What Has Less Sugar, Vodka or Bourbon? Unpacking the Truth About Distilled Spirits

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Pure distilled spirits like vodka and bourbon contain zero grams of sugar, a fact often overlooked by those concerned with sugar intake. The question of what has less sugar, vodka or bourbon, is based on a fundamental misconception about the distillation process that removes fermentable sugars.

Quick Summary

In their unflavored forms, both vodka and bourbon contain no sugar. The misconception stems from the presence of sugar in the ingredients used for fermentation, which is converted to alcohol and removed during distillation. Any sugar content is typically from flavorings or mixers, not the base liquor itself.

Key Points

Zero Sugar in Pure Form: Both unflavored vodka and unflavored bourbon contain zero grams of sugar, as the distillation process removes all residual sugars.
Distillation Eliminates Sugar: The key to both spirits being sugar-free is the distillation process, which separates the alcohol from the fermented mash that originally contained sugars.
Flavor is Not from Sugar: The perceived sweetness in bourbon comes from the grain mash and aging in charred oak barrels, not from residual sugar.
Watch Out for Mixers: The vast majority of sugar in vodka or bourbon cocktails comes from sugary mixers like soda, fruit juice, or flavored syrups.
Flavored Versions Add Sugar: Flavored spirits, whether vodka or whiskey, often contain added sugars and should be checked for nutritional information.
Calories Come from Alcohol: The calories in distilled spirits are from the alcohol itself, not sugar, and increase with the spirit's proof.

The Zero-Sugar Secret of Distillation

The fundamental truth about unflavored distilled spirits like vodka and bourbon is that the distillation process itself removes all the residual sugars. Both spirits begin as a mash of grains—corn, rye, barley for bourbon, and a variety of starchy materials like grains or potatoes for vodka. During fermentation, yeast consumes the sugars in this mash and converts them into alcohol. The distillation phase that follows is what separates the alcohol from the water and other compounds, including any remaining sugar. The final product is a pure spirit that contains no carbohydrates or sugars. Therefore, when comparing pure, unflavored varieties, neither has less sugar than the other—they both have none.

Fermentation and the Mash Bill

For bourbon, the mash bill must be at least 51% corn, which is what gives it a characteristically sweet flavor profile. However, this perceived sweetness is from flavor compounds extracted from the grain and barrel, not from residual sugars. Vodka, by contrast, is often crafted for a neutral flavor, and the base material varies widely. In both cases, the yeast is efficient at converting the sugars before distillation begins.

The Flavor Trap: Where Sugar Hides

The real source of sugar-related calories in vodka or bourbon drinks is almost always the mixers, liqueurs, or added flavorings. Many popular cocktails rely on high-sugar components that can dramatically change the nutritional profile of your drink. This is where the choice of mixer becomes more important than the choice of base spirit.

Here are some common high-sugar mixers to be mindful of:

Regular Soda: Standard colas and lemon-lime sodas are packed with added sugars.
Fruit Juices: While natural, fruit juices like cranberry or orange juice contain high concentrations of sugar.
Flavored Syrups: Used in many cocktails, these syrups are essentially pure sugar water with flavoring.
Tonic Water: Contrary to popular belief, regular tonic water contains a significant amount of sugar and is not a sugar-free alternative.

Flavored Spirits

Flavored versions of both vodka and bourbon can also have added sugars. For example, a honey-flavored whiskey or a vanilla-flavored vodka will often contain added sugars and should not be considered sugar-free. Always check the nutrition label for these sweetened varieties.

Comparing Vodka and Bourbon: Side by Side

While the sugar content is the same, other nutritional factors and characteristics differ slightly. Here is a comparison of standard, unflavored varieties:


Feature	Pure, Unflavored Vodka	Pure, Unflavored Bourbon
Sugar Content	0g per standard serving	0g per standard serving
Carbohydrates	0g per standard serving	0g per standard serving
Aging Process	Unaged, though some are rested	Aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred oak barrels
Flavor Profile	Generally neutral or minimal flavor	Caramel, vanilla, and woody notes from aging
Base Ingredients	Potatoes, cereal grains, or other fermentable materials	At least 51% corn, with other grains like rye, wheat, or barley
Color	Clear	Golden to amber hue from barrel aging

The Role of Calories

Since both spirits are sugar-free, their calories come solely from the alcohol content itself. One gram of alcohol contains about 7 calories, compared to 4 calories for sugar and carbohydrates. Therefore, the calorie count of a serving of vodka or bourbon depends on its proof (alcohol by volume). A higher proof will have more calories, regardless of the spirit type. For instance, a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka has about 97 calories, which is comparable to an 80-proof bourbon. To keep calorie counts low, stick to pure spirits and avoid sugary mixers.

For more detailed information on alcohol nutrition, including the caloric content of various types of alcohol, sources like Healthline offer comprehensive guides.

How to Enjoy Spirits Responsibly and Mindfully

Choosing a pure spirit like unflavored vodka or bourbon is an excellent step towards controlling your sugar intake. However, for a truly health-conscious approach, it's important to consider mixers. Instead of sugary sodas or juices, opt for zero-sugar alternatives. A whiskey and diet ginger ale, or a vodka and club soda with a lime twist, offers the same experience with none of the added sugar. This strategy allows you to enjoy the full flavor of your chosen spirit while keeping unnecessary sugar and calories at bay.

Conclusion

To answer the question of what has less sugar, vodka or bourbon, the surprising truth is that in their standard, unflavored forms, both contain zero grams of sugar. The distillation process effectively removes all fermentable sugars, leaving only the pure spirit. The crucial factor for sugar content in a drink is the mixers or any added flavorings. By choosing unflavored spirits and combining them with zero-sugar mixers, you can significantly reduce your sugar intake and enjoy your drink responsibly without compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bourbon's sweet flavor comes from the corn-heavy mash bill and the aging process in new, charred oak barrels. During this aging, compounds from the wood dissolve into the spirit, imparting notes of vanilla and caramel that create the perception of sweetness without adding sugar.

Yes, many flavored spirits contain added sugars. For example, a honey-flavored whiskey or a citrus-flavored vodka will likely have added sugar for sweetness. Always check the label on flavored varieties for nutritional information.

From a sugar standpoint, neither pure spirit is healthier than the other, as both contain zero sugar. Both are calorie-dense due to alcohol content. The ingredients are different (vodka can be from grains, potatoes, etc., while bourbon is from corn and other grains), but this does not affect the sugar count in the final distilled product.

To create a low-sugar cocktail, use pure, unflavored spirits and mix them with sugar-free alternatives. Options include club soda, soda water, diet sodas, or a splash of water with a fresh lemon or lime squeeze.

Most pure, unflavored distilled spirits like gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey are sugar-free due to the distillation process. However, liqueurs, sweetened spirits, and flavored versions often contain significant amounts of added sugar.

No, the proof of an alcohol does not affect its sugar content, which remains zero in pure spirits. Higher-proof spirits simply contain a higher concentration of alcohol, which results in a higher calorie count per serving.

Excellent sugar-free mixers include club soda, seltzer water, diet sodas, and diet ginger ale. Adding a fresh citrus wedge, such as a lemon or lime, can enhance flavor without adding sugar.