Which Long Drink Is Sugar Free? Guide to Zero-Sugar Options

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

While many classic long drinks are packed with sugar, a growing number of ready-to-drink and homemade options offer a refreshing, guilt-free experience. If you're wondering which long drink is sugar free, the answer lies in simple recipes and smart product choices that cut out the sweet stuff.

Quick Summary

Explore a range of options for zero-sugar long drinks, including ready-to-drink products like Finnish Long Drink Zero and simple homemade recipes using unsweetened spirits and zero-calorie mixers.

Key Points

Ready-to-drink solution: The Finnish Long Drink Zero Sugar is a prime canned option with zero sugar and carbs.
Use sugar-free mixers: Replace high-sugar mixers like standard tonic and soda with diet or zero-calorie versions like club soda or sparkling mineral water.
Incorporate fresh citrus: Freshly squeezed lime, lemon, or grapefruit juice adds natural, vibrant flavor without added sugar.
Experiment with zero-calorie sweeteners: Liquid stevia, monk fruit, or sugar-free syrups can balance tartness and add sweetness to homemade drinks.
Try popular homemade recipes: Classic sugar-free drinks like the Ranch Water (tequila, lime, Topo Chico) and Gin Rickey (gin, lime, soda) are easy to make.
Focus on pure spirits: Unflavored spirits like gin, vodka, and tequila naturally contain no sugar, making them ideal for a zero-sugar long drink base.

What Defines a Long Drink?

A long drink is a specific type of cocktail, typically defined by its higher proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer and its generous volume, usually served over ice in a tall glass. This differentiates it from a 'short drink' or a more complex mixed 'cocktail'. While the alcoholic base—such as gin, vodka, or tequila—is often naturally sugar-free, the high volume of mixer used in a traditional long drink is where sugar content can rapidly accumulate. Think of classic mixers like regular tonic water, soda, or sweet juices, all of which contribute significant sugar and calories. Fortunately, with the rise of zero-sugar alternatives, it's easier than ever to enjoy the thirst-quenching character of a long drink without the added sugar.

Ready-to-Drink Zero-Sugar Long Drinks

For those seeking convenience without compromising their health goals, ready-to-drink (RTD) zero-sugar options are a fantastic solution. The most prominent example is the Finnish Long Drink Zero Sugar.

Finnish Long Drink Zero Sugar: This canned cocktail is made with gin, natural grapefruit, and juniper berry flavors but contains zero carbs and zero sugar. A single 12 fl oz can has only 99–100 calories, making it a favorite among consumers who appreciate its crisp and refreshing taste. The artificial sweeteners used aim to replicate the traditional flavor profile without the added sugar, and many reviews praise its lack of a noticeable diet aftertaste.

Crafting Your Own Sugar-Free Long Drink

If you prefer to control your ingredients and mixology, creating sugar-free long drinks at home offers endless possibilities. The key is to start with a pure, unflavored spirit and combine it with zero-calorie mixers and fresh ingredients for flavor.

Homemade Ranch Water

Originating in West Texas, this simple and refreshing drink is naturally low in carbs and has no sugar when made with the right ingredients.

Ingredients:

1.5-2 oz Blanco Tequila
1.5 oz fresh lime juice
Chilled Topo Chico or other sparkling mineral water
Lime wedge for garnish
Optional: Non-sugar sweetener (stevia/monk fruit) to taste

Instructions:

Fill a highball or rocks glass with ice.
Pour the tequila and fresh lime juice over the ice.
Top with sparkling mineral water.
Garnish with a lime wedge and stir gently.

Classic Sugar-Free Gin Rickey

This classic cocktail is effortlessly transformed into a zero-sugar drink by using soda water instead of tonic.

Ingredients:

1.5-2 oz Gin
Juice of half a lime
4-6 oz soda water
Lime wheel and mint for garnish
Optional: a few drops of monk fruit syrup for a hint of sweetness.

Instructions:

Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour the gin and lime juice over the ice.
Add the optional sweetener.
Top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint.

Essential Zero-Sugar Mixers

Choosing the right mixers is the most crucial step for a sugar-free long drink. Avoid regular sodas and syrups and instead opt for these healthier alternatives:

Club Soda or Seltzer: The quintessential zero-calorie mixer, perfect for adding fizz without sugar.
Diet Tonic Water: If you crave the distinct bitter flavor of tonic, diet versions are widely available.
Flavored Sparkling Water: Brands like LaCroix or Bubly offer a range of fruit flavors with zero calories, sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
Fresh Citrus Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon, lime, or grapefruit juice adds a natural, tangy flavor.
Herbal Tea Infusions: Brewed herbal teas, like mint or hibiscus, can be a flavorful, zero-sugar mixer.

Long Drink Comparison: Classic vs. Sugar-Free

This table highlights the significant difference in sugar content between traditional long drinks and their zero-sugar counterparts. For more sugar-free and low-calorie recipes, visit Difford's Guide


Drink	Classic Sweetener	Sugar-Free Alternative	Zero-Sugar Mixer
Mojito	Simple Syrup	Keto Mojito (stevia/monk fruit, muddled berries)	Club Soda
Gin & Tonic	Tonic Water	Sugar-Free Gin & Tonic	Diet Tonic Water or Soda Water
Cuba Libre	Cola	Diet Cuba Libre	Diet Cola
Finnish Long Drink	Citrus Soda	Finnish Long Drink Zero Sugar (canned)	-
Vodka Cranberry	Cranberry Juice Cocktail	Vodka, Unsweetened Cranberry Juice	Club Soda

Conclusion

Whether you opt for the convenience of a commercially available option like Finnish Long Drink Zero Sugar or prefer the control of crafting your own concoction at home, enjoying a sugar-free long drink is easier than ever. By replacing sugary sodas, juices, and syrups with zero-calorie mixers, fresh citrus, and natural sweeteners, you can significantly reduce your sugar and calorie intake without sacrificing flavor or the refreshing quality of a classic long drink. Embracing this health-conscious approach allows you to enjoy a flavorful beverage that aligns with a keto, low-carb, or mindful drinking lifestyle. Cheers to a lighter, healthier sip!

Frequently Asked Questions

A long drink is a specific type of cocktail defined by its larger volume of non-alcoholic mixer, making it more diluted and meant for slow sipping. A 'cocktail' is a broader category that can include smaller, more concentrated drinks.

No. While pure, unflavored spirits like gin, vodka, and tequila have zero sugar, flavored liquors, liqueurs, and some sweetened spirits can contain significant amounts of sugar. Always check the label if you're unsure.

For best results, use sparkling water, mineral water, or seltzer with no added sugar or sweeteners. Topo Chico is a popular choice for its high carbonation, but any brand with 0g sugar will work.

Yes, diet or light tonic waters are sugar-free, using artificial sweeteners to achieve their taste. This makes them an excellent substitute for regular tonic water in a gin and tonic.

Ranch Water is a Texas-born long drink made with Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and Topo Chico mineral water. It is naturally sugar-free, low-carb, and incredibly refreshing.

No, honey contains natural sugar and calories, so it is not a sugar-free alternative. For zero-sugar sweetness, use natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.

Some artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or a laxative effect if consumed in excess. Erythritol is well-tolerated, but individual sensitivity varies.