Which alcohol is lowest in carbohydrates? A Guide to Low-Carb Drinking

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Pure distilled spirits, such as vodka, gin, and whiskey, contain zero carbohydrates, making them the lowest-carb alcoholic beverages available. For anyone following a low-carb nutrition diet, understanding which alcohol is lowest in carbohydrates? is key to enjoying a drink without derailing dietary goals.

Quick Summary

Pure distilled spirits are the top choice for minimal carbs, containing none per serving. Dry wines and light beers also offer low-carb options, while sugary mixers and sweet cocktails should be avoided. Moderate consumption is recommended regardless of carb count due to alcohol's empty calories and health impacts.

Key Points

Pure Distilled Spirits are Zero-Carb: Unflavored vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, and rum contain no carbs after the distillation process removes all sugars.
Mixers are the Hidden Carbs: The most common source of carbohydrates in alcoholic drinks comes from sugary mixers like juice and soda, not the spirits themselves.
Opt for Dry Wines: Dry red wines (like Pinot Noir) and dry white wines (like Pinot Grigio) are low in carbs, while sweeter dessert wines are high in sugar.
Choose Light Beers: If you prefer beer, light beer versions are significantly lower in carbs than regular beers, although they are not carb-free.
Hard Seltzers Offer a Low-Carb Alternative: Many hard seltzers provide a refreshing, low-carb option, often containing only about 2 grams of carbs per can.
Use Carb-Free Mixers: Pair spirits with soda water, diet tonic, or a squeeze of citrus to keep the carb count at zero.

Many people on low-carb or ketogenic diets mistakenly believe that alcohol is entirely off-limits. While many popular drinks are indeed high in sugar and carbs, there are numerous options that can fit within a mindful nutrition plan. The key is understanding which alcoholic beverages contain the fewest carbohydrates and, crucially, being aware of the impact of mixers.

The Zero-Carb Champions: Distilled Spirits

Unflavored, pure distilled spirits are the undisputed winners when it comes to the lowest carbohydrate content. The distillation process effectively removes all sugars and starches, leaving behind only ethanol and water.

Vodka: Made from potatoes, grains, or fruits, but the distillation process removes all carbs. Its versatility makes it a perfect base for simple, low-carb cocktails. Just be cautious of flavored varieties, which may contain added sugars.
Gin: A neutral grain spirit infused with botanicals like juniper berries. Like vodka, pure gin has zero carbohydrates.
Tequila: Derived from the agave plant, 100% agave tequila contains no carbs.
Whiskey, Bourbon, and Scotch: Made from fermented grain mash, but the distilling process eliminates the carbohydrates. These spirits offer a range of flavors to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with a carb-free mixer.
Rum: Unflavored rum, made from sugarcane, is carb-free after distillation. Spiced and flavored rums, however, often have added sugar.

Low-Carb Wine and Beer Options

While not zero-carb, certain wines and beers are significantly lower in carbohydrates than their counterparts and can be enjoyed in moderation.

Dry Wines

Dry wines have a low carb count because most of the grape sugars are fermented into alcohol.

Dry Reds: Options like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot typically contain around 3–5 grams of carbohydrates per 5-ounce glass.
Dry Whites: Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices, with typically 3–4 grams per 5-ounce serving.
Sparkling Wines: Brut and Extra Brut champagnes and proseccos are among the lowest-carb sparkling options.

Light Beers

Light beers are brewed to have fewer calories and carbohydrates than traditional brews. While they are not carb-free, they are a much better option for a low-carb diet. Brands like Michelob Ultra or Corona Premier often contain between 2 and 6 grams of carbs per 12-ounce serving.

The Hard Seltzer Trend

Hard seltzers have become a popular alternative for low-carb drinkers. These beverages are typically made from fermented cane sugar and sparkling water, with natural fruit flavors added. Many brands contain as little as 2 grams of carbs per can, though it is always best to check the nutritional label.

The High-Carb Culprits: Mixers and Cocktails

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to reduce carb intake from alcohol is overlooking the mixers. A zero-carb spirit can quickly become a carb-laden drink when mixed with sugary juices, regular sodas, or syrups. To keep your drink low-carb, opt for mixers like:

Club soda or seltzer water
Diet sodas or diet tonic water
A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice

A comparison of popular alcoholic beverages

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison of the typical carbohydrate content for common alcoholic drinks:


Alcohol Type	Typical Serving Size	Carb Content (grams)	Notes
Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Whiskey	1.5 oz (44 mL)	0 g	Ensure it's unflavored; mixers add carbs
Dry Wine	5 oz (150 mL)	3–5 g	Sweeter wines have much higher carb counts
Light Beer	12 oz (360 mL)	2–6 g	Varies by brand; check nutritional labels
Hard Seltzer	12 oz (360 mL)	~2 g	Read the label, as some brands vary
Regular Beer	12 oz (360 mL)	10–15 g	Often called 'liquid bread' for a reason
Margarita	8 oz (240 mL)	20–30 g	High-sugar mix makes it a high-carb drink
Rum and Coke	8 oz (240 mL)	18+ g	Regular soda adds a significant carb load

The importance of moderation

Even low-carb alcohol options should be consumed in moderation. The calories from alcohol are often referred to as “empty calories” because they provide energy without any nutritional value like vitamins, minerals, or protein. Your body also prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other macronutrients, which can temporarily pause fat-burning. Excess alcohol consumption can have several negative health impacts, regardless of the carbohydrate content.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Ultimately, pure distilled spirits are the alcohol lowest in carbohydrates, offering a zero-carb option when consumed neat or with a zero-carb mixer. Dry wines and light beers provide other sensible low-carb choices, provided they are consumed in moderation. By being mindful of your mixers and understanding the nutritional profile of your beverage, you can enjoy alcohol while adhering to a low-carb diet. Always remember that moderation is paramount, not just for carb counting but for overall health. More detailed health information regarding alcohol consumption can be found on websites like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, unflavored distilled vodka contains zero carbohydrates. However, flavored vodkas often have added sugars, so it's essential to check the label to confirm the carb content.

Yes, dry wines are low enough in carbohydrates (typically 3–5 grams per glass) that they can be included in a ketogenic diet in moderation. Avoid sweet dessert wines, as they contain much higher sugar content.

Club soda, seltzer water, and diet sodas are the best zero-carb mixers for spirits. A simple twist of lemon or lime can also add flavor without adding carbs.

Unflavored, pure rum is a zero-carb spirit after distillation. Spiced or flavored rums, however, may have added sugars, increasing their carb content.

Light beers are a better low-carb option than regular beers, containing around 2–6 grams of carbs per serving. They are not carb-free, so moderation and label-checking are still important.

Pure spirits themselves won't kick you out of ketosis, but your body will prioritize metabolizing the alcohol over burning fat for energy. Excessive consumption can stall your progress and lead to poorer food choices later on.

For low-carb cocktails, start with a zero-carb spirit and use carb-free mixers. You can also experiment with keto-friendly sweeteners and ingredients like fresh mint or citrus to create flavorful drinks without the sugar.