What Alcohol Has the Least Carbs and Lowest Sugar?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila contain zero carbs, making them the top choice for anyone monitoring their intake. This makes understanding what alcohol has the least carbs and lowest sugar essential for those on low-carb diets like keto, or simply aiming to reduce their sugar intake. The key is choosing the right type of alcohol and, more importantly, the right mixers to avoid hidden sugars.

Quick Summary

Pure spirits like vodka and gin are carb-free and sugar-free before mixers are added. Other options include dry wines, specific light beers, and zero-carb hard seltzers. Avoid sugary mixers, most cocktails, and sweet wines to keep carb and sugar counts low.

Key Points

Pure Distilled Spirits are Carb-Free: Unflavored vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey have zero carbs and zero sugar before mixing.
Choose Your Mixers Wisely: Avoid sugary mixers like juice and soda, and use carb-free alternatives such as club soda, diet tonic, or a squeeze of lime.
Select Dry Wines: Dry red and white wines, like Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon, are low in carbs (around 3–5g per glass).
Look for Low-Carb Seltzers and Light Beers: Many hard seltzer brands offer zero-carb options, and some light beers have a significantly reduced carb count compared to regular brews.
Avoid High-Sugar Cocktails: Cocktails made with sugary juices, syrups, or liqueurs, as well as sweet wines and regular beer, are high in carbs and sugar.
Moderation is Key: While some alcoholic beverages are low in carbs, alcohol still contains calories and can affect weight loss and metabolism.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check for added sugars, especially in flavored spirits and hard seltzers, as these can increase carb content.

Zero-Carb, Zero-Sugar Spirits: The Clear Winner

For anyone on a strict low-carb or keto diet, pure distilled spirits are the undisputed champions. The distillation process removes fermentable sugars, leaving behind only the alcohol. This means that unflavored vodka, gin, tequila (100% agave), whiskey, and rum contain zero grams of carbs and zero grams of sugar per serving.

Vodka: A versatile choice that mixes well with carb-free options like club soda and a twist of lime.
Gin: Pairs beautifully with diet tonic water or soda water for a classic, low-carb G&T.
Tequila: Stick to 100% agave tequila and enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or with soda water and fresh lime juice for a low-carb Ranch Water.
Whiskey/Bourbon: Can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or with a splash of water to enhance the flavor.
Rum: Unflavored rum works well with diet sodas or sugar-free mixers.

The Importance of Carb-Conscious Mixers

While pure spirits are free of carbs and sugar, their mixers are often the main culprits for high carb counts. A vodka and soda is a carb-free choice, but a vodka and cranberry juice can easily push your carb intake into double digits.

Best mixers: Club soda, seltzer water, diet tonic water, diet soda, and water with a fresh citrus wedge.
Mixers to avoid: Regular soda, juice (like orange, cranberry, or pineapple), and sugary syrups.

Low-Carb Wines: A More Nuanced Approach

Wine is a low-carb contender, but its carb and sugar content can vary dramatically. The key is to choose "dry" wines, which have very little residual sugar left after the fermentation process. Sweet dessert wines, on the other hand, should be avoided.

Dry Red Wines: Options like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot typically contain around 3–4 grams of carbs per 5-ounce glass.
Dry White Wines: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay are good choices, with a carb count of approximately 3–4 grams per 5-ounce glass.
Champagne: Look for varieties labeled "Brut" or "Extra Brut" for the lowest sugar content, often less than 2 grams per serving.

Hard Seltzers and Light Beers

For those who prefer a canned, bubbly beverage, hard seltzers and light beers offer lower-carb alternatives to their traditional counterparts.

Hard Seltzers: Many popular hard seltzer brands are specifically designed to be low in carbs and sugar. Some, like White Claw Pure and certain San Juan Seltzers, can even boast zero carbs. Always check the label, as flavored varieties may contain a couple of grams of carbs.
Light Beers: While not zero-carb, many light beers are significantly lower in carbs than regular beers. Brands like Michelob Ultra contain as few as 2.6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.

Comparison Table: Low-Carb Alcohol Options


Alcohol Type	Typical Serving	Carbs (approx. grams)	Notes
Pure Spirits (Vodka, Gin, Tequila)	1.5 oz (44 ml)	0	Before mixing; avoid sugary mixers.
Dry Red or White Wine	5 oz (150 ml)	3–5	Choose "dry" varieties; sweet wines are higher.
Brut Champagne	5 oz (150 ml)	~2	Opt for "Brut" or "Extra Brut".
Hard Seltzer (some brands)	12 oz (355 ml)	0–2	Check labels; some have zero carbs.
Light Beer	12 oz (355 ml)	2–6	Carb counts vary by brand; always check the label.

High-Carb Alcohols to Avoid

To maintain a low carb and sugar intake, it's best to avoid these options and any drink containing them:

Regular Beer: Typically contains 10–15 grams of carbs per 12-ounce bottle.
Sweet Wines: Dessert wines, ports, and Moscato can contain much higher levels of sugar.
Sugary Cocktails: Classic mixed drinks like margaritas and piña coladas are loaded with sugar from juices and syrups.
Flavored Liquors: Many flavored spirits add sugar during the production process, negating their carb-free status.

Final Recommendations

Making mindful choices is key when consuming alcohol on a low-carb diet. Pure spirits offer the safest route to zero carbs and sugar, as long as you mix them with carb-free options like soda water or diet tonic. For wine lovers, sticking to dry varieties in moderation is the best approach. Hard seltzers provide a convenient, pre-packaged low-carb drink, with some brands now offering zero-carb options. By being aware of what you're drinking and avoiding hidden sugars, you can easily find alcoholic beverages that fit your dietary needs. It is important to note that all alcohol contains calories and can impact metabolism, so moderation is always recommended. For more information on navigating low-carb dietary restrictions, consider visiting authoritative sources on nutrition, like the USDA.

Conclusion

When seeking the alcohol with the least carbs and lowest sugar, pure distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, and tequila are the clear winners, as they contain zero of both. The crucial factor is avoiding high-sugar mixers and opting for carb-free alternatives like club soda. Dry wines, light beers, and hard seltzers are also viable options, provided you select the appropriate varieties and check for nutritional information. By making educated decisions, you can enjoy an alcoholic drink while sticking to your health and wellness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, 100% agave tequila, and whiskey contain zero carbs and zero sugar. The key is to consume them without sugary mixers.

Dry wines, both red and white, are the lowest-carb wine options. Varieties like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon typically have 3-5 grams of carbs per glass. Brut or extra brut Champagne is also very low in carbs.

Yes, but you should choose light beer options, as regular beer is high in carbs. Some light beers can contain as few as 2.6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.

Yes, many hard seltzers are a good low-carb choice. Some brands, like White Claw Pure, even offer zero-carb versions. Check the label, as carb content can vary with different flavors.

The best mixers are zero-carb options such as club soda, seltzer water, diet tonic water, and a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice. Avoid mixers like fruit juices, regular soda, and syrups.

The distillation process separates the alcohol from the fermentable sugars, leaving no carbs behind. However, alcohol itself contains calories, which is where the caloric content of liquor comes from.

Avoid sugary cocktails like margaritas, piña coladas, and whiskey sours. You should also avoid regular beer, sweet dessert wines, and flavored liquors that contain added sugar.