Which alcohol contains no carbs? A guide to zero-carb spirits

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 45% of adults in a recent survey reported trying a low-carb diet, raising the popular question: which alcohol contains no carbs? The good news for those watching their intake is that several common and popular alcoholic beverages are naturally carb-free.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, and whiskey are completely carb-free, while dry wines and light beers are low in carbs. Avoid high-sugar mixers.

Key Points

Pure Distilled Spirits are Carb-Free: Vodka, gin, unflavored rum, tequila, and whiskey contain zero carbs per standard serving due to the distillation process.
Mixers are the Hidden Carb Source: Adding sugary mixers like juice, regular soda, or sweet syrups to carb-free spirits will significantly increase the total carb count.
Opt for Carb-Free Mixers: Use options like club soda, seltzer, diet tonic water, or a fresh citrus squeeze to keep mixed drinks carb-free.
Wine is Low, Not Zero-Carb: Dry red and white wines contain a small number of carbs (3-5g per glass), so they are a low-carb alternative but not carb-free.
Light Beer is a Moderate Option: Light beers have significantly fewer carbs than regular beers, but still contain some (2-6g per serving), making them a middle-ground choice.
Zero-Carb Doesn't Mean Zero-Calorie: All alcohol, including carb-free spirits, contains calories from ethanol, which can still impact weight loss efforts.

Pure Distilled Spirits: The Zero-Carb Champions

Pure, unflavored distilled spirits are the undisputed zero-carb champions of the alcohol world. During the distillation process, the fermentable sugars and starches from the original ingredients (like grains or potatoes) are stripped away, leaving behind only ethanol and water. This means that the final product, before any flavorings or sugars are added, contains no carbohydrates at all. This applies to a wide range of popular liquors, as confirmed by health and nutrition experts.

Carb-Free Liquors

Vodka: Made from fermented grains or potatoes, vodka is distilled to remove all carbs and sugars.
Gin: This spirit, flavored with botanicals like juniper, is also completely carb-free in its pure form.
Tequila: Distilled from the agave plant, 100% agave tequila contains no carbohydrates.
Whiskey: Whether it's bourbon, scotch, or rye, pure whiskey has no carbs.
Rum: Unflavored rum is a zero-carb spirit, though spiced or flavored versions may contain added sugars.
Brandy: A spirit distilled from wine, pure brandy also makes the zero-carb list.

The Critical Role of Mixers

While the spirits themselves are carb-free, the mixers you choose can quickly turn a zero-carb drink into a sugary high-carb beverage. A vodka soda is zero-carb, but a vodka cranberry can easily contain 30 grams of sugar or more.

Smart, Zero-Carb Mixer Options

Club Soda or Seltzer: The ultimate carb-free mixers, perfect for a refreshing highball.
Diet Tonic Water: Regular tonic water is high in sugar, but diet versions offer the same flavor without the carbs.
Citrus Garnishes: A squeeze of fresh lemon, lime, or a twist of orange peel adds flavor without adding sugar.
Sugar-Free Drink Mixes: Powdered flavor packets can be used to add a fruity taste to spirits and soda water.

Comparison Table: Alcohol Carb Counts

To give a clear picture of how different drinks compare, here is a table showing the approximate carbohydrate content of various alcoholic beverages per standard serving size.


Alcoholic Beverage	Standard Serving	Approximate Carb Content (grams)	Notes
Pure Distilled Spirits	1.5 oz (44 ml)	0	Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Whiskey, Rum
Dry Red Wine	5 oz (150 ml)	3–5	Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Dry White Wine	5 oz (150 ml)	3–4	Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc
Light Beer	12 oz (360 ml)	2–6	Varies by brand
Regular Beer	12 oz (360 ml)	10–15	Higher carb content due to residual sugars
Sweet Wine	5 oz (150 ml)	8–20+	Dessert wines like Moscato
Sugary Cocktail	8 oz (240 ml)	20–30+	Margaritas, Piña Coladas

Beyond Carbs: The Calorie Consideration

It is crucial to remember that a zero-carb alcohol is not a zero-calorie alcohol. The calories in pure spirits come from the alcohol itself, which contains approximately 7 calories per gram. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka, for example, contains about 96 calories. The body prioritizes burning alcohol for energy over fat, which can temporarily slow down weight loss even if you are not consuming carbs. Therefore, while spirits are the best choice from a carbohydrate perspective, moderation is still key for managing overall calorie intake and weight goals.

Why Moderation Matters

Excessive alcohol consumption, regardless of its carb content, can have detrimental effects on health and diet goals. Alcohol provides 'empty calories' with little to no nutritional value. Heavy drinking can lead to weight gain, nutritional deficiencies, and other serious health problems. The recommended moderate intake is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Sticking to this guideline, even with zero-carb options, is the most responsible and healthy approach. To enjoy alcohol responsibly while maintaining a low-carb diet, smart choices are essential. For inspiration on recipes and additional low-carb drinking tips, check out a resource like Healthline's guide to keto-friendly alcohol: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/keto-and-alcohol.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are searching for alcohol that contains no carbs, pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey, and brandy are your best options. Their distillation process effectively removes all carbohydrates, leaving a zero-carb base. The key to maintaining a low-carb intake is to be mindful of your mixers, opting for carb-free choices like soda water or diet tonic instead of sugary juices and syrups. While these spirits are carb-free, they are not calorie-free, so a balanced approach that emphasizes moderation remains critical for both weight management and overall health. Making informed decisions about your beverages allows you to enjoy a social drink without derailing your nutritional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all alcohol contains carbs. Pure, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, and whiskey are entirely carb-free due to the distillation process, which removes all sugars and starches.

For a ketogenic diet, the best alcohol choices are pure distilled spirits, such as vodka, gin, or whiskey, consumed neat, on the rocks, or with a zero-carb mixer like club soda or diet tonic water.

No, flavored spirits and spiced rums often have added sugars and flavorings that can add carbohydrates. Always check the label or stick to unflavored varieties to ensure zero carbs.

A standard 5-ounce glass of dry wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Cabernet Sauvignon, typically contains 3-5 grams of carbs. Sweeter wines have a significantly higher carb content.

To make a low-carb cocktail, start with a zero-carb spirit and use low or zero-carb mixers like club soda, diet soda, sugar-free tonic, or a squeeze of fresh citrus juice.

Alcohol slows down weight loss because the body processes alcohol for energy before it burns fat, temporarily halting fat-burning. The calories from alcohol are also 'empty' and provide no nutritional value.

You don't need to avoid all beer, but you should choose carefully. Light beers typically contain 2-6 grams of carbs, making them a more moderate choice than regular beers, which can have 10-15 grams or more.