How much sugar is in one shot of Bacardi rum?

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard shot of unflavored Bacardi rum has zero grams of sugar. Though made from sugarcane, the distillation process removes all residual sugars, resulting in a spirit with no carbohydrates. The same cannot be said for all Bacardi products, especially the flavored varieties.

Quick Summary

Unflavored Bacardi rum contains no sugar per shot because of the distillation process. Flavored and spiced versions, along with cocktail mixers, can contribute significant amounts of sugar, impacting the drink's total sugar content.

Key Points

No Sugar in Pure Bacardi: Unflavored rums like Bacardi Superior and Gold have 0g of sugar per shot due to distillation.
Sugarcane to Zero Sugar: The fermentation and distillation process removes all sugar from the spirit.
Sugar in Flavored Varieties: Flavored rums, such as Bacardi Limón or Coconut, have added sugars and flavorings, resulting in higher sugar content.
Mixers are the Main Culprit: Most sugar in rum cocktails comes from mixers like soda, juice, or simple syrups, not the rum.
Low-Sugar Drinking: To minimize sugar, choose plain Bacardi with zero-sugar mixers.
Always Check the Label: Check the nutritional information for the specific bottle to confirm its sugar content.

Bacardi Rum and the Distillation Process

Rum is produced by fermenting sugarcane juice or molasses, a process that might mislead those watching their sugar intake. People often assume that the final product will also be sweet due to the sweet source ingredient. This is a common misconception. The key is in fermentation and distillation, where yeast consumes the sugar. During distillation, the alcohol is separated from other components, leaving any residual sugars behind. The result for unflavored spirits like Bacardi Carta Blanca or Bacardi Gold is a clear or amber liquid with no sugar or carbohydrates.

Why Different Bacardi Products Have Different Sugar Counts

Not all Bacardi products have the same sugar content. While the unflavored rums contain no sugar, the company offers flavored, spiced, and ready-to-drink (RTD) products that do. For these products, sugar and flavorings are added after distillation to achieve a specific taste. It is important to check the specific product label or nutritional information, as the sugar content can vary. For example, Bacardi Limón has added sugar, whereas Bacardi Superior has none.

Comparison of Bacardi Rum Varieties

To understand the sugar content, a comparison of popular Bacardi products is helpful. This table shows the difference between pure rum and its flavored or pre-mixed counterparts. This demonstrates that "Bacardi rum" is not a single entity in terms of nutrition.


Product	Serving Size	Estimated Sugar per Shot (1.5 fl oz)	Notes
Bacardi Superior (Carta Blanca)	1.5 fl oz	0 grams	A pure, white rum with no sugar or carbs.
Bacardi Gold	1.5 fl oz	0 grams	A pure, aged rum without added sugar.
Bacardi Limón	1.5 fl oz	Approx. 1.5-3.0 grams*	Flavored rum, sugar added after distillation.
Bacardi Coconut	1.5 fl oz	Approx. 6.3 grams*	Flavored rum, has added sugar and flavorings.
Bacardi Rum Punch (RTD)	12 fl oz can	Approx. 1.7 grams*	Pre-mixed cocktail, high sugar content relative to size.

*Note: Calculations based on reported grams per liter or serving size, as figures can vary slightly between sources and production batches.

The Impact of Mixers on Sugar Content

The largest source of sugar in most rum drinks is not the rum itself, but the mixers used. A rum and coke will have a high sugar content from the cola, while a rum and diet coke would have virtually no sugar. Other common mixers like fruit juices, simple syrups, and sweetened sodas can turn a zero-sugar shot of rum into a high-sugar cocktail. Anyone who wants to keep their sugar intake low should be mindful of what they mix with their unflavored Bacardi.

Tips for Enjoying Rum with Less Sugar

Several options are available for enjoying rum without consuming a lot of sugar:

Stick to unflavored rum: Choose Bacardi Superior or Gold, which have zero sugar and carbohydrates.
Choose sugar-free mixers: Mix your rum with diet soda, diet tonic, or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or lemon.
Make your own cocktails: Control the ingredients and sweeteners. For a mojito, use a sugar substitute instead of simple syrup.
Go neat or on the rocks: Enjoying rum straight or with ice avoids all added sugars and mixers. This is especially good for premium, aged rums.

Conclusion

In summary, the question "how much sugar is in one shot of Bacardi rum" does not have a single answer without qualification. For plain, unflavored varieties like Bacardi Carta Blanca or Bacardi Gold, a standard 1.5-ounce shot contains zero grams of sugar due to the distillation process. However, flavored rums (such as Limón or Coconut) or ready-to-drink cocktails can have significant sugar content, since sugars are added for flavor. The biggest factor in a rum cocktail's sugar content is usually the mixer, not the pure spirit itself. Therefore, being mindful of the specific Bacardi product and its mixers is the most effective way to control sugar intake when enjoying rum.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Bacardi Superior, like other unflavored rums, contains zero grams of sugar per shot. The fermentation and distillation process removes all sugars.

The difference is in the production process. Plain rums are pure distilled spirits, while flavored, spiced, or pre-mixed products have sugar and other flavorings added after distillation.

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of unflavored Bacardi rum has zero carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are added only in flavored varieties and mixers.

There is no difference in terms of sugar content. Both are distilled rums with zero grams of sugar per serving. The color and flavor difference comes from the aging process, not added sugar.

Yes, unflavored Bacardi rum is low-carb and suitable for a keto diet, as it has no sugar or carbohydrates. However, this only applies when consumed without sugary mixers.

Check the official nutritional information on the Bacardi website or the label of the specific product. For flavored or pre-mixed products, sugar is often a listed ingredient.

Common high-sugar mixers include standard sodas, tonic water, fruit juices, and syrups. Diet or zero-sugar alternatives can lower the sugar count of your drink.