Is Bourbon High in Carbs and Sugar? A Guide for Low-Carb Diets

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof bourbon contains zero grams of carbs and zero grams of sugar. This makes the core question of whether bourbon is high in carbs and sugar a simple one for straight bourbon, but cocktails are a different story. The distillation process effectively removes these components, leaving only the alcohol and flavoring compounds behind.

Quick Summary

Straight bourbon is naturally free of carbs and sugar due to the distillation process, making it a suitable choice for low-carb and keto diets. However, adding mixers, syrups, or liqueurs to create cocktails significantly increases the carb and sugar content. The key to keeping your drink low in these elements is consuming bourbon neat or with sugar-free mixers.

Key Points

Carb-Free by Nature: Straight, unflavored bourbon contains zero carbohydrates and sugar due to the distillation process.
Distillation Removes Sugar: During production, yeast converts sugar to alcohol, and distillation removes any remaining carbohydrates and sugar from the spirit.
Mixers Are the Problem: The high carb and sugar content often associated with alcohol comes from mixers like soda, juice, and syrups, not the bourbon itself.
Keto and Low-Carb Friendly: When consumed neat, on the rocks, or with zero-sugar mixers, bourbon is an excellent choice for those on keto and other low-carb diets.
Flavor from Aging, Not Sugar: The sweet taste in bourbon comes from compounds extracted from the charred oak barrel, not from added sugars.
Beware of Flavored Bourbons: Flavored bourbons and liqueurs often have sugar and carbohydrates added post-distillation, increasing their nutritional impact.

The Science of Distillation: How Bourbon Sheds Carbs and Sugar

The fundamental process of creating bourbon is the reason behind its near-zero carbohydrate and sugar content. Bourbon starts with a fermented mash of grains, which must be at least 51% corn. During fermentation, yeast consumes the natural sugars in the grains and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Following this, the liquid is distilled. Distillation is a purification process that separates alcohol from water and other compounds in the fermented mixture. Because carbohydrates and sugars have a much higher boiling point than alcohol, they are left behind during distillation. The result is a pure, distilled spirit with no residual carbs or sugars.

Why Straight Bourbon Is Carb-Free

For anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, understanding the distinction between a distilled spirit and other alcoholic beverages is crucial. Unlike beer, which is not distilled and retains its original fermented components, or wine, which contains residual sugars, a straight, unadulterated bourbon is a safe bet. Any sweetness perceived in bourbon's flavor comes not from sugar, but from esters and other compounds extracted from the charred oak barrels during the aging process. This nuanced flavor profile is one of the reasons it's a popular choice for sipping.

The Culprits: How Cocktails Add Carbs and Sugar

While a neat pour of bourbon is carbohydrate-free, cocktails can dramatically change the nutritional profile. The most common cocktail mixers are loaded with sugar, turning a clean spirit into a high-sugar drink. Understanding which ingredients to avoid is key for those watching their intake.

Common High-Sugar Bourbon Mixers:

Simple Syrups: The foundation of many cocktails, like an Old Fashioned, contains a significant amount of sugar.
Sodas: Standard colas and other soft drinks are high in high-fructose corn syrup, adding empty calories and carbs.
Juices: Fruit juices such as orange, cranberry, or apple contain natural sugars that contribute to the carb count.
Liqueurs: Flavored liqueurs, like amaretto or triple sec, are essentially sugar-infused spirits and should be avoided.
Sweet Vermouth: Used in a classic Manhattan, sweet vermouth adds a small but notable amount of sugar.

Low-Carb Bourbon Drink Alternatives

For those on a carb-conscious diet, there are many ways to enjoy bourbon without sacrificing flavor. Substituting high-sugar mixers with zero-calorie alternatives can make all the difference.

Bourbon and Diet Soda: Mixing with a diet cola or diet ginger ale provides the carbonation and flavor without the sugar.
Bourbon and Soda Water: A simple bourbon and soda with a lemon or lime twist is a refreshing, carb-free option.
DIY Low-Carb Cocktails: Create your own simple syrups using sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia to craft low-carb versions of classic cocktails.

Nutritional Comparison: Bourbon vs. Other Drinks

To put things into perspective, comparing the nutritional values of bourbon to other common alcoholic beverages highlights why it's a popular choice for low-carb enthusiasts. This table provides an overview of the typical carb and sugar content per serving of various drinks.


Beverage (approx. 1.5 oz/standard serving)	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Notes
Straight Bourbon	0	0	Distilled process removes all carbs and sugar.
Light Beer (12 oz)	~3	~0.3	Varies by brand. Contains residual carbs from fermentation.
White Wine (5 oz)	4-15	1.5-10	Sweetness level and carb count vary widely.
Rum & Cola	~20	~20	Standard cola is very high in sugar and carbs.
Whiskey Sour	~7	-	Uses simple syrup and lemon juice.
Flavored Whiskey	Varies	Varies	Sugar and carbs added after distillation.

Conclusion: Enjoying Bourbon Mindfully on a Low-Carb Plan

For individuals on a low-carb or keto diet, the fact that straight bourbon contains no carbohydrates or sugar is excellent news. It provides a way to enjoy a sophisticated, flavorful spirit without derailing dietary goals. The key is in the preparation—drinking bourbon neat, on the rocks, or with sugar-free mixers ensures its carb-free nature is preserved. It's the sugary mixers and liqueurs that turn a low-carb spirit into a high-carb cocktail. By being mindful of what's added to the glass, you can responsibly enjoy bourbon while sticking to your dietary plan. For more information on responsible alcohol consumption, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) website. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, drinking straight bourbon does not cause a blood sugar spike because it contains no carbohydrates or sugars. However, alcohol can affect blood sugar regulation in other ways, so it is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their levels.

Yes, straight bourbon is keto-friendly because it contains zero carbohydrates. It is a suitable alcoholic beverage for those on a ketogenic diet, provided it is consumed neat, on the rocks, or with a keto-compliant mixer.

Any cocktail made with sweet mixers like simple syrup, regular soda, or fruit juice will have a high carb count. A good rule of thumb is to assume cocktails like an Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Manhattan contain significant sugar unless specifically made with sugar-free alternatives.

For a low-carb mixer, consider club soda, diet soda, or sugar-free seltzer water. Adding a splash of lemon or lime juice can enhance the flavor without adding sugar.

The perceived sweetness in bourbon comes from compounds called vanillins and tannins that are extracted from the charred oak barrels during the aging process. It is a flavor profile created by the wood, not from added sugar.

Yes, unlike straight bourbon, flavored bourbons often have sugar and other sweeteners added after the distillation process. It is important to check the nutritional information or ingredient list on flavored spirits.

Yes, straight bourbon is an excellent choice for a low-sugar diet. Just ensure you are drinking it neat, on the rocks, or using sugar-free mixers to avoid adding hidden sugars.