What alcohol drink has the least carbs?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 1.5-ounce serving of pure distilled spirits contains zero grams of carbohydrates. This makes pure liquor the definitive answer when asking what alcohol drink has the least carbs, but the mixers you choose are equally important for keeping the carb count down.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled liquors like vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey contain zero carbs, making them the most ideal low-carb alcoholic choices. This guide details how to find zero-carb options, navigate low-carb wines and beers, and avoid high-carb pitfalls.

Key Points

Zero Carbs: Pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, and unflavored rum contain zero grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Mixers Matter: The carb count of a drink with spirits is determined by the mixer; opt for club soda, diet soda, or a squeeze of citrus.
Dry Wine is Best: Dry wines, both red and white, are the lowest-carb wine options, with around 3-5 grams per glass.
Choose Light Beer: Light beer offers a lower-carb alternative to regular beer, with typical options ranging from 2 to 6 grams per 12-ounce bottle.
Avoid Sugary Cocktails: Cocktails made with juice, syrups, or creamy liqueurs are often packed with sugar and should be avoided on a low-carb diet.
Look for Hard Seltzers: Many hard seltzers on the market are low-carb or even zero-carb, providing a convenient canned option.

Pure Distilled Spirits: The Zero-Carb Champions

If your goal is to find the absolute lowest-carb alcoholic beverage, look no further than pure, unflavored distilled spirits. The distillation process effectively strips away the fermentable sugars, leaving behind only alcohol and water. This means that when consumed neat, on the rocks, or with a carb-free mixer, the carb count is a satisfying zero. This category includes:

Vodka: A classic for its versatility, offering a neutral base for a variety of low-carb cocktails. Just be sure to choose an unflavored variety, as many flavored options contain added sugars.
Gin: A juniper-flavored spirit with a clean, zero-carb profile. Paired with diet tonic or club soda and a lime wedge, it's a refreshing low-carb drink.
Tequila: Made from the agave plant, 100% agave tequila is carb-free. A simple tequila soda with a twist of lime is a keto-friendly option.
Whiskey/Bourbon: Despite being made from grain, the distillation process removes all carbohydrates, making whiskey and bourbon ideal for sipping without the carb load.
Rum: Unflavored rum, made from sugarcane or molasses, contains zero carbs after distillation. Sweetened or spiced rums, however, will have a higher carb count.

The Importance of Carb-Free Mixers

While the spirits themselves are carb-free, the mixers used in cocktails are often where hidden sugars and carbs lurk. A rum and diet coke is a zero-carb choice, but a rum and regular coke is a sugar-filled disaster. Here are some simple carb-free mixer options:

Club soda or seltzer water
Diet soda (watch for artificial sweeteners if you prefer to avoid them)
Diet tonic water (regular tonic is high in sugar)
A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice
Herbal garnishes like mint or rosemary

Low-Carb Wine and Beer Options

For those who prefer something other than spirits, there are still low-carb options to explore. The key is to understand how fermentation and production affect the final carbohydrate content.

Dry Wine: During fermentation, most of the grape sugars are converted to alcohol. Dry wines, both red and white, have very little residual sugar and are a great low-carb choice, typically containing just 3-5 grams per 5-ounce glass. Good choices include Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweeter dessert wines should be avoided as they contain much higher levels of sugar.
Light Beer: Regular beer is notoriously high in carbs due to its grain content. However, many light beers are specifically brewed to reduce calories and carbs. These can range from 2 to 6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving. Examples include Michelob Ultra or Bud Select 55.
Hard Seltzers: These popular canned drinks are a mix of carbonated water, alcohol, and flavoring. Many brands offer zero-carb versions, making them a refreshing and convenient option.

Comparison Table of Popular Alcoholic Drinks

To illustrate the difference in carb content, here is a comparison table based on standard serving sizes:


Drink Type	Standard Serving	Approximate Carb Content (g)	Notes
Pure Distilled Spirit (Vodka, Gin, Tequila)	1.5 oz	0	Carb-free, but mixers can add carbs
Dry Red or White Wine	5 oz	3–5	Carbs depend on residual sugar; avoid sweet wines
Extra-Dry Sparkling Wine/Champagne	4-5 oz	1.5–2.5	Lower carb than many still wines
Light Beer	12 oz	2–6	Varies by brand; check nutritional labels
Hard Seltzer	12 oz	0–2	Many zero-carb options exist
Regular Beer	12 oz	10–15	Higher carb count from malted grains
Sweet Cocktails (e.g., Margarita, Piña Colada)	4-8 oz	15–30+	Mixers and syrups are the main culprits

Low-Carb Cocktail Recipes

Instead of relying on sugary pre-made mixes, you can create your own delicious low-carb cocktails at home. All these recipes utilize the zero-carb spirits and carb-free mixers mentioned earlier:

Vodka Soda with Lime: Combine 1.5 oz of unflavored vodka with club soda over ice. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge into the drink.
Keto Mojito: Muddle fresh mint leaves with a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Add 2 oz of unflavored rum, top with club soda, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Skinny Margarita: Combine 2 oz of 100% agave tequila, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and a few drops of a low-carb sweetener. Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
Dry Martini: This classic cocktail is inherently low-carb. Combine 2.5 oz of gin or vodka with a splash of dry vermouth and stir with ice. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
Whiskey and Diet Cola: Combine 1.5 oz of whiskey with diet cola over ice. A simple, effective low-carb alternative to a classic high-carb mix.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, pure, unflavored distilled spirits are the best choice. Vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey contain zero grams of carbs per serving, as long as they are not mixed with sugary sodas or juices. When venturing beyond spirits, look to dry wines and light beers for low-carb moderation. By being mindful of mixers and portion sizes, you can enjoy an occasional drink without derailing a low-carb diet. Remember that while these options are low in carbs, they still contain calories from the alcohol itself, which can impact weight loss goals.

For more detailed nutritional information and low-carb strategies, consult reliable sources such as the American Diabetes Association or Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, unflavored spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey have zero carbs. However, flavored versions often have added sugars, so it is important to check the label for nutritional information.

Yes, dry wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are low in residual sugar, with around 3-5g of carbs per glass, making them suitable for most low-carb and keto plans in moderation.

While no beer is truly zero-carb, light beers are the lowest option, typically containing 2-6g of carbs per 12-ounce serving. Brands like Michelob Ultra are known for their particularly low carb count.

To make low-carb cocktails, start with a zero-carb spirit and use carb-free mixers like club soda, diet tonic water, or fresh lemon or lime juice. You can also use low-carb sweeteners if needed.

When you consume alcohol, your liver metabolizes it first, as it treats alcohol as a toxin. This process temporarily halts fat metabolism, which can slow down weight loss, even with low-carb drinks.

Regular beer typically contains 10-15 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving due to malted grains. Light beers are formulated to reduce these carbs, bringing the total down to 2-6 grams for the same serving size.

While many popular hard seltzers are marketed as having zero carbs, some brands and flavors may contain small amounts. It is always best to check the nutritional information on the label.