Which alcohol has no carbs? Your complete guide to zero-carb spirits

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Most people are unaware that while many alcoholic beverages are packed with sugar and carbohydrates, a select group of pure spirits contains absolutely zero carbs. If you're following a low-carb diet and have asked yourself, "Which alcohol has no carbs?" the answer lies in the distillation process and your choice of mixers.

Quick Summary

Pure, unflavored distilled spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey contain zero carbohydrates due to the distillation process. To create a carb-free beverage, it is crucial to mix them only with sugar-free alternatives like soda water or diet tonic.

Key Points

Pure Distilled Spirits are Carb-Free: Vodka, gin, whiskey, unflavored rum, and 100% agave tequila contain zero carbohydrates because the distillation process removes all sugars and starches.
Mixers are the Main Carb Source: Sugary mixers like juice, regular soda, and tonic water are what add carbohydrates to alcoholic drinks, not the pure liquor itself.
Choose Sugar-Free Mixers: Opt for soda water, diet tonic, diet soda, or a squeeze of citrus to keep your alcoholic beverage carb-free.
Avoid Flavored or Sweetened Versions: Many flavored liquors and creamy liqueurs have added sugars, so always check the label to confirm they are suitable for a low-carb diet.
Moderation is Key: While some alcohol is carb-free, it still contains calories (7 kcal per gram) and can slow down fat burning, so it's important to drink responsibly and in moderation.

The Science Behind Zero-Carb Spirits

The reason certain types of alcohol contain no carbohydrates while others are laden with them comes down to the production method. Beer is made from grains like barley and wheat, and wine from grapes, all of which contain starches and sugars. While fermentation converts some of these sugars into alcohol, a significant amount often remains, leaving residual carbs in the final product.

Pure distilled spirits, however, undergo a distillation process that separates the alcohol from the carbohydrate-containing fermented base. The result is a liquor that is essentially just ethanol and water, with all the sugars and starches removed. This is why unflavored vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey contain a glorious zero grams of carbs per serving. The key is to choose pure, unflavored varieties, as many flavored or pre-mixed versions have sugar added after distillation.

Your Zero-Carb Alcohol Options

When seeking a truly carb-free drink, your primary focus should be on pure, hard liquor. When consumed neat, on the rocks, or with zero-carb mixers, these spirits are the safest options for a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle.

Vodka: A colorless, odorless spirit made from potatoes, grains, or other plants, vodka is a reliable zero-carb choice. Stick to unflavored varieties, as flavored vodkas often contain added sugars.
Gin: Made from a grain base and infused with botanicals like juniper berries, pure gin is completely carb-free. As with vodka, avoid sweetened or pre-flavored versions.
Whiskey: This includes popular types like bourbon, rye, and scotch. The distillation process leaves behind the carbs from the original grains, resulting in a zero-carb spirit.
Rum: Traditionally made from sugarcane or molasses, the distillation removes all sugars and carbs, leaving pure rum with zero carbs. Darker, spiced, or flavored rums may have added sugar, so be cautious and check labels.
Tequila: Made from the blue agave plant, 100% agave tequila is carb-free after distillation. Stay away from "mixto" tequilas, which can contain added sugars.
Brandy: Distilled from fermented fruit juice, such as grapes, brandy (including cognac) is also a carb-free spirit.

The Carb Culprits: Mixers and Other Drinks

While the spirits themselves may be carb-free, what you mix them with can completely derail your diet. It's crucial to be mindful of all ingredients in your drink.

Sugary mixers to avoid

Juice: Orange juice, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice are loaded with natural sugars and carbs.
Regular Tonic Water: A gin and tonic sounds simple, but a regular tonic water can add up to 16 grams of carbs to your drink.
Regular Soda: Using regular soda as a mixer, such as in a rum and coke, introduces significant amounts of sugar and carbs.
Syrups and Liqueurs: Many cocktails rely on syrups, sour mix, or creamy liqueurs, which are sugar bombs.

Your list of low-carb mixers

Soda Water or Club Soda: The perfect carb-free base for spirits, providing fizz without the sugar.
Diet Tonic Water: A sugar-free alternative for a classic gin and tonic.
Diet Soda: A simple substitute for sugary mixers.
Flavored Seltzers: Be sure to check the label for zero-carb varieties.
A Squeeze of Citrus: A wedge of lemon, lime, or a twist of orange peel can add flavor with minimal carbs.

Alcohol Carb Comparison Table

This table provides a quick overview of the typical carbohydrate content for various alcoholic beverages based on a standard serving size.


Alcoholic Beverage	Standard Serving	Approximate Carb Count (grams)	Notes
Pure Spirits (Vodka, Gin, Whiskey)	1.5 oz shot	0	Unflavored only. Watch mixers.
Dry Red Wine	5 oz glass	3–5	Carbs can vary by type.
Dry White Wine	5 oz glass	3–4	Carbs can vary by type.
Light Beer	12 oz can	2–6	Check labels, varies by brand.
Regular Beer	12 oz can	10–15	Higher due to malt sugars.
Sweet Wine (e.g., Port)	2 oz glass	8–20	Very high residual sugar.
Sweet Cocktail (e.g., Margarita)	8 oz glass	20–30+	High carbs from syrups and mixers.

Navigating a Low-Carb Diet with Alcohol

While choosing carb-free alcohol is an important step, it's also crucial to remember that alcohol still contains calories (approximately 7 kcal per gram). The body prioritizes burning alcohol for fuel over fat, so excessive drinking can slow weight loss even on a zero-carb drink. Moderation is always key. Alternating alcoholic beverages with water or sugar-free mixers can help control consumption.

Here are some simple, low-carb drink ideas:

Vodka Soda: A timeless classic with zero carbs. Simply mix vodka, soda water, and a lime or lemon wedge.
Diet Rum and Coke: Combine light rum with a diet cola for a sugar-free twist on a classic highball.
Dry Martini: A mix of gin or vodka with a small splash of dry vermouth remains extremely low in carbs.
Whiskey on the Rocks: For a clean, simple zero-carb drink, whiskey with ice is a perfect choice.

Conclusion

For those on a low-carb diet, the answer to the question, "Which alcohol has no carbs?" is clear: pure, unflavored distilled spirits. These include vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, and tequila. By selecting these options and pairing them with sugar-free mixers like soda water or diet tonic, you can enjoy an alcoholic beverage without consuming carbohydrates. However, it is essential to always drink in moderation and be aware that alcohol calories can still affect your weight loss goals. Responsible choices allow for a balanced approach to a low-carb lifestyle.

For more information on balancing a low-carb diet with alcohol, consider resources like the guidelines from Atkins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most flavored spirits contain added sugars and sweeteners to achieve their taste. To avoid hidden carbohydrates, stick to pure, unflavored varieties of liquor.

Yes, but with caution. Dry wines like Pinot Grigio or Cabernet Sauvignon are relatively low in carbs (around 3-5 grams per glass), while sweeter dessert wines and some sparkling wines can be very high in sugar and carbs.

No, beer is made from malted grains and will always contain some carbohydrates. However, light beers are significantly lower in carbs than regular beer, often containing 2–6 grams per can.

The distillation process is what removes the carbs. While the initial fermentation uses a carb-rich source like grains or potatoes, the process extracts and purifies the alcohol, leaving behind the carbohydrates and sugars.

Alcohol itself is quite calorie-dense, providing 7 calories per gram. Even though it's carb-free, consuming alcohol can contribute to weight gain by providing empty calories and potentially slowing down your body's fat-burning process.

The simplest and best carb-free mixer is soda water or club soda. For a twist, you can also use diet tonic, diet soda, or add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime.

The best way is to check the nutrition label or the manufacturer's website. If that information is not available, it is safest to assume that any sweetened or creamy liqueur or flavored liquor contains carbs and should be avoided on a strict low-carb diet.