Understanding What Alcohol Has No Sugar and No Carbs?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey contain zero grams of carbs and sugar per serving, making them suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets. This is because the distillation process removes residual sugars left over from fermentation. Understanding what alcohol has no sugar and no carbs? is key for managing your intake while adhering to a strict diet.

Quick Summary

Pure, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, rum, and gin are completely free of carbs and sugar. The carb and sugar content in many alcoholic beverages actually comes from sugary mixers, flavorings, and additives, not the alcohol itself.

Key Points

Pure Distilled Spirits are Zero-Carb: Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila contain zero carbs and sugar due to the distillation process.
Mixers Contain Hidden Carbs: Many popular cocktail mixers like juice, tonic water, and regular soda are high in sugar and carbs.
Choose Sugar-Free Mixers: Opt for club soda, diet soda, or diet tonic to create carb-free cocktails with distilled spirits.
Dry Wines are a Low-Carb Alternative: Dry red and white wines, as well as brut sparkling wines, have low carb content, typically 3–5 grams per glass.
Select Hard Seltzers are Carb-Free: Some hard seltzer brands offer products with zero sugar and zero carbs, but it's important to check the label.
Flavorings Add Carbs: Be cautious with flavored spirits and spiced rums, as they can contain added sugars and carbohydrates.

The Science Behind Zero-Carb Alcohol

For those on low-carb or ketogenic diets, alcohol can be tricky to navigate. The good news is that not all alcohol is created equal when it comes to carbs and sugar. The secret lies in the distillation process. Fermentation is the process that converts sugars into alcohol. In the case of beer and wine, some of these sugars remain, contributing to the carbohydrate content. However, during the distillation process used to create hard liquors, the liquid is heated and condensed, which effectively separates the alcohol from the water and other compounds, including sugars and carbohydrates. The result is a pure spirit with zero carbs and zero sugar. The calories that remain come exclusively from the alcohol itself, which contains roughly 7 calories per gram.

The Zero-Carb, Zero-Sugar Champions: Pure Distilled Spirits

Several types of alcohol fall into the zero-carb and zero-sugar category when consumed in their unflavored, distilled form. It is crucial to remember that this applies only to the pure spirit; once you add mixers, the nutritional profile can change drastically.

Here are the top contenders for zero-carb, zero-sugar alcohol:

Vodka: Made from grains or potatoes, vodka is one of the most well-known spirits with a clean nutritional slate. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or with a sugar-free mixer.
Gin: A spirit infused with botanicals like juniper berries, unflavored gin has no carbs or sugar. A classic martini is a great zero-carb option.
Rum: Made from sugarcane molasses, rum is distilled to remove all carbs and sugar. Choose clear, unflavored rum to stay on track. Flavored or spiced rums often have added sugars.
Tequila: Sourced from the agave plant, 100% agave tequila is carb- and sugar-free.
Whiskey: Distilled from various grain mashes, whiskey, bourbon, and scotch contain zero carbs and sugar.
Brandy: Distilled from fermented fruit juice, unflavored brandy is also a carb-free spirit.

The Mixer Minefield: How to Avoid Hidden Carbs

While the spirits themselves may be carb-free, the mixers used to create cocktails are often loaded with sugar. A single standard gin and tonic, for example, can have a surprising amount of sugar due to the tonic water. To maintain a low-carb diet, you must be selective with your mixers.

Here are some common sugary mixers to avoid and their zero-carb alternatives:

Avoid: Regular soda, juice (cranberry, orange), tonic water, sweet and sour mix, pre-made cocktail mixes, syrups like simple syrup or grenadine.
Opt for: Club soda, soda water, diet tonic water, diet soda, sugar-free drink mixes, a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.

Low-Carb Alternatives: Wine and Hard Seltzer

For those who prefer something other than liquor, there are still options that fit within a low-carb lifestyle, though they may not be entirely zero-carb.

Dry Wine: Dry red and white wines contain very little residual sugar after the fermentation process. A standard 5-ounce glass of a dry wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Grigio typically contains only 3 to 5 grams of carbs. Steer clear of sweet dessert wines or those labeled 'late harvest'.
Hard Seltzers: The rise of hard seltzers has introduced a variety of low-carb, and even some zero-carb, canned options. Brands like San Juan Seltzer boast zero sugar and zero carbs while offering refreshing flavors. Always check the nutrition label, as some brands add sugar or fruit purees that increase the carb count.

Comparison of Alcoholic Beverages

To help visualize the differences, here is a comparison of the approximate nutritional content for common alcoholic beverages per standard serving size.


Beverage (Unflavored)	Serving Size	Approximate Carbs (g)	Approximate Sugar (g)
Vodka	1.5 oz shot	0	0
Gin	1.5 oz shot	0	0
Whiskey	1.5 oz shot	0	0
Rum	1.5 oz shot	0	0
Tequila	1.5 oz shot	0	0
Dry Wine	5 oz glass	3–5	1–3
Light Beer	12 oz can	2–6	0
Regular Beer	12 oz can	10–15	0
Sweet Cocktail (e.g., Margarita)	8 oz serving	20–30+	15–25+

Note: Nutritional information can vary by brand and specific product. Flavored spirits and sweetened mixers will increase carb and sugar content.

Moderation and Calorie Awareness

Even when choosing zero-carb and zero-sugar options, it's essential to practice moderation. Alcohol still contains calories and offers no nutritional value. Consuming excess alcohol can hinder weight loss goals and impact overall health, regardless of its carb content. For example, a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains about 97 calories. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can have other serious health consequences.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

If you're on a low-carb or keto diet and want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, pure, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, and tequila are your best options. They contain no sugar and no carbohydrates. To keep your drink sugar- and carb-free, always use zero-carb mixers like club soda or diet tonic water. If spirits aren't your preference, dry wines and select hard seltzers offer lower-carb alternatives. The key is to check labels, be mindful of mixers, and, most importantly, drink in moderation to stay on track with your nutritional goals.

For more information on alcohol and health, consider consulting resources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, unflavored distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey are all zero-carb and zero-sugar. This is because the distillation process separates the alcohol from carbohydrates and sugars.

You should be cautious with flavored spirits. Many flavored vodkas and gins contain added sugars and sweeteners, which will increase their carb count. Always check the nutrition label to be sure.

Excellent low-carb mixers include club soda, diet tonic water, diet soda, or a simple squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.

No, light beers and dry wines are low-carb, not zero-carb. Light beer can have 2–6 grams of carbs per serving, while dry wines typically contain 3–5 grams per glass, as not all sugars are converted during fermentation.

Regular tonic water contains quinine and is sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup or other sugars. A standard 8-ounce serving can have 20–25 grams of sugar, which is why diet tonic is recommended for low-carb drinks.

Club soda is carbonated water with added minerals, and it contains no carbs or calories. Tonic water is also carbonated but contains added quinine and sweetener, making it high in sugar unless it is a diet version.

Yes, alcohol still contains calories, about 7 calories per gram, which are often referred to as 'empty calories' because they provide no nutritional value. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain regardless of sugar or carb content.