Is Vodka Low in Carbohydrates? The Definitive Guide

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

Pure distilled vodka is a beverage that contains zero carbohydrates, a fact that makes it a popular choice for those following low-carb diets like keto. The process of distillation is key to this nutritional profile, as it strips away the very starches and sugars it was originally made from.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled vodka contains no carbohydrates due to the distillation process that removes sugars and starches. The final carb count of a vodka drink, however, is heavily influenced by the mixers used, with sugary add-ins quickly increasing the carbohydrate content.

Key Points

Zero Carbs in Pure Vodka: Due to the distillation process, unflavored vodka contains no carbohydrates, making it a viable option for low-carb and keto diets.
Mixers are the Problem: The high carb count in most vodka cocktails comes from sugary mixers like juices, sodas, and syrups, not the spirit itself.
Check Flavored Varieties: Flavored vodkas can contain added sugars, so it's important to read the nutritional label to confirm they are carb-free.
Choose Smart Mixers: Stick to zero-carb mixers such as club soda, diet soda, or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime to keep your drink carb-free.
Remember Calories: While vodka has no carbs, it does contain calories (7 per gram), and the body prioritizes burning alcohol over fat, which can impact weight loss goals.
Other Spirits are Similar: Other pure distilled spirits like gin, tequila, and whiskey also have zero carbs, offering additional low-carb options.

Understanding Vodka's Nutritional Makeup

Many people are surprised to learn that pure, unflavored vodka contains zero carbohydrates. This might seem counterintuitive since it's often made from carb-heavy ingredients like potatoes, grains (wheat, rye, corn), or even grapes. The magic lies in the fermentation and distillation process. The yeast during fermentation consumes the starches and sugars to produce alcohol. The subsequent distillation—which involves heating the fermented mixture and collecting the resulting ethanol vapor—effectively separates the alcohol from all other remnants, including the carbohydrates. The final product is essentially a mixture of ethanol and water, with no carbs, sugars, fat, or fiber.

The Distillation Process Explained

Here is a simple breakdown of how this transformation occurs:

Ingredient Selection: A carbohydrate-rich base, such as wheat or potatoes, is chosen.
Mashing and Fermentation: The base is cooked and mashed, and then yeast is added. The yeast consumes the carbohydrates and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Distillation: The fermented liquid is heated in a still. Because alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, it vaporizes first.
Purification: The alcohol vapor is collected and condensed back into a liquid, which is now a highly concentrated alcohol with virtually no impurities, including carbohydrates.
Filtration: The distilled spirit is often filtered multiple times to remove any remaining trace elements, creating a clear, pure beverage.
Dilution: Finally, the spirit is diluted with water to reach its desired proof, typically around 40% alcohol (80 proof).

The Carb Culprit: Mixers and Flavorings

While plain vodka is a safe bet for a carb-free drink, the story changes dramatically with mixers and flavored versions. The majority of cocktails and mixed drinks are made with juices, syrups, and sodas that are loaded with sugar and, consequently, carbohydrates. A simple vodka-cranberry can contain upwards of 30 grams of carbs, completely negating the benefit of the zero-carb spirit.

Even pre-bottled or pre-mixed cocktails and flavored vodkas often contain added sugars. If you're buying a flavored vodka, it's crucial to check the label, as some brands add sugar for flavor while others use artificial sweeteners or natural infusions that do not add carbs. The key is to be a label-reader and a savvy mixer-chooser.

Vodka vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, it's helpful to compare vodka's nutritional profile to other popular alcoholic drinks. Pure, unflavored distilled spirits like gin, tequila, and whiskey also contain zero carbs, but many other options do not.

Alcohol Carb Comparison Table


Alcohol Type	Typical Serving Size	Carb Content (grams)	Notes
Pure Vodka	1.5 oz (44 ml)	0	Unflavored, distilled spirit.
Dry Wine	5 oz (148 ml)	3–5	Carbs from residual sugar; varies by type.
Light Beer	12 oz (355 ml)	2–6	Lower carb count than regular beer.
Regular Beer	12 oz (355 ml)	10–15	Higher due to malt sugars.
Sweet Cocktail (e.g., Margarita)	8 oz (237 ml)	20–30	High carb from syrups and juice.
Champagne (Extra Dry/Brut)	4 oz (118 ml)	1.6	Lower carb sparkling wine.

Strategies for Low-Carb Vodka Drinking

If you want to enjoy a vodka drink without compromising your low-carb lifestyle, several simple strategies can help:

Stick to Zero-Carb Mixers: Options like club soda, soda water, or diet soda are perfect for a carb-free cocktail base. A vodka soda with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime is a classic for a reason.
Use Fresh Flavorings: Infuse your vodka with natural flavors at home. Add slices of cucumber, berries, or herbs like mint or rosemary to your bottle. This adds flavor without any carbs.
Dilute with Water: For a simple, no-fuss option, simply mix vodka with water and a lemon wedge for a refreshing drink with zero carbs.
Create Low-Carb Cocktails: Explore cocktail recipes that use zero-calorie sweeteners or minimal low-carb ingredients. A dry vodka martini, for example, has an extremely low carb count.

The Alcohol and Weight Loss Connection

Despite having zero carbs, vodka isn't calorie-free. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains approximately 97 calories, all of which come from the alcohol itself. For context, alcohol provides 7 calories per gram, which is more than protein or carbohydrates (4 calories per gram). This means that while you can avoid carbs, you still need to be mindful of your overall calorie intake when drinking alcohol.

Furthermore, the body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other macronutrients. When you consume alcohol, your liver works to break it down first, effectively putting a pause on the burning of fat for energy. This phenomenon, known as "fat sparing," can slow down weight loss progress, even if you are on a low-carb or keto diet.

Conclusion

In summary, pure, unflavored vodka is indeed low in carbohydrates, containing none at all. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals on low-carb diets who are careful about what they consume. However, the carbohydrate content of a vodka drink can skyrocket depending on the mixers used, so it's essential to opt for carb-free mixers like soda water or fresh citrus. While vodka itself is carb-free, it's still a source of calories and can interfere with the body's fat-burning process. Moderation and smart choices are key for enjoying vodka responsibly while adhering to dietary goals.

For more information on alcohol and nutrition, you can consult reliable sources like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, pure and unflavored vodka contains zero carbohydrates. The distillation process, which heats and purifies the fermented mixture, removes all the sugars and starches, leaving behind only alcohol and water.

The carbohydrates in a vodka drink come from the mixers, not the vodka itself. Mixers like fruit juices, regular sodas, and cocktail syrups are often loaded with sugar and therefore add a significant number of carbs to your drink.

You should check the label of flavored vodkas. Some brands add sugar for flavoring, while others use natural infusions or artificial sweeteners that don't add carbs. Always read the nutritional information to be sure.

Excellent low-carb mixer options include club soda, diet sodas, flavored seltzer waters, or simply a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice.

Pure, unflavored vodka is a keto-friendly alcohol due to its zero-carb content. However, keep in mind that alcohol still contains calories and can stall fat-burning, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Yes, vodka contains calories. While it has no nutritional value beyond the ethanol, a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories from the alcohol itself.

When you drink alcohol, your body processes it first, pausing the metabolism of fats. This 'fat-sparing' effect can slow down weight loss, even on a low-carb diet.