Which has more carbs, vodka or gin? The zero-carb truth revealed

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Most distilled spirits, including both gin and vodka, contain zero carbohydrates per standard serving. The misconception that one spirit is higher in carbs than another is a common error stemming from the high-sugar mixers they are often paired with.

Quick Summary

This article explains that pure, distilled vodka and gin both contain zero carbohydrates per serving. The carb content of a cocktail comes entirely from the mixers, such as juices and tonic water. It also details the distillation process that removes carbs and offers guidance on choosing low-carb cocktail alternatives.

Key Points

Zero Carbs in Pure Spirits: Both unflavored vodka and gin are distilled, containing zero carbohydrates per standard serving.
Mixers are the Culprit: The carb content of a cocktail is determined by the mixer, with juices and regular tonic water adding significant sugar.
Distillation Removes Carbs: The fermentation and distillation process purifies the spirit, removing the carbs from the original ingredients like grains or potatoes.
Identical Core Nutrition: Pure vodka and gin are nutritionally very similar, with an equivalent calorie count and zero carbs.
Choose Sugar-Free Mixers: Opt for soda water, diet tonic, or a splash of citrus to keep your cocktail carb-free.
Check Flavored Varieties: Some flavored vodkas and gins may have added sugars, so it's important to read the nutritional label.
Consider All Calories: Even though they contain no carbs, spirits still have calories from alcohol, which can affect weight management.

Vodka vs. Gin: The Zero-Carb Showdown

When counting carbohydrates, especially on a diet like keto, separating fact from fiction about alcoholic beverages is crucial. Many people assume that since spirits are made from carb-rich ingredients like grains or potatoes, they must retain some of those carbs in the final product. However, the distillation process is the key to understanding why pure vodka and gin are virtually carb-free.

The Science of Distillation and Carbohydrates

Distillation is the process of purifying a liquid by heating and cooling. For spirits like vodka and gin, a fermented mash is heated to separate the ethanol from the water and other substances. During the fermentation stage, yeasts consume the sugars and starches (carbohydrates) from the base ingredients, converting them into alcohol. The subsequent distillation process further refines the liquid, leaving behind the non-alcoholic remnants, including any leftover carbohydrates. The result is a pure distilled spirit consisting almost entirely of ethanol and water, with a carbohydrate count of zero.

Nutritional Comparison: Vodka vs. Gin

Pure, unflavored vodka and gin have an almost identical nutritional profile regarding carbs and calories. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof (40% ABV) spirit contains roughly 97 calories, with all calories derived from the alcohol itself. The difference lies in their taste and how they are made, not in their core nutritional makeup.

Vodka: The distillation of fermented grains (wheat, rye) or potatoes results in a neutral spirit with a very clean, neutral flavor.
Gin: Made by re-distilling a neutral spirit with botanicals, with the juniper berry being the required primary flavoring agent. The added botanicals provide its distinct flavor but add no carbohydrates.

The Carb Culprit: The Mixer

The real source of carbohydrates in many gin and vodka drinks is the mixer. A vodka-soda with a squeeze of lime is a classic low-carb option, whereas a vodka-cranberry can pack a significant carb punch from the juice. Similarly, a gin and standard tonic water can contain a surprising amount of sugar, as tonic water is often sweetened. Choosing diet or sugar-free mixers is the most effective way to control the carb count of your cocktail.

Popular Cocktail Carb Traps

Vodka Cranberry: A large glass of cranberry juice can contain over 30 grams of carbs.
Gin and Tonic (standard): Regular tonic water contains sugar, with some versions having 8-14 grams of carbs per serving.
Flavored Spirits: Be cautious with flavored versions of vodka and gin, as some contain added sugars after distillation. Always read the label to be sure.

Low-Carb Cocktail Alternatives

To enjoy a carb-conscious drink, consider these alternatives that keep the sugar to a minimum:

Vodka Soda: Vodka with soda water (or club soda) and a twist of lemon or lime is a classic for a reason. It's refreshing and contains virtually zero carbs.
Dry Martini: A traditional martini made with gin or vodka and a touch of dry vermouth is very low in carbs. Vermouth, while containing some sugar, is used in such small amounts that the overall carb count remains minimal.
Gin with Slimline Tonic: For gin lovers, opting for a slimline or diet tonic water is a game-changer. It offers the classic flavor without the added sugar.
Flavored Seltzers: Mix your spirit with a flavored seltzer water for a light and fruity drink without the high carb count of juice.

The Role of Calories vs. Carbs

While carbs are a major focus for many diets, it is important not to confuse them with overall calories. The calories in vodka and gin are almost identical per serving. What impacts your weight most is the total caloric intake, not just the carb count. Drinking alcohol can also interfere with your body's fat-burning process, regardless of the carb content, as your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol. Always consume in moderation.

Comparison Table: Vodka vs. Gin


Feature	Vodka	Gin
Carb Content (1.5 oz)	0g	0g
Calories (1.5 oz)	~97 calories	~97 calories
Flavor Profile	Neutral, clean, and smooth	Botanical, featuring prominent juniper notes
Primary Ingredients	Grains (wheat, rye) or potatoes	Neutral spirit base plus botanicals
Keto-Friendliness	High (straight or with low-carb mixers)	High (straight or with low-carb mixers)
Mixer Considerations	Often paired with juices or sugary sodas, which add carbs	Often paired with tonic, which can add carbs if not a diet version

Conclusion

When asking which has more carbs, vodka or gin, the definitive answer is that neither contains any carbohydrates in its pure, distilled form. Both are excellent zero-carb options for those following low-carb diets like keto. The crucial factor that influences the carb and calorie count of your drink is the mixer you choose. By opting for sugar-free mixers such as soda water or diet tonic, you can enjoy either spirit without derailing your dietary goals. For those interested in deeper nutritional data on various food and drink items, the USDA Food and Nutrient Database is an excellent resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither pure, distilled vodka nor pure, distilled gin contains any carbohydrates. They both have a zero-carb content per standard serving.

The carbohydrates in a standard gin and tonic come from the tonic water, which often contains a significant amount of sugar. To make it carb-free, use a slimline or diet tonic.

Yes, both unflavored vodka and gin are suitable for a keto diet, provided they are consumed straight or with a zero-carb mixer like club soda or water.

Flavored spirits can sometimes contain added sugars, which increases their carb count. It is always best to check the nutritional information on the bottle, especially for sweetened varieties.

The carbs from the base ingredients are converted into alcohol during fermentation and then removed during the distillation process, leaving a pure, carb-free spirit.

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof gin and vodka contain a nearly identical amount of calories, around 97, as all the calories come from the alcohol itself.

The best low-carb mixers are zero-calorie options like club soda, soda water, and diet tonic water. A squeeze of lemon or lime can add flavor without adding carbs.