Which Has More Sugar: Gin or Whiskey? A Nutritional Breakdown

November 13, 2025 •

2 min read

Pure distilled spirits like gin and whiskey contain zero grams of sugar per serving. The key difference lies not in the spirits themselves, but in what they are mixed with. This guide explores which has more sugar, gin or whiskey, and offers healthier drinking tips.

Quick Summary

Both unflavored gin and whiskey are naturally sugar-free spirits due to the distillation process. Any sugar content in a final drink comes from added flavorings or sugary mixers like tonic water, sodas, and juices, making the mixer choice crucial for monitoring sugar intake.

Key Points

Zero Sugar in Pure Spirits: Unflavored gin and whiskey contain no sugar due to the distillation process.
Calories from Alcohol: All calories in pure spirits come from the alcohol (ethanol) itself, not from sugar or carbohydrates.
Mixers are the Main Culprit: Tonic water, regular sodas, and fruit juices add substantial sugar to cocktails.
Choose Wisely: Opt for diet mixers, soda water, or enjoy spirits straight/on the rocks to avoid hidden sugars.
Flavored Exception: Flavored whiskies and sweetened gins (like Old Tom Gin) may have sugar added after distillation.
Negligible Aging Impact: The small amount of sugar extracted from barrels during aging is considered negligible in the final product.

The Distillation Process: The Zero-Sugar Secret

The production of both gin and whiskey involves fermentation and distillation. During fermentation, yeast consumes the natural sugars from grains (for whiskey) or grains and botanicals (for gin) and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

The subsequent distillation process separates the alcohol from the remaining mash, leaving behind non-volatile compounds like sugars. The result is a pure spirit that, in its unflavored form, contains no residual sugar or carbohydrates. This is a crucial fact for anyone monitoring their sugar intake or following low-carb diets.

What About Flavored Varieties and Aging?

While pure spirits are sugar-free, some exceptions exist:

Flavored Gins and Whiskeys: These products often have sugars, syrups, or flavorings added after distillation to enhance the taste. Flavored whiskeys might contain 3-10g of sugar per 100ml, while some flavored vodkas can have even more.
Aged Spirits: During the aging process in oak barrels, small, negligible amounts of sugar may be imparted from the wood to the spirit, but the quantity is minimal and still typically classified as 0 grams per serving.
Liqueurs: Liqueurs, such as a coffee or honey liqueur, are sweetened spirits by definition and have a significantly high sugar content, often up to 10 grams per shot.

Gin vs. Whiskey: A Nutritional Comparison

For standard, unflavored versions, the nutritional profile is very similar. The primary source of calories in both comes from the alcohol itself, which contains approximately 7 calories per gram (compared to 4 calories per gram for sugar and carbohydrates).


Nutritional Component	Standard Gin (1.5 oz/44ml serving)	Standard Whiskey (1.5 oz/44ml serving)
Sugar	0 grams	0 grams
Carbohydrates	0 grams	0 grams
Fat	0 grams	0 grams
Calories (80 proof)	~97 calories	~97 calories

The Mixer Factor: Where Sugar Hides

The biggest factor impacting the sugar content of your drink is the mixer you choose. A sugar-free spirit can quickly become a high-sugar beverage with the wrong addition.

Common Mixers and Their Sugar Content

Regular Tonic Water: A common mixer for gin, a 200ml serving can contain 16-18g of sugar.
Regular Soda/Cola: Often mixed with whiskey, a 200ml serving can have over 20g of sugar.
Fruit Juices (Orange, Cranberry): These typically contain 18-20g of natural sugar per 200ml.
Lemonade/Ginger Beer: These mixers can also add significant amounts of sugar.

To maintain a low-sugar drink, opt for sugar-free alternatives:

Soda water or sparkling water (with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon).
Diet or "slimline" tonic water.
Diet sodas.

Conclusion

In their pure, unflavored forms, both gin and whiskey are sugar-free. Neither spirit inherently has more sugar than the other. The sugar content of your beverage is determined almost entirely by added flavorings or, more commonly, the mixers used to prepare the drink. Choosing low- or no-sugar mixers is essential for those mindful of their sugar consumption while enjoying these spirits. When in doubt, always check the label for nutritional information, especially on flavored or pre-mixed products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure, unflavored gin contains no sugar. The sugar content in a gin drink comes from mixers like tonic water or other sweeteners added after distillation.

No, standard unflavored whiskey contains zero grams of sugar per serving because the sugars are converted during fermentation and removed during distillation.

Both pure gin and pure whiskey are excellent choices for a low-sugar diet as they are both sugar-free. The choice depends purely on personal preference and the mixer used.

A standard 1.5 oz (44ml) shot of either 80-proof gin or whiskey contains approximately 97 calories, all derived from the alcohol content.

You can, but you must use diet or 'slimline' tonic water. Regular tonic water contains a significant amount of sugar, which would make the drink unsuitable for a sugar-free diet.

Yes, flavored spirits, such as honey-flavored whiskey or certain fruit-flavored gins, often have sugar added during post-processing to enhance their taste. Always check the label.

During the fermentation process, yeast consumes the sugars. The subsequent distillation process ensures any remaining, non-volatile sugars do not carry over into the final spirit.