Nutrition Diet: What whiskey has the lowest carbs? And how to drink responsibly

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Pure distilled spirits like whiskey contain zero carbs, making them an ideal choice for low-carb diets when consumed correctly. So, when asking what whiskey has the lowest carbs?, the simple answer is all pure whiskey, provided you choose your mixers wisely.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled whiskey, including bourbon, rye, and Scotch, contains zero carbs due to the distillation process. Choosing the right, unsweetened mixers is critical for maintaining a low-carb diet, as flavored versions and sugary additions can add significant carbohydrates.

Key Points

All pure, unflavored whiskey has zero carbs: The distillation process removes all carbohydrates, making it a carb-free spirit.
Flavored whiskeys and sugary mixers are the main carb sources: Cocktails, juices, and regular sodas will add significant carbs to your drink.
Whiskey types like Bourbon, Scotch, and Rye are all zero-carb: The type of grain or aging process does not add carbs to the final, distilled product.
Use low-carb mixers for cocktails: To enjoy a mixed drink, opt for club soda, diet sodas, or fresh citrus juice.
Drink in moderation on a low-carb diet: Alcohol can temporarily halt fat metabolism and increase your sensitivity, so it's best to consume it sparingly.
Calories still count with zero-carb whiskey: While carb-free, whiskey contains calories from the alcohol itself, which can add up if not monitored.

For those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, navigating the world of alcoholic beverages can be tricky. Many drinks are loaded with hidden sugars and carbohydrates that can quickly derail your dietary progress. However, understanding the nutritional content of spirits like whiskey reveals that they can be a viable option, provided you stick to the unflavored varieties and use appropriate mixers. The key lies in the distillation process, which strips away the fermentable sugars that would otherwise remain in the final product.

The Distillation Difference: Why Whiskey is Carb-Free

Whiskey begins its life as a fermented grain mash, containing carbohydrates just like beer. The crucial step that sets it apart is distillation. During this process, the fermented wash is heated, causing the alcohol to vaporize. This vapor is then collected and condensed back into a liquid form, leaving behind the non-alcoholic components, including the carbohydrates. This is why pure, unflavored spirits, whether it's bourbon, scotch, or rye, end up with a carbohydrate count of zero.

In contrast, beverages like beer are fermented but not distilled, meaning they retain much of their carbohydrate content from the original grain. Similarly, wine contains residual sugar, with sweeter varieties having more carbs than drier ones.

The Main Culprit: Sugary Mixers

While the whiskey itself is carb-free, the most common pitfall for low-carb drinkers is adding sugary mixers. A whiskey and soda is a safe bet, but a whiskey and coke, a whiskey sour, or an Old Fashioned can contain a significant amount of carbs due to added syrups, sodas, and juices. Always check the ingredients of any cocktail and opt for sugar-free alternatives.

Whiskey Types and Their Carb Content

Regardless of its origin or specific type, pure, unflavored whiskey will have zero carbs. The differences lie in the grains used and the aging process, which impacts flavor rather than carb count.

Bourbon: Made from a mash bill that is at least 51% corn, bourbon has a sweeter profile but remains carb-free in its pure form.
Scotch: Primarily made from malted barley and aged in oak casks in Scotland, Scotch is also a zero-carb spirit.
Rye Whiskey: Known for its spicier flavor, rye whiskey contains no carbs unless flavored.
Single Malt Whisky: Made from malted barley at a single distillery, single malt is carb-free and a popular choice for purists.
Canadian Whisky: Known for a smoother profile, most Canadian whiskies contain no added sugars and are also carb-free.

Comparison Table: Whiskey vs. Other Alcoholic Beverages

For a clear picture, here's how a standard 1.5 oz serving of pure, unflavored whiskey compares to other common alcoholic drinks based on typical carb content:


Alcoholic Beverage	Standard Serving	Carb Content (g)	Notes
Pure Whiskey	1.5 oz (44ml)	0	Unflavored, unmixed.
Dry White Wine	5 oz (150ml)	3-4	Varies by sweetness.
Dry Red Wine	5 oz (150ml)	3-5	Varies by sweetness.
Light Beer	12 oz (355ml)	2-6	Varies by brand.
Regular Beer	12 oz (355ml)	10-15	Varies by style.
Sweet Cocktail (e.g., Margarita)	8 oz (240ml)	20-30	Mixers are the carb source.

Low-Carb Whiskey Cocktail Ideas

To enjoy whiskey without the carbs, you can create simple, diet-friendly cocktails. The key is to use zero-carb mixers. Here are a few ideas:

Whiskey & Soda: Combine whiskey with club soda or seltzer water. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for a hint of flavor.
Low-Carb Whiskey Sour: Use whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol to replace the sugar syrup.
Whiskey on the Rocks: The simplest option is to serve whiskey with ice, ensuring no carbs are added.

List of Low-Carb Whiskey Mixers

Club Soda
Seltzer Water
Diet Soda (e.g., Diet Coke, Diet Ginger Ale)
Diet Tonic Water
Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice
Unsweetened Iced Tea
Bitters (use sparingly)

Important Considerations for Low-Carb Drinking

While pure whiskey has no carbs, there are still important factors to remember when drinking on a low-carb diet.

Metabolism: Your body prioritizes processing alcohol as a toxin before burning other macronutrients like fat. This can temporarily pause or slow down ketosis.
Sensitivity: Many people experience a heightened sensitivity to alcohol while in ketosis, meaning you may feel the effects of drinking more quickly.
Moderation: Even with zero carbs, alcohol adds calories. Excessive consumption can hinder weight loss goals and lead to other health issues.

Conclusion

In the world of low-carb drinking, pure, unflavored whiskey is an excellent choice due to its inherent zero-carb nature. The crucial takeaway for maintaining your dietary goals is to be vigilant about your mixers. By opting for carb-free mixers or enjoying your whiskey neat, you can indulge responsibly while staying on track with your nutrition diet.

For more information on the best and worst drinks for a keto diet, you can consult this guide from Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all pure, unflavored, and unsweetened whiskey has zero carbs because the distillation process removes all carbohydrates. However, flavored whiskeys often have added sugars that increase the carb count.

There is no carb difference between pure types of whiskey. Both bourbon (made from corn) and scotch (made from barley), as well as rye and other types, are distilled spirits with a zero-carb count in their unflavored state.

To make a low-carb whiskey cocktail, use mixers that are sugar-free. Good options include club soda, diet tonic water, or diet ginger ale, with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime.

While pure whiskey has zero carbs, drinking any alcohol can potentially interrupt ketosis. The body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over burning fat, which can temporarily slow down or pause ketosis.

No, flavored whiskeys should generally be avoided on a low-carb diet. They contain added sugars and flavorings that add carbs, which can quickly exceed your daily limit.

Excellent low-carb mixers for whiskey include club soda, seltzer water, diet sodas, diet tonic water, and a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice.

No specific brand of pure, unflavored whiskey has fewer carbs than another. All are a good choice for a low-carb diet. Focus on avoiding flavored versions and sugary mixers.