What Alcohol Has No Sugar Added? A Guide to Zero-Sugar Spirits

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data from reputable sources like the University of Rochester Medical Center, pure distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, and whiskey contain zero grams of sugar. When considering what alcohol has no sugar added, it is crucial to focus on the base spirit itself, as mixers are the most common source of added sweetness.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila contain no added sugar due to the distillation process. Many pre-mixed drinks, liqueurs, and sweet mixers, however, are packed with sugars. Choosing a zero-sugar base spirit and a sugar-free mixer is key to controlling intake.

Key Points

Distilled Spirits are Sugar-Free: The distillation process removes sugars from pure liquors like vodka, gin, and whiskey.
Mixers are the Problem: Most of the sugar in cocktails comes from high-sugar mixers like soda, juice, and tonic water, not the base alcohol.
Avoid Flavored Spirits and Liqueurs: Flavored or sweetened versions of spirits and all liqueurs typically contain significant added sugars.
Be Mindful of Wine and Cider: These beverages are only fermented, not distilled, and retain varying levels of sugar, with sweet wines and cider having the most.
Read Labels and Choose Wisely: For low-sugar drinking, opt for a pure spirit with a sugar-free mixer like club soda or diet soda, and be cautious of pre-mixed cocktails.
Not All Rum is Sugar-Free: While pure rum is sugar-free, some flavored or spiced varieties may have sugar added post-distillation.

The Distillation Process: How Sugar is Removed

The fundamental reason many hard liquors contain no sugar is the distillation process itself. All alcoholic beverages begin with fermentation, where yeast consumes sugars from a source—such as grapes for wine, grain for beer, or sugarcane for rum—and converts them into ethanol and carbon dioxide. The resulting liquid, called a 'wash,' is then distilled. Distillation involves heating this wash in a still to separate the alcohol from the water and other substances, including any leftover sugar. Since alcohol evaporates at a lower temperature than water, it can be collected and re-condensed into a purer, more concentrated liquid. This process effectively leaves the non-volatile sugars behind, resulting in a product that is pure ethanol and water.

Pure Distilled Spirits with No Added Sugar

Several common spirits are known for their zero-sugar content in their unflavored forms. This makes them excellent choices for those seeking to limit sugar intake, such as individuals on a ketogenic diet or those monitoring their blood sugar.

Vodka: As one of the most neutral and widely available spirits, unflavored vodka is a prime example of a zero-sugar alcoholic beverage. It is typically distilled from grains or potatoes and filtered to achieve maximum purity, leaving no sugar behind.
Gin: While gin is flavored with botanicals like juniper berries, the base spirit is a grain alcohol that has been distilled, and the final product is sugar-free. The sugar in gin comes from any sweet mixers used.
Whiskey and Bourbon: Most unflavored whiskeys, including bourbon, rye, and Scotch, contain no sugar. The flavor comes from the fermented grain mash and the aging process in oak barrels, not from added sweeteners. Bourbon, specifically, has strict regulations in the U.S. that prohibit the addition of sugar.
Tequila: Authentic tequila made from the blue agave plant, especially Blanco or silver varieties, contains no sugar. Similar to other spirits, sweeteners are not part of the production process for pure tequila.
Rum: This can be a point of confusion for some, as rum is made from sugarcane products like molasses. However, the distillation process removes the sugars. Pure, unflavored white or dark rum contains no sugar. Caution is advised with spiced or flavored rums, as some producers add sugar or other sweeteners after distillation. Always check the label for flavored varieties.

The Difference Makers: Mixers and Flavored Alcohols

The most significant source of hidden sugars in alcoholic beverages is often the mixer or flavoring used. A pure, zero-sugar spirit can quickly become a high-sugar drink when combined with the wrong ingredients.

Common culprits: Standard sodas, fruit juices, and syrups are loaded with sugar. Even regular tonic water contains a significant amount of high-fructose corn syrup or sugar.
Flavored spirits and liqueurs: Many commercially produced flavored vodkas, rums, and other spirits have sugars added to enhance their taste. Liqueurs, by definition, contain a high concentration of sugar.
Sweet wines and cider: Unlike spirits, wine is only fermented, not distilled, and thus retains some residual sugar. Sweet wines and ciders contain considerable amounts of sugar, which can add up quickly.
Pre-mixed cocktails: Ready-to-drink cocktails are notorious for their high sugar content, often containing 25-40 grams of sugar per serving.

Comparison Table: Sugar Content in Different Alcoholic Drinks

To better illustrate the difference in sugar content, here is a comparison of various alcoholic beverage types. Note that these are averages and can vary by brand and preparation.


Drink Type	Sugar Content (per serving)	Notes
Pure Distilled Spirits (Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Tequila)	0g per 1.5 fl oz (45ml) shot	Zero grams of sugar, but mixers add sweetness.
Dry Wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon)	1-2g per 5 fl oz (150ml) glass	Retains some residual sugar from fermentation.
Sweet Wine (e.g., Riesling, Moscato)	3-10g per 5 fl oz (150ml) glass	Significantly higher residual sugar content.
Dry Sparkling Wine (e.g., Brut Champagne)	1-2g per 5 fl oz (150ml) glass	Low sugar for a sparkling option.
Liqueurs (e.g., Irish Cream, Triple Sec)	High, often >70g per liter	High sugar content by definition.
Hard Cider	15-25g per 12 fl oz (355ml) can	Very high sugar content due to fermented fruit juice.
Pre-mixed Cocktails	25-40g per 8.5 fl oz (250ml) serving	Often among the highest in sugar.

Strategies for Low-Sugar Drinking

If you're looking to enjoy alcoholic beverages while keeping your sugar intake in check, there are several straightforward strategies you can employ.

Choose the right base: Always start with a pure, unflavored spirit from the zero-sugar list above.
Select sugar-free mixers: Instead of sugary sodas or juices, opt for club soda, seltzer, or diet sodas. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon adds flavor without sweetness.
Try low-sugar cocktails: Simple combinations like a vodka soda or a gin and soda with a lime wedge are naturally sugar-free. Recipes like a "skinny margarita" often substitute high-sugar liqueurs with extracts and sugar substitutes.
Embrace hard seltzers: Many brands of hard seltzer advertise zero or very low sugar content, making them a popular and convenient low-sugar choice.
Opt for dry wines: If you prefer wine, choosing dry varieties will minimize your sugar intake compared to sweeter options.

For more information on alcohol and its nutritional content, you can consult resources like Drinkaware, an educational charity providing information on alcohol(https://drinkaware.ie/facts/calories-and-alcohol/).

Conclusion

For those wondering what alcohol has no sugar added, the answer lies in pure distilled spirits like unflavored vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila. The distillation process effectively removes sugars that exist during fermentation, though it's important to remember that some flavored and modern variations might include added sweeteners. Ultimately, controlling your sugar intake when drinking is a matter of choosing a sugar-free base and being mindful of high-sugar mixers, pre-mixed drinks, and liqueurs. By understanding the distinction between pure spirits and other alcoholic beverages, you can make more informed choices for your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, unflavored whiskey, and tequila contain no sugar. The misconception arises because many popular alcoholic beverages, such as sweet wines, liqueurs, and cocktails, are high in sugar.

Yes, pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey are zero-carb and sugar-free, making them suitable for a ketogenic diet. The key is to avoid sugary mixers and opt for low-carb or zero-carb alternatives like club soda or diet soda.

Pure, unflavored rum contains no sugar, as it is removed during distillation. However, spiced, flavored, or pre-sweetened rums often have sugar added after distillation to enhance the flavor. Always check the label for these variations.

To make a low-sugar cocktail, start with a pure, unflavored spirit like vodka or gin. Instead of high-sugar mixers like juice or simple syrup, use sugar-free options such as club soda, diet tonic water, or a fresh squeeze of lime or lemon.

The confusion comes from the fact that alcohol is made from fermenting a sugary or starchy base, but the distillation process removes the sugar from hard liquors. The high sugar content is typically found in beer, wine, liqueurs, and mixed drinks, which people often associate with alcohol in general.

No, most commercially produced flavored spirits are not sugar-free. Sugar is typically added during or after production to achieve the desired flavor profile. Always read the label or check the brand's nutritional information to be sure.

Light beer generally contains very little sugar, often less than one gram per serving, though it still has carbohydrates. The sugar content can vary by brand, so checking the nutritional information on the packaging is the best way to confirm.