What Alcohol Had No Carbs? A Complete Guide to Zero-Carb Spirits

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

Many popular alcoholic spirits do not contain any carbohydrates. For those on low-carb diets or aiming to reduce sugar intake, identifying what alcohol has no carbs is crucial. This is due to the distillation process, which removes sugars and starches.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits, such as vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey, have no carbs because the distillation process removes sugars. The carb content is determined by mixers, such as diet soda or club soda, which keep drinks zero-carb.

Key Points

Pure Distilled Spirits: Unflavored vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, and rum are the primary alcoholic beverages with zero carbohydrates.
Distillation Process: The distillation process removes sugars and starches, resulting in a carb-free product.
Mixer is Key: Most carbs in alcoholic drinks come from mixers, such as sodas, juices, or sweetened tonic waters.
Smart Mixers: Use diet sodas, club soda, sugar-free tonic, or a squeeze of citrus to keep cocktails zero-carb.
Avoid Flavored and Sweetened Options: Flavored liquors, liqueurs, and sweet wines contain added sugars and should be avoided on a no-carb or low-carb diet.
Not Calorie-Free: While zero-carb, pure spirits still contain calories from the alcohol itself, which can impact weight management.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the nutritional information on bottles, especially for flavored spirits, spiced rums, or pre-made cocktails to identify hidden sugars.

The Science Behind Zero-Carb Alcohol

For an alcoholic beverage to contain zero carbohydrates, it must be a pure, distilled spirit without added sugars or flavors. The source of the alcohol—whether grains, potatoes, or sugar cane—is fermented. However, the subsequent distillation process removes all carbohydrates, leaving only the pure alcohol (ethanol) and water. The ingredients added after distillation determine the final carb count.

List of Pure Zero-Carb Spirits

Vodka: Traditionally made from grains or potatoes, vodka is a pure, unflavored spirit that contains zero carbohydrates. Flavored versions, however, can have added sugars, so always check the label.
Gin: Made from a grain base and flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals, unflavored gin is carb-free. As with vodka, check flavored gins for added sugar.
Tequila: Pure, 100% agave tequila contains no carbs. Flavored tequilas and cheaper 'mixto' tequilas might have added sugars, so always opt for the pure version.
Whiskey: Whether bourbon, scotch, or rye, pure, unflavored whiskey has zero carbohydrates. The rich flavors come from aging in barrels, not from sugar.
Rum: Unflavored rum, made from fermented and distilled sugar cane byproducts, is carb-free. Spiced and flavored rums, however, often contain added sugars and carbs.
Brandy: Distilled from wine or other fermented fruit, pure brandy contains no carbohydrates.

The Importance of Carb-Free Mixers

Even with a zero-carb spirit, the wrong mixer can add carbs to a drink. Staying carb-free requires careful consideration of what to mix with alcohol.

Here are some excellent zero or low-carb mixer options:

Club Soda or Seltzer Water: A classic choice with zero carbs.
Diet Soda: Use diet cola or diet ginger ale for a sugar-free alternative.
Sugar-Free Tonic Water: Regular tonic is high in sugar, but diet versions are a safe bet.
Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice: A squeeze of citrus adds flavor with negligible carbs.
Herbal Tea: Unsweetened iced tea can be a flavorful and zero-carb mixer.
Flavored Sparkling Water: Many brands offer sparkling water with natural, zero-calorie flavors.

How to Avoid Hidden Carbs

It is easy to consume carbs when drinking. Be aware of these common culprits:

Flavored Spirits and Liqueurs: Many flavored versions of zero-carb spirits and all liqueurs, like amaretto or Irish cream, are loaded with sugar. For example, spiced rum often contains added sugar.
Sugary Mixers and Fruit Juices: Classic mixers like cranberry juice, orange juice, and cola are high in sugar and carbs.
Pre-Mixed Cocktails: Bottled margaritas, piña coladas, and other pre-made drinks almost always contain a lot of sugar.
Sweet Wines: While dry wines are low-carb, sweeter varieties like Moscato and fortified wines like Port contain significant residual sugar.

Low-Carb Alternatives That Aren't Zero-Carb

For those who want to stray beyond pure spirits, there are a few lower-carb options, though none are completely carb-free.

Comparison Table: Carbs in Alcoholic Beverages


Beverage Type	Carbs per Serving (approx.)	Notes
Pure Distilled Spirits	0 g	Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Tequila, Unflavored Rum
Dry Wine	3-5 g (per 5 oz)	Varies by type; dry reds like Cabernet or dry whites like Pinot Grigio are best
Light Beer	2-6 g (per 12 oz)	Varies by brand; can be a decent option but check labels
Hard Seltzer	0-2 g	Often vary by brand; many advertise zero carbs
Regular Beer	10-15 g (per 12 oz)	Typically high in carbs due to malt sugars
Sweet Wines & Liqueurs	8-20+ g	Avoid for low-carb diets due to high sugar

Conclusion

Pure distilled spirits are the best option if you're looking for alcohol with absolutely no carbs. Unflavored vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, and rum can all be enjoyed without compromising a low-carb diet, if paired with carb-free mixers. Avoid flavored varieties, liqueurs, and sugary mixers to maintain a zero-carb profile. With the right information, you can make informed choices and still enjoy a social drink while adhering to dietary preferences.

Cautions and Health Considerations

While selecting a zero-carb alcoholic beverage can fit a specific dietary need, it is crucial to remember that alcohol still contains calories and is processed by the liver before other macronutrients. Excessive consumption can still hinder weight loss goals and poses other health risks. Always drink in moderation and consult a healthcare professional regarding alcohol consumption. You can refer to sources such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) for more information on the metabolic effects of alcohol.

For more detailed nutritional information on many alcoholic beverages, consult reliable databases like the USDA Food and Nutrient Database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unflavored versions of vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, and rum all contain zero carbohydrates per serving.

Not recommended, as flavored vodkas often contain added sugars and sweeteners, which increases the carb count. Always check the label.

Yes, all wines have some carbs. While dry wines have a lower carb count (around 3-5g per glass), sweet dessert wines can have a high sugar and carb content.

You can combine any unflavored distilled spirit with a zero-carb mixer. A vodka soda with a squeeze of lime or a gin and diet tonic are popular examples.

No, light beer is not zero-carb, though it is lower in carbohydrates than regular beer. Carb counts in light beers typically range from 2 to 6 grams per 12-ounce serving.

Yes. While pure distilled spirits have no carbs, they still contain calories from the alcohol itself. A standard 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories.

The carbs from the initial ingredients (like grain or potato) are removed during the distillation process, which separates the pure alcohol and water from all other substances.