What is the Sugar Content of Bacardi Rum?

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

While rum is distilled from sugarcane molasses, Bacardi's standard unflavored rums, like Superior and Gold, contain 0 grams of sugar per serving because the distillation process removes all residual sugars. However, the sugar content of Bacardi rum varies drastically across its product line, with flavored and spiced varieties containing substantial added sugars.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in Bacardi rum ranges from zero in its basic unflavored varieties to high levels in its flavored and spiced expressions. Plain rums are sugar-free post-distillation, while flavored versions deliberately include added sweeteners for taste, impacting the overall nutritional profile.

Key Points

Standard Bacardi is sugar-free: Bacardi Superior (white) and Gold (Carta Oro) contain 0 grams of sugar per serving due to the distillation process.
Flavored Bacardi has added sugar: Varieties like Bacardi Limón and Raspberry have significant added sugar, with some containing over 5g per 1.5oz serving.
Aged Bacardi is low in sugar: Aged rums such as Añejo Cuatro and Reserva Ocho contain minimal sugar, usually under 1g per 1.5oz serving.
Mixers are a major sugar source: In cocktails, the sugar content often comes from mixers like soda, juice, or syrups, not the distilled rum itself.
Check the product label: Always verify the specific product's nutritional information, as the sugar content varies significantly between different Bacardi rums.
Distillation removes sugar: The process of distillation removes all sugars from the fermented molasses base in unflavored rums, resulting in a carbohydrate-free spirit.

The Fundamental Difference Between Plain and Flavored Rums

The fundamental difference in sugar content between various Bacardi products lies in the production process. All distilled spirits begin with a sugar-based fermented wash, but the distillation process separates the alcohol from the solids and residual sugars. For unflavored, standard rums like Bacardi Superior and Gold, this process results in a pure, sugar-free spirit. Bacardi even uses a charcoal filtering process to ensure the final product is clear, dry, and free of impurities. This makes them excellent choices for those monitoring their sugar intake, provided they are not mixed with sugary beverages. Conversely, flavored and spiced Bacardi products have flavorings and sweeteners added after the distillation process, which introduces varying amounts of sugar and carbohydrates back into the spirit.

Sugar Content in Standard Bacardi Rums

For those seeking a sugar-free alcoholic beverage, Bacardi offers several standard options. The nutritional information provided by Bacardi Limited confirms the following for a 1.5oz serving:

Bacardi Superior (Carta Blanca): 0g of sugar. This is a clear, light-bodied rum famous for its use in mojitos and daiquiris. Its dryness is a direct result of having no added sugar. An independent review also confirms Bacardi Superior is purposefully dry.
Bacardi Gold (Carta Oro): 0g of sugar. Despite its golden color, Bacardi Gold also contains no added sugar and is filtered without adding sweetness, as confirmed by independent sources. Its hue and flavor come from aging in charred oak barrels.
Bacardi Añejo Cuatro: 0.5g of sugar per 1.5oz serving. As an aged rum, it acquires a very small amount of sugar, or carbohydrate, but remains significantly low.

The Sweet Truth About Flavored and Spiced Bacardi Rums

When you move into the flavored and spiced lineup, the story changes dramatically. These products are formulated with added sugars and natural flavorings to create a sweeter, more aromatic experience. A quick look at the nutritional data for a 1.5oz serving reveals the difference:

Bacardi Raspberry: 5.8g of sugar.
Bacardi Limón: 3.5g of sugar.
Bacardi Coconut: 3.5g of sugar.
Bacardi Tropical: 5.1g of sugar.
Bacardi Spiced: 1g of sugar.

It's evident from these numbers that a cocktail made with Bacardi Limón will have a significantly higher sugar content than one made with Bacardi Superior, even before accounting for mixers.

Aged vs. Flavored Bacardi Rums: A Comparison

To better illustrate the variance, the following table compares the approximate sugar content per 1.5oz serving across different Bacardi rum categories. These figures are based on the latest available data from Bacardi Limited.


Product	Category	Sugar per 1.5oz Serving	Notes
Bacardi Superior	Unflavored White	0g	Standard, dry rum for cocktails.
Bacardi Gold	Unflavored Gold	0g	Standard, aged for color and flavor, no added sugar.
Bacardi Añejo Cuatro	Aged	0.5g	Minimal sugar from aging process.
Bacardi Reserva Ocho	Aged	0.8g	Aged for a richer flavor profile.
Bacardi Spiced	Spiced	1g	Contains added sugar for spice flavors.
Bacardi Limón	Flavored	3.5g	High sugar from added fruit flavorings.
Bacardi Raspberry	Flavored	5.8g	Highest sugar content in the list due to fruit flavor.

The Impact of Mixers on Your Total Sugar Intake

It is crucial to remember that the sugar content of the rum itself is often only part of the equation. Cocktails are typically made with mixers that can dramatically increase the total sugar load. For example, a standard Rum and Coke made with sugar-free Bacardi Superior will have its sugar content almost entirely determined by the cola. Similarly, adding fruit juices, syrups, or liqueurs to any rum cocktail will significantly increase the sugar count, regardless of the rum's base. For lower-sugar cocktails, Bacardi recommends using zero-calorie mixers like club soda or diet cola.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

When considering what is the sugar content of Bacardi rum, the answer depends entirely on the product in question. Standard, unflavored Bacardi rums like Superior and Gold contain 0g of sugar, making them a safe bet for low-sugar cocktails. Aged rums have very minimal sugar, typically less than 1g per serving. Conversely, consumers must be aware that all flavored and spiced Bacardi rums contain added sugars, sometimes in significant amounts. To make the most informed choice, always check the nutritional information for the specific product and pay close attention to your choice of mixers. For detailed information on Bacardi Gold, referencing independent reviews like the one at Liquor.com provides reliable insights into the brand's commitment to avoiding added sugar in its standard products.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, standard distilled rums like Bacardi Superior contain 0 grams of sugar per serving because the distillation process removes all residual sugars from the fermented molasses base.

Yes, flavored rums such as Bacardi Limón, Coconut, and Raspberry contain significant amounts of added sugar to achieve their specific taste profiles. You must check the nutritional information for the exact amount.

Bacardi Gold, like its Superior counterpart, has no added sugar after distillation, resulting in 0 grams of sugar per standard 1.5oz serving.

Some aged expressions like Reserva Ocho or Añejo Cuatro may contain trace amounts of carbohydrates or sugar (often under 1g per 1.5oz). This can result from the aging process or added color, but it's a minimal amount compared to flavored products.

According to Bacardi's official nutrition information, Bacardi Limón contains 3.5 grams of sugar per 1.5oz serving.

Yes, Bacardi Spiced typically has significantly less sugar (1g per 1.5oz serving) compared to the fruit-flavored rums like Raspberry (5.8g) or Tropical (5.1g).

To make a low-sugar cocktail, start with an unflavored, sugar-free rum like Bacardi Superior or Gold and use mixers with no added sugar, such as club soda, diet cola, or fresh lime juice.