Margarita Mix (pre-made)	4 fl oz	Varies widely, can be high	High-sodium mixers are common.
Bloody Mary Mix	4 fl oz	Varies widely, can be very high	Tomato-based mixers are often high in sodium.

This comparison clearly illustrates that the biggest risk for increased sodium intake when consuming bourbon comes not from the spirit itself, but from what you mix with it. Choosing low-sodium mixers is crucial for those watching their intake.

Low-Sodium Mixers for Bourbon

For those on a low-sodium diet, enjoying Jim Beam is still very possible by selecting appropriate mixers. Below is a list of options that will keep your sodium count in check:

Club Soda or Seltzer: Plain club soda or seltzer water is a great low-sodium mixer. Just be sure to check the label for any added sodium.
Diet Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer: Choose diet or sugar-free versions to avoid added sugars and calories. Some ginger beers can have higher sodium, so read the label.
Freshly Squeezed Citrus Juice: Lemon or lime juice adds a bright, fresh flavor with minimal to no sodium.
Ice Tea: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened ice tea can be a refreshing and low-sodium mixer. Ensure no salt has been added during preparation.
Water: The simplest and most reliable low-sodium mixer is plain water, either still or sparkling. Drinking your bourbon 'on the rocks' is naturally a zero-sodium addition.
Flavored Seltzers: Be aware of flavored seltzers, as some brands add sodium. Check the nutrition facts to ensure it is a low-sodium option.

The Problem with Premixes

Pre-packaged cocktail mixes, including margarita, whiskey sour, or bloody mary mixes, are often laden with sodium, sugar, and preservatives. If you're mixing a cocktail, the best approach for a low-sodium lifestyle is to make it from scratch with fresh, high-quality, low-sodium ingredients. This gives you complete control over what's in your drink.

Considerations for a Low-Sodium Diet

While Jim Beam itself contains minimal sodium, excessive alcohol consumption can have other health impacts, such as affecting blood pressure and overall hydration, which are relevant to a low-sodium diet. It's important to consume alcohol in moderation as recommended by health professionals. A standard drink is considered a 1.5 fl oz pour of spirits, and moderation typically means up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Those with specific health conditions should consult a doctor before incorporating any alcohol into their diet.

Conclusion

For individuals concerned about dietary sodium, Jim Beam bourbon is an excellent and safe choice. The product's negligible sodium content is a direct result of the meticulous distillation process that purifies the spirit. The minimal sodium is especially appealing when compared to many other common beverages and mixers. However, the choice of mixer is paramount. By sticking to low-sodium options like plain water, club soda, or fresh citrus juice, you can enjoy Jim Beam without compromising your dietary goals. Ultimately, like any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key for overall health, especially for those managing specific dietary needs like a low-sodium intake.

More information on alcohol and salt sensitivity can be found in studies from the NIH.

Frequently Asked Questions

While often listed as 0mg, some nutrition data indicates a trace amount of less than 1mg of sodium per 1.5 fl oz serving. This amount is so minimal that it's considered negligible and is safe for low-sodium diets.

No, the aging process in charred oak barrels does not add any significant amount of sodium to the bourbon. The flavor and color are imparted by other compounds in the wood.

The distillation process purifies the alcohol by separating it from non-volatile substances like salts and minerals. The alcohol evaporates and is condensed, while the sodium and other compounds are left behind in the still.

Flavored versions of Jim Beam, such as those with added syrups or flavorings, may contain sodium. It is essential to check the nutritional label of any flavored product for accurate sodium information.

To keep sodium intake low, use mixers like plain club soda, seltzer water, fresh lemon or lime juice, or unsweetened iced tea. Always double-check labels for any hidden sodium.

For the most part, all pure, distilled whiskeys will be very low in sodium due to the distillation process. Any differences are likely to be negligible unless additives are introduced after distillation.

Yes, Jim Beam is a suitable option for a low-sodium diet when consumed in moderation and with low-sodium mixers. The spirit itself does not contribute a significant amount of sodium to your daily intake.