What Kind of Alcohol Has Zero Carbs? Your Guide to Keto-Friendly Drinks

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, most pure distilled spirits contain zero carbs, making them a popular choice for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet. This guide will explain precisely what kind of alcohol has zero carbs, and how to enjoy it without inadvertently adding sugar and carbohydrates.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey contain no carbs, making them ideal for keto and low-carb diets. Maintaining a zero-carb drink requires avoiding sugary mixers like soda and juice, and opting for carb-free alternatives such as club soda or diet mixers instead.

Key Points

Distilled Spirits are Carb-Free: Pure, unflavored liquors like vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, and rum contain zero carbohydrates because the distillation process removes them.
Avoid Sugary Mixers: To keep your drink zero-carb, always mix spirits with carb-free alternatives like club soda, diet soda, or sugar-free flavored seltzers instead of juice or regular tonic.
Check Flavored Varieties: Be wary of flavored spirits, as many contain added sugars and carbohydrates that negate the zero-carb status of the pure alcohol.
Low-Carb vs. Zero-Carb: While dry wines and low-carb beers contain fewer carbs than their standard counterparts, they are not zero-carb and should be consumed with caution on a strict diet.
Alcohol Has Calories: Even zero-carb alcohol contains calories, which the body prioritizes burning, a process that can temporarily slow fat metabolism and impact weight loss.
Moderation is Key: Regardless of carb count, alcoholic drinks should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

The Carb-Free Liquor List

When it comes to beverages with zero carbohydrates, your best options are pure, hard liquors, also known as distilled spirits. The distillation process removes sugars and starches derived from the grains or botanicals used to make the liquor, leaving behind only the ethanol and water. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone tracking their carb intake, but it's crucial to remember that this applies only to the unflavored, undiluted spirit.

Here are some of the most common zero-carb alcohol options:

Vodka: Distilled from potatoes, grains, or other sources, all unflavored vodka is zero-carb. Be cautious with flavored varieties, as some may contain added sugars and carbs. Always check the label. Popular brands include Grey Goose, Absolut, and Smirnoff.
Rum: Pure, unflavored rum has no carbs. However, flavored or spiced rums often contain sugar, so it's best to stick to traditional white or gold rum varieties. Brands like Bacardi and Captain Morgan (unflavored) are good choices.
Whiskey: Made from fermented grain mash, the distillation process removes all carbohydrates. This includes popular types like bourbon, scotch, and rye whiskey. Jack Daniels and Jim Beam are classic examples.
Gin: A juniper-infused distilled spirit, pure gin is completely carb-free. Like vodka, ensure you are drinking an unflavored version. Beefeater and Tanqueray are reliable, zero-carb options.
Tequila: Made from the agave plant, pure tequila also contains no carbohydrates. Look for 100% agave tequila to ensure no additives are included. Brands like Patrón and Don Julio are good choices.
Brandy/Cognac: These spirits, distilled from fermented fruit juice, are also carb-free in their pure form.

Creating Zero-Carb Cocktails

While the base spirits listed above are carb-free, the moment you add a mixer, the carb count can skyrocket. Avoid mixers like sugary sodas, fruit juices, and cocktail syrups. Instead, combine your favorite spirit with a zero-carb mixer to create delicious, diet-friendly drinks.

Here are some zero-carb cocktail ideas:

Vodka Soda with Lime: A classic for a reason. Combine vodka with club soda and a squeeze of fresh lime for a refreshing, carb-free drink.
Whiskey and Diet Ginger Ale: Use a diet version of ginger ale to enjoy this simple, comforting drink without the carbs.
Gin and Diet Tonic: Standard tonic water is loaded with sugar, so it is essential to use a diet version to keep the carb count at zero.
Tequila and Soda Water: Similar to the vodka soda, this mix is simple and effective. Add a lime wedge for extra flavor.
Rum and Diet Cola: A classic rum and coke can easily be made carb-free by using a diet cola.

Zero-Carb Alcohol Comparison


Alcohol Type	Carbs (per 1.5 oz)	Calories (per 1.5 oz, 80 proof)	Common Mixers (Zero Carb)
Vodka	0g	~97	Club Soda, Diet Soda, Flavored Seltzers
Gin	0g	~97	Diet Tonic, Club Soda, Diet Lemon/Lime
Whiskey	0g	~97	Water, Diet Ginger Ale, Club Soda
Tequila	0g	~97	Soda Water, Lime Juice, Sugar-Free Syrup
Rum	0g	~97	Diet Cola, Sugar-Free Mixers
Brandy	0g	~97	Water, Soda Water

Low-Carb Alternatives (Not Zero-Carb)

While pure distilled spirits are the only truly zero-carb options, other alcoholic beverages can fit into a low-carb lifestyle with careful consideration.

Low-Carb Wines

Dry wines, both red and white, are much lower in carbs than sweeter varieties. They are not zero-carb but can be consumed in moderation on a low-carb diet. A 5-ounce glass of dry wine can contain around 2 grams of net carbs. Extra dry or brut champagne is another low-carb sparkling option.

Low-Carb Beers

Regular beer is typically high in carbohydrates, earning its nickname 'liquid bread'. However, many light and low-carb beer options are available that can contain as little as 2-4 grams of carbs per can. While not zero, this is a significant reduction from a standard beer. Some specialized brews, such as Wild Sky Zero Carb Pale Ale, are explicitly marketed as zero-carb, but it is always wise to double-check the nutritional information.

The Importance of Calorie Awareness

It's important to differentiate between zero-carb and zero-calorie. All alcohol contains calories, approximately 7 calories per gram, which is nearly as much as fat. Your body prioritizes burning alcohol before other energy sources, a process known as 'fat sparing'. This can temporarily slow down weight loss, even if your drink is carb-free. Moderation is key to balancing enjoyment with health goals. For more detailed information on alcohol's nutritional content, you can visit a trusted source like Healthline.

Conclusion

For those adhering to a strict zero-carb diet, pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, and tequila are the definitive choices. Their distillation process effectively eliminates all carbohydrates. The key to maintaining a zero-carb drink is to be mindful of mixers, opting for carb-free alternatives such as club soda, diet sodas, or sparkling water. While low-carb wines and beers offer alternatives, they do contain some carbs and are not suitable for a strict zero-carb approach. Always remember that alcohol contains calories, so mindful consumption is essential for overall health and weight management, even with carb-free selections.

Frequently Asked Questions

All pure, unflavored vodka contains zero carbohydrates. However, some flavored vodkas may have added sugars, so it's important to check the nutrition label carefully.

Yes, pure whiskey (including bourbon and scotch) is a zero-carb distilled spirit. Ensure you are not mixing it with sugary sodas or other high-carb mixers.

No, most light beers contain a small amount of carbohydrates (typically 2-4 grams per serving). While much lower than regular beer, they are not a zero-carb option.

Club soda and plain sparkling water are excellent zero-carb mixers. Diet sodas and sugar-free flavored seltzers are also popular choices for adding flavor without carbs.

Wine is fermented from grapes, which contain natural sugars. While the fermentation process uses up much of the sugar, some remains in the finished product, meaning it contains some carbs, even in dry varieties.

Pure, 100% agave tequila is a zero-carb spirit. As with other spirits, mixers added to a tequila cocktail can add significant carbs and sugar.

Yes, all alcohol contains calories. Zero-carb spirits like vodka and whiskey contain approximately 97 calories per 1.5-ounce serving, with all calories coming from the alcohol itself.