What Flavored Vodka Does Not Have Sugar?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research from industry publications, consumer demand for low-sugar and no-sugar alcoholic beverages has seen a significant rise in recent years. Many health-conscious consumers are asking: what flavored vodka does not have sugar? Fortunately, there are several brands that create flavored vodkas with no added sugar, using natural infusions and essences.

Quick Summary

Several vodka brands now produce flavored spirits and infusions with zero added sugar, catering to health-conscious consumers and those on low-carb diets. These spirits rely on natural essences and botanicals for flavor, rather than sweeteners, and are typically lower in calories. Key options include specific lines from Absolut, Smirnoff, and Grey Goose, among others.

Key Points

Absolut's Sugar-Free Options: Absolut offers sugar-free varieties like Absolut Vanilla and Absolut Grapefruit, which are made with natural ingredients and no added sweeteners.
Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions: Smirnoff produces a specific line of infusions with zero added sugar and natural flavors, including popular options like Cucumber & Lime and Strawberry & Rose.
Grey Goose Essences: Premium brand Grey Goose confirms its flavored vodkas and Essences line contain no sugar and zero carbs, using natural fruit and botanical essences for flavor.
Identifying Sugar-Free Labels: To find low-sugar options, look for explicit labels mentioning 'Zero Sugar' or 'Infused with Natural Flavors,' and be cautious of brands with a lower proof, which may contain added sugar.
Mixers Matter: Even with sugar-free vodka, the final cocktail can have high sugar content if mixed with regular soda or juice. Using club soda, diet sodas, or infused waters is crucial for a low-sugar drink.
Keto and Low-Carb Friendly: Sugar-free flavored vodkas are a good choice for those on keto or other low-carb diets, as they provide flavor without the carbs found in sweetened spirits.

The Rise of Sugar-Free Spirits

Historically, flavored vodkas were often sweetened with added sugars to create a more palatable, dessert-like profile. However, as consumers have become more aware of the health implications of excessive sugar intake, many have begun seeking alternatives that offer flavor without the extra calories and potential health downsides. In response, distillers have adapted, using natural fruit essences, botanicals, and sophisticated infusion techniques to create a new generation of sugar-free flavored vodkas.

This shift allows people following low-carb or ketogenic diets to enjoy a wider range of cocktails. While distilled spirits like unflavored vodka contain zero carbs and zero sugar, flavored versions must be checked carefully. The key is to look for brands that explicitly state 'Zero Sugar' or 'No Added Sugar' on their labels.

Popular Zero-Sugar Flavored Vodka Brands

Absolut

Absolut Vanilla: Absolut Vanilia is made exclusively with natural ingredients and, unlike some other brands, has no added sugar. Its flavor comes from vanilla bean, with notes of butterscotch and dark chocolate. It is an excellent choice for a sugar-free espresso martini or a low-carb vanilla soda.
Absolut Grapefruit: Another standout from Absolut is their Grapefruit variety, which is also made with natural fruit flavors and contains no added sugar. This offers a fresh, zesty flavor that pairs well with sparkling water.

Smirnoff

Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions: Smirnoff has a dedicated line of flavored vodkas specifically marketed for their zero-sugar content. These infusions rely on natural flavors and botanicals.
- Cucumber & Lime: Offers a crisp, clean flavor profile that is perfect for a refreshing vodka soda.
- Strawberry & Rose: A light, aromatic option that works well with a splash of tonic or a diet citrus soda.
- Watermelon & Mint: Delivers a summery, cool taste ideal for mixing with club soda.
- Lemon & Elderflower: A citrusy and floral combination that provides a sophisticated flavor without the sweetness.

Grey Goose

Grey Goose Flavored Vodka and Essences: Grey Goose is a premium option that confirms its flavored products and Essences line contain no added sugar and zero carbohydrates. The flavors come from natural essences.
- Grey Goose Essences: This line is particularly noteworthy for using natural fruit and botanical essences. Flavors include Strawberry & Lemongrass, Watermelon & Basil, and White Peach & Rosemary, all of which are sugar and carb-free.

Ketel One

Ketel One Botanical: This line is crafted by infusing vodka with natural botanicals and fruit essences. While not branded as 'zero sugar,' it contains no artificial sweeteners and has lower calories and sugar than many traditional options. Flavors like Peach & Orange Blossom and Cucumber & Mint are popular choices.

How to Identify Sugar-Free Flavored Vodkas

When navigating the liquor store, there are a few clues that can help you find a sugar-free option:

Read the Label: Look for explicit claims like 'Zero Sugar,' 'No Added Sugar,' or 'Infused with Natural Flavors.'
Check the Proof: A common rule of thumb, though not a guarantee, is that vodkas with a lower proof (e.g., 70 proof) may contain added sugar to make up for flavor lost during distillation. Most standard vodkas are 80 proof (40% ABV).
Beware of Liqueurs: Many brands offer vodka-based liqueurs or 'flavored spirits' that are heavily sweetened. These are not true flavored vodkas and should be avoided if you want to eliminate sugar.

Comparison of Sugar-Free Flavored Vodkas


Brand	Flavors Mentioned (Sugar-Free)	Key Flavor Source	ABV/Proof	Best Mixed With
Absolut	Vanilla, Grapefruit	Natural ingredients/essences	Varies (e.g., 38%)	Soda water, club soda, sugar-free mixers
Smirnoff	Cucumber & Lime, Strawberry & Rose, Watermelon & Mint, Lemon & Elderflower	Natural flavors and botanicals	30% (60 proof)	Soda water, diet tonic, sparkling water
Grey Goose	Strawberry & Lemongrass, Watermelon & Basil, White Peach & Rosemary	Natural essences	Varies	Sparkling water, soda, light tonic
Ketel One Botanical	Peach & Orange Blossom, Cucumber & Mint	Infused botanicals, fruit essences	30% (60 proof)	Soda water, light tonic, low-calorie mixers

Conclusion: Selecting the Right Bottle

Finding what flavored vodka does not have sugar is straightforward once you know which brands to look for. Consumers have more options than ever before, with premium brands like Absolut, Grey Goose, and Smirnoff offering extensive zero-sugar lines. By focusing on products explicitly labeled as 'Zero Sugar' or 'Natural Infusions,' you can enjoy delicious, flavorful cocktails without compromising your dietary goals. Reading labels and understanding the difference between truly infused vodkas and sweetened liqueurs is the best way to make an informed choice. Always enjoy responsibly and choose a mixer wisely, as the hidden sugars in juices and regular sodas can quickly negate your efforts. For those who prioritize purity and quality, these sugar-free options provide a guilt-free way to savor a flavorful spirit.

Recipes for Sugar-Free Flavored Vodka

Cucumber-Lime Fizz: Mix 2 oz of Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions Cucumber & Lime vodka with 4 oz of club soda over ice. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and a lime wedge.
Vanilla Cream Soda: Combine 1.5 oz of Absolut Vanilla vodka with 4 oz of diet cream soda. Serve over ice with a cherry garnish.
Grapefruit & Rosemary Spritz: Add 2 oz of Grey Goose Essences White Peach & Rosemary to a glass of ice. Top with sparkling water and a fresh rosemary sprig.
Zero-Calorie Strawberry Cooler: Muddle a few fresh strawberries in a glass. Add 2 oz of Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions Strawberry & Rose vodka, ice, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a strawberry.

For more information on the rise of low-sugar spirits, check out this article from VinePair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flavored vodka is a distilled spirit that has been infused with natural or artificial flavors but contains no added sugar, with a high alcohol content typically around 40% ABV. A vodka liqueur, on the other hand, is a spirit that has been sweetened with sugar, resulting in a lower alcohol content and a much sweeter taste.

No, not all flavored vodka has sugar. While many older and cheaper brands add sugar, a growing number of brands like Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions, Absolut's core flavored line, and Grey Goose Essences produce varieties with no added sugar, relying on natural fruit essences and botanicals for flavor.

The most reliable way is to read the bottle's label carefully. Look for phrases like 'Zero Sugar,' 'No Added Sugar,' or 'Infused with Natural Flavors.' Some brands also have websites that provide nutritional information, confirming the absence of sugar.

For a truly sugar-free drink, pair sugar-free flavored vodka with low-calorie or zero-sugar mixers. Great options include club soda, sparkling water, diet sodas, or diet tonic water. Garnish with fresh fruit or herbs to enhance the flavor without adding sugar.

Generally, if a bottle of flavored vodka says 'infused with natural flavors' and specifies 'no added sugar,' it's a safe bet for a zero-sugar option. Brands like Grey Goose Essences use natural fruit essences and botanicals to achieve flavor without sweeteners.

No, Absolut Vanilia is made with all-natural ingredients and contains no added sugar, setting it apart from many other vanilla-flavored vodkas on the market that rely on sweeteners.

Ketel One Botanical vodkas are infused with natural botanicals and fruit essences and contain no artificial sweeteners, making them a lower-sugar and lower-calorie alternative to many traditional flavored spirits. While not branded as 'zero sugar,' they are a much healthier option than liqueurs.