Which spirits don't have sugar? A guide to sugar-free liquor

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Pure distilled spirits, including unflavored vodka, gin, and whiskey, contain zero grams of sugar straight from the bottle. This is because the distillation process effectively separates the alcohol from the sugars used in fermentation, leaving a sugar-free end product. Learning which spirits don't have sugar is essential for managing your sugar intake and avoiding hidden sweeteners.

Quick Summary

Pure spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey contain no sugar due to the distillation process. Sweeteners and flavorings are added after distillation, so it is crucial to avoid flavored varieties and liqueurs. Choosing sugar-free mixers, such as soda water or diet soda, is key to keeping your overall drink sugar-free.

Key Points

Pure Distilled Spirits are Sugar-Free: Vodka, gin, whiskey, 100% agave tequila, and unflavored rum contain no sugar due to the distillation process.
Flavored Varieties Contain Sugar: Be wary of flavored versions of spirits (e.g., honey whiskey, coconut rum) and liqueurs, which have added sweeteners after distillation.
Mixers are a Hidden Source of Sugar: The sugar content of your drink often comes from high-sugar mixers like soda, juice, or regular tonic water, not the pure spirit itself.
Check Labels for Additives: Always read the label on flavored spirits or mixers to determine their sugar content, as it can vary significantly between brands.
Opt for Sugar-Free Mixers: To keep a cocktail sugar-free, pair your pure spirits with zero-sugar mixers like soda water, diet soda, or a simple squeeze of citrus juice.
Aging Can Add Flavor, Not Sugar: The sweet notes found in aged spirits like bourbon come from the aging process in barrels, not from added sugar.

How Distillation Creates Sugar-Free Spirits

To understand which spirits are sugar-free, it's necessary to know the basics of how they are made. All spirits start with a fermentation process, where yeast consumes natural sugars found in a base ingredient—like grains, agave, or molasses—and converts them into alcohol. The key step that separates spirits from other alcoholic beverages like wine or beer is distillation. During distillation, the liquid is heated in a still, causing the alcohol to vaporize. This vapor is then collected and condensed back into a purer, more concentrated liquid form. Since sugars are not volatile and do not evaporate during this process, they are left behind. The resulting clear distillate is essentially pure alcohol and water, with no sugar.

Naturally Sugar-Free Spirits

Several popular, unflavored spirits are naturally sugar-free, making them excellent choices for those watching their sugar intake. The trick is to stick to the pure, unflavored varieties, as many flavored versions and liqueurs have added sugar after distillation.

Vodka

As the most common and versatile clear spirit, unflavored vodka contains no sugar or carbohydrates. Vodka is typically made from grains or potatoes and is filtered multiple times to achieve its neutral profile. As illustrated by Belvedere's nutritional information, even flavored vodkas are sometimes produced without adding sugar, but consumers must check labels carefully.

Gin

This juniper-flavored spirit also contains no sugar in its traditional, unflavored form, such as London Dry Gin. The flavor comes from botanicals, not added sweeteners. Always be wary of modern flavored or sweetened gins, which often have sugar added after distillation.

Tequila

For a truly sugar-free experience, choose tequila made from 100% agave. This ensures no residual sugar remains after the fermentation and distillation of the agave plant's natural sugars. Mixto tequilas, by contrast, may contain other sugars and can be sweetened after distillation, so reading the label is crucial.

Whiskey

Whether it's bourbon, Scotch, or rye, straight whiskey contains very little sugar, as the distillation process removes it. While the sweetness you taste can come from the aging process in charred oak barrels, this is not due to residual sugar. Flavored whiskies, however, are a different story and often contain added sugars.

Rum

Despite being made from sugar cane or molasses, unflavored rum contains no sugar after distillation. The fermentation process consumes the sugar, and distillation separates the resulting alcohol. Just like other spirits, spiced and flavored rums typically have sugar added after the fact.

The Hidden Sugar Trap: Flavored Spirits and Liqueurs

While pure spirits are a safe bet, the world of alcohol is filled with potential sugar bombs. Liqueurs and flavored spirits are the most common culprits. According to EU law, liqueurs must contain at least 100g of sugar per liter, with some having significantly more. Flavored spirits fall somewhere in the middle; they are not as sweet as liqueurs but are almost guaranteed to contain added sugar. This is why a honey-flavored whiskey or coconut rum will have sugar, while their unflavored counterparts do not.

Avoiding Sugar with the Right Mixers

Even with a sugar-free spirit, your drink's sugar content is entirely dependent on the mixer. A vodka soda with a squeeze of lime is sugar-free, but that same vodka with cranberry juice or regular tonic water can contain a significant amount of sugar. To stay sugar-free, opt for mixers like club soda, sparkling water, or diet sodas. Always read the labels on your mixers to confirm their nutritional content.

Sugar Content Comparison of Alcoholic Drinks


Drink Category	Example	Sugar per Serving (Approx.)	Notes
Pure Distilled Spirit	Vodka, Gin, Whiskey	0g	Sugar-free and carb-free.
Flavored Spirit	Flavored Vodka, Spiced Rum	Varies, can be high	Sugar is added after distillation. Check labels.
Liqueur	Kahlua, Amaretto	Very high, 20-40g+ per 100ml	By definition, a sweetened spirit.
Dry Wine	Merlot, Chardonnay	1-4g per 5oz glass	Contains residual sugar from grapes.
Light Beer	Light Lager	0-1g per 12oz can	Very low in sugar, but may contain carbs.
Cocktail Mixer	Regular Tonic, Cranberry Juice	Can be very high	Be mindful of what you mix with your spirits.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Sugar in Spirits

For those seeking a truly sugar-free alcoholic beverage, pure, unflavored spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, and 100% agave tequila are the best and safest choices. The distillation process effectively removes any sugar present in the base ingredients. The crucial factors for keeping your drink sugar-free are to avoid flavored variants and liqueurs, and to use zero-sugar mixers. By understanding the distillation process and paying attention to labels, you can confidently navigate your drink choices. For more in-depth information on alcohol and its effects on sugar intake, consider consulting trusted health resources, such as those provided by Teladoc Health. Discover more at Teladoc Health.

A Quick Guide to Sugar-Free Cocktails

Vodka Soda: Vodka, club soda, and a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon.
Martini: Gin or vodka with a splash of dry vermouth.
Whiskey on the Rocks: Enjoy whiskey neat or with ice to avoid all added sugars.
Tequila Soda: Tequila (100% agave), soda water, and a lime wedge.
Dry Gin and Tonic: Gin with diet or sugar-free tonic water and a lemon twist.
Mojito (Sugar-Free): White rum, muddled mint leaves, lime juice, and a zero-calorie sweetener (optional) topped with club soda.
Paloma (Sugar-Free): Tequila, sugar-free grapefruit soda, and a pinch of salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, unflavored and white rums are typically sugar-free after distillation. However, many spiced, flavored, and dark rums have sweeteners added after distillation, so it's important to check the label carefully.

Yes, pure spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, and tequila are zero-carb and sugar-free. They are suitable for keto and low-carb diets as long as you mix them with zero-sugar mixers like soda water or diet soda.

During the fermentation process, yeast consumes the sugar from the sugar cane or molasses and converts it into alcohol. The subsequent distillation process separates the alcohol from any remaining sugars, leaving a sugar-free distillate.

Yes, almost all flavored spirits, including honey or cinnamon whiskey, contain added sugar. This is a crucial distinction from pure, unflavored spirits, which are sugar-free.

Excellent sugar-free mixer options include club soda, sparkling water, diet sodas, fresh lime or lemon juice, and sugar-free tonic water.

The primary difference is that spirits (like vodka or gin) contain no sugar, while liqueurs are defined as sweetened spirits and must contain a significant amount of sugar by law.

The best way is to read the nutritional information and ingredients list on the bottle. Look for terms like 'sweetened,' 'flavored,' or 'liqueur.' Reputable brands often clarify their sugar content on their websites or labels.

While some whiskeys, like bourbon, can have a sweet flavor profile, this is primarily derived from the aging process in charred oak barrels, not from added sugar. Pure, straight whiskey is not sweet and contains no sugar.