Is There a Lot of Sugar in Tito's Vodka? The Distillation Truth

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to official product information, a 1.5-ounce serving of Tito's Handmade Vodka contains 98 calories but zero grams of sugar. This zero-sugar content is a fundamental property of pure distilled spirits like Tito's, but it's a fact often misunderstood by consumers. Understanding the distillation process reveals exactly why there is no sugar in Tito's vodka.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits, including Tito's vodka, contain zero sugar and carbohydrates due to the distillation process. Any sugar in a vodka cocktail comes from the mixers, not the spirit itself. For a sugar-free drink, opt for plain Tito's and pair it with zero-sugar mixers.

Key Points

Zero Sugar Content: Pure distilled spirits like Tito's Handmade Vodka contain zero grams of sugar.
Distillation Process: Sugar is eliminated during the distillation process, which converts sugars and starches into alcohol and leaves them behind.
Mixers Add Sugar: The sugar in most vodka cocktails comes from the mixers (e.g., soda, juice), not the vodka itself.
Zero Carbs: In addition to being sugar-free, Tito's is also free of carbohydrates.
Keto-Friendly: The zero-carb and zero-sugar nature of plain Tito's makes it suitable for low-carb or keto diets.
Corn-Based and Gluten-Free: Despite being made from corn, the distillation process removes gluten, making it naturally gluten-free.

The Distillation Process: How Sugars Are Eliminated

Vodka production is a multi-step process that fundamentally removes all sugars from the final product. The journey begins with a base ingredient that is rich in starches or sugars, such as corn, wheat, or potatoes. In the case of Tito's, the base is 100% corn, which is naturally gluten-free.

Fermentation and Distillation Explained

Fermentation: The process starts by fermenting the base ingredient. Yeast is added to the corn mash, and it consumes the natural sugars and starches. This consumption is a metabolic process that produces ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide. By the end of fermentation, all available sugars have been consumed by the yeast. Any unfermentable starches also remain in the mash.
Distillation: After fermentation, the liquid mash is heated in a still. Because ethanol has a lower boiling point than water and other impurities, it vaporizes first. The alcohol vapor is then collected and cooled, condensing back into a liquid form known as the distillate.
Purification: Tito's is distilled six times in old-fashioned pot stills, which increases the purity and smooths the final product. The distillation process leaves behind the vast majority of impurities, including any residual sugars or carbohydrates that were in the original mash.

This meticulous process ensures that what is bottled as a pure, unflavored spirit consists only of ethanol and water, with no sugar, carbohydrates, fat, or protein. The calories in pure vodka come solely from the alcohol itself.

The Culprits: Where Sugar Hides in Cocktails

If pure spirits have no sugar, why are so many popular cocktails loaded with it? The answer lies in the mixers. While a plain shot of Tito's is sugar-free, adding a standard mixer can instantly turn it into a high-sugar drink. For those watching their sugar intake, this is the most critical factor to consider.

Some of the most common high-sugar mixers include:

Regular Soda: A 12-ounce can of cola can contain nearly 40 grams of sugar, transforming a single vodka soda into a sugary beverage.
Fruit Juices: Juices like orange and cranberry are full of natural sugars. A single cup of cranberry juice, for example, can have over 30 grams of sugar.
Sweet Syrups: Ingredients like grenadine, simple syrup, or triple sec are used in many cocktails to add flavor and sweetness. This is where most sugar in cocktails like Cosmopolitans or Lemon Drops comes from.
Flavored Vodkas: Be aware that while pure vodkas are sugar-free, many flavored varieties have added sugars and flavorings after the distillation process. These should be carefully checked for nutritional information before consumption.

Staying Sugar-Free: Pairing Tito's with the Right Mixers

Fortunately, for those who prefer mixed drinks, there are plenty of zero-sugar and low-sugar options that allow you to enjoy Tito's guilt-free. To keep your cocktail as clean as the spirit itself, consider these pairings:

Club Soda or Seltzer: This is the simplest and most effective way to create a sugar-free vodka drink. A squeeze of lemon or lime adds flavor without sugar.
Diet Tonic Water: While some tonic waters are full of sugar, diet versions provide the same distinctive taste with zero calories and sugar.
Flavored Seltzer: Many brands offer flavored seltzers that can add a burst of fruit flavor to your drink without any sugar. Just check the label to be sure.
Water Infusions: For a natural and refreshing option, infuse water with sliced cucumber, berries, or mint and use it as a mixer.

Comparison Table: Tito's vs. Common Cocktail Ingredients


Ingredient	Serving Size	Approximate Sugar Content	Note
Tito's Handmade Vodka	1.5 oz (44 ml)	0 grams	All calories come from alcohol.
Cranberry Juice	1 cup (253g)	31 grams	Common high-sugar mixer.
Orange Juice	1 cup (248g)	25 grams	Adds significant sugar to a screwdriver.
Cola	12 oz can	38.5 grams	Sweet soda that dramatically increases sugar content.
Standard Tonic Water	8 oz	21 grams	Can be replaced with diet tonic.
Club Soda / Seltzer	12 oz	0 grams	Ideal sugar-free mixer.

Conclusion

In short, there is no sugar in Tito's vodka itself. The pure, unflavored spirit is naturally sugar-free, carbohydrate-free, and gluten-free due to the thorough distillation process it undergoes. The misconception that it might contain sugar often arises from the sugary mixers commonly used in cocktails. For those monitoring their sugar and carb intake, Tito's is an excellent choice, provided it is mixed with sugar-free alternatives like club soda or diet tonic water. By understanding the science behind the spirit, you can enjoy a drink that is free of added sugars. For more nutritional details on distilled spirits, reputable health resources like Healthline provide further insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Tito's Handmade Vodka is a pure distilled spirit and contains zero carbohydrates. The sugars and starches from its corn base are removed during the distillation process.

A standard 1.5-ounce serving of 80-proof Tito's Handmade Vodka contains 98 calories, which come entirely from the alcohol content.

Yes, as a pure, unflavored spirit with no sugar or carbs, Tito's can be a good option for diabetics. However, it is crucial to use sugar-free mixers to avoid affecting blood sugar levels, and to always consume alcohol in moderation.

Plain, pure vodkas like Tito's are sugar-free. The vodkas that contain sugar are typically flavored varieties, which have sweeteners added after the distillation process to enhance their taste.

Tito's Handmade Vodka is distilled from 100% corn, a key detail that also makes it naturally gluten-free.

Excellent sugar-free mixers include club soda, seltzer water, and diet tonic water. Adding a squeeze of lemon, lime, or cucumber is a great way to add flavor without sugar.

No, Tito's is made from corn and is certified gluten-free. The distillation process effectively removes any gluten, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.