Which has less carbs, gin or vodka?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, both pure, unflavored vodka and unflavored gin contain zero carbohydrates per standard serving. This is because the distillation process effectively removes all sugars and starches from the fermented base ingredients, creating a carb-free spirit. The critical difference for anyone monitoring their carb intake comes down to how these spirits are consumed.

Quick Summary

Pure, unflavored gin and vodka both contain zero carbohydrates and are equally suitable for low-carb diets. The carb content of your drink depends entirely on the mixers and additions, with sugary sodas, juices, and liqueurs adding significant carbohydrates.

Key Points

Zero Carbs for Both: Pure, unflavored gin and pure, unflavored vodka both contain zero grams of carbohydrates per serving due to the distillation process.
Mixers are Key: The carb content of your drink is determined by the mixer, not the spirit itself, with sugary sodas and juices adding significant carbs.
Check Flavored Varieties: Many flavored versions of gin and vodka have added sugars to enhance taste, so always read the nutrition label carefully.
Equal Calorie Count: Standard 80-proof servings of both spirits have a similar calorie count, with around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot.
Process Differences: While both start as neutral spirits, gin's flavor comes from post-distillation botanical infusions, while vodka remains neutral.
Diet-Friendly with the Right Mix: To keep your drink low-carb, opt for mixers like club soda, diet tonic, or a squeeze of fresh citrus.

Gin vs. Vodka: The Carb-Free Tie

The fundamental truth regarding the carb content of gin and vodka is that in their pure, unflavored form, they are identical. Both spirits are classified as distilled liquors, and the meticulous process of distillation strips away the fermented starches and sugars from the original base ingredients, which can include grains, potatoes, or grapes. What remains is an ethanol and water solution with zero grams of carbohydrates and zero grams of sugar. This fact means that for those on a keto diet or simply reducing carb intake, neither has an advantage over the other when consumed neat or on the rocks.

The Production Process and Its Impact on Carbs

Understanding how these spirits are made is key to grasping their carb-free nature. The process begins with a base ingredient that is fermented by yeast, which consumes the sugars to produce alcohol. This fermented liquid, known as the "mash," is then distilled, a process of heating and cooling that separates the alcohol from the water and other substances, including carbohydrates. The alcohol vapor is collected and condensed back into a liquid, resulting in a high-proof, neutral spirit. For vodka, this neutral spirit is filtered, sometimes multiple times, to achieve maximum purity and neutrality. Gin starts with this same neutral spirit, but before the final bottling, it is re-distilled with botanicals, most famously juniper berries, to impart its distinctive flavor. Crucially, this botanical infusion adds flavor without adding carbohydrates or sugars.

Why Mixers Make All the Difference

The zero-carb nature of pure gin and vodka is easily compromised by the mixers chosen for cocktails. A gin and tonic, for example, is only zero-carb if a sugar-free tonic is used. Similarly, a vodka cranberry can quickly become a sugar-laden beverage. The hidden carbs in popular mixers are the primary culprits for turning a low-carb drink into a high-carb one.

Common High-Carb Mixers:

Standard tonic water (often contains high-fructose corn syrup)
Fruit juices (cranberry, orange, pineapple, etc.)
Sugary sodas (cola, ginger ale)
Sweet liqueurs (e.g., Kahlúa, amaretto)
Simple syrup

Low-Carb or Zero-Carb Mixer Alternatives:

Club soda or sparkling water
Diet tonic water
Fresh lime or lemon juice
Sugar-free sodas
Herbal teas
Muddled fresh herbs like mint or basil

Comparison Table: Gin vs. Vodka Nutritional Facts


Feature	Pure, Unflavored Vodka	Pure, Unflavored Gin
Carbohydrates	0g per 1.5 oz shot	0g per 1.5 oz shot
Sugar	0g per 1.5 oz shot	0g per 1.5 oz shot
Calories	~97 calories per 1.5 oz shot (80 proof)	~97 calories per 1.5 oz shot (80 proof)
Flavor Profile	Neutral and clean taste, suitable as a blank canvas for cocktails	Distinctive botanical and herbal notes, with juniper as a legal requirement
Production	Distilled from various bases (grains, potatoes), then filtered to achieve neutrality	Distilled from a neutral spirit base with the addition of juniper and other botanicals
Keto-Friendliness	Yes, with low-carb mixers	Yes, with low-carb mixers

Flavored Spirits: A Warning for Carb Counters

It is essential to be cautious when purchasing flavored versions of either spirit. While a naturally infused vodka or gin may remain carb-free, many commercially available flavored spirits, especially dessert-style or sweet fruit flavors, include added sugars to enhance the taste. Always read the label carefully to confirm the nutritional content. Similarly, some gins might be sweeter than others, so researching specific brands is wise for the most carb-conscious consumers.

Calorie Comparison: A Subtle Difference

While the carb count is identical, there can be a subtle difference in calories depending on the proof (alcohol content) and brand. A higher proof will contain more calories due to the higher alcohol concentration. Generally, both spirits hover around 97 calories per 1.5-ounce shot at 80 proof (40% ABV), making them very comparable calorie-wise. However, both gin and vodka calories are considered "empty calories" as they offer no nutritional value.

Conclusion: Choose Your Spirit, Watch Your Mixer

When asking which has less carbs, gin or vodka, the answer is a simple tie. Both pure, unflavored spirits are equally suitable for a low-carb diet. The deciding factor for your diet and health is the choice of mixer. By opting for zero-carb mixers like club soda or diet tonic, you can enjoy either spirit without affecting your carbohydrate intake. Your choice between gin and vodka can therefore be based entirely on personal taste preference—whether you prefer the neutral canvas of vodka or the botanical complexity of gin. For those mindful of their health, practicing moderation and being aware of added sugars is more important than the choice between these two spirits. You can learn more about managing alcohol and diet responsibly through authoritative sources like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither gin nor vodka is inherently more fattening than the other. Both spirits contain a similar number of calories per serving (roughly 97 for a 1.5 oz shot of 80 proof), and all calories come from the alcohol itself, not carbs or fat.

Yes, both pure gin and pure vodka are suitable for a keto diet, as they contain zero carbohydrates. The key is to avoid high-carb mixers and opt for zero-sugar alternatives like club soda or diet tonic water.

Yes, the distillation process is designed to separate the alcohol from the fermented mash, and in doing so, it removes virtually all of the carbohydrates, sugars, and starches from the final spirit.

Safe low-carb mixers include club soda, sparkling water, sugar-free tonic water, and a twist of citrus like lemon or lime. These options add flavor without adding carbs or sugar.

Not always, but many are. Some naturally infused spirits have no added sugar, but many commercial flavored liquors add sweeteners. Always check the label for nutritional information to be certain.

Gin's distinctive taste comes from the botanical infusion, primarily juniper berries, that occurs after the initial distillation of the neutral spirit. These botanicals provide flavor without adding carbs.

The difference can be significant. Pure gin has 0g carbs, but a gin and tonic made with regular tonic water can contain 10-15g of carbs or more, depending on the tonic and serving size.