Vivian Marlowe
Pure distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, and rum contain zero grams of carbohydrates per shot. This is because distillation removes fermentable sugars, leaving only alcohol and water. However, when mixed with sugary beverages, the carb count increases. For example, a whiskey with Coke has 165 calories, whereas a shot of whiskey alone has 97 calories. Similarly, a vodka cranberry could contain double digits in terms of carbs, whereas a vodka soda with lime remains carb-free. Dry wines are also a good choice for those watching their carb intake, with around 3–5 grams of carbohydrates per 5-ounce pour. Champagne is another low-carb option, with less than 1 gram of carbs per ounce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lowest-carb alcohol | Pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, and rum (unflavored) |
| Carb count | Zero grams of carbs per shot |
| Reason | Distillation strips away the fermentable sugars, leaving only alcohol and water |
| Mixers | Carb-free options like club soda or lime |
| Wine | Dry wines, where fermentation converts most grape sugars into alcohol, have 3–5 grams of carbs per 5-ounce pour |
| Lowest-carb and lowest-calorie option | Flute of champagne with 2 grams of carbs and 95 calories |
| Beer | Light beers are relatively low in carbs, with 2.6 grams |
| Calories | Most alcoholic drinks contain at least 100 calories; a standard 1.5-ounce shot of tequila has 97 calories |
| Weight loss | Alcohol can impede weight loss by stimulating appetite and decreasing inhibitions, increasing food intake |
| Health risks | Overindulging in alcohol can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies, weight gain, liver problems, cancer, and heart disease |
| Recommendation | Drink alcohol in moderation, as defined by one drink per day for women and two per day for men |
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What You'll Learn
Pure spirits have zero carbs
However, when you add mixers with carbohydrates, the calories increase. For example, a whiskey with 6 ounces of cola has 165 calories, with the extra calories coming from the soda's sugar. To keep the calories and carbs low, you can opt for low-carb mixers like club soda, tonic water, or a twist of citrus.
Champagne is another low-carb option, with less than 1 gram of carbs per ounce. A standard 5-ounce glass of California sparkling wine, such as Korbel Brut, has 2 grams of total and net carbs, 0 grams of fat, and 0 grams of protein. Dry wines are also a good choice, with around 3-5 grams of carbs per 5-ounce pour.
While it is possible to include sugar-free alcohol in a low-carb diet, it is important to consume alcohol in moderation. Excessive drinking can contribute to nutritional deficiencies, weight gain, and serious health conditions. Additionally, when on a low-carb diet, you might feel stronger effects from alcohol, including intoxication and hangovers.
In summary, pure spirits such as vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, and rum have zero carbs, but it is important to be mindful of mixers and consume alcohol in moderation to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
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Mixers can add carbs
Pure spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, and rum (unflavoured) have zero grams of carbs per shot. However, mixers can add carbs, turning a pristine zero into a sugar bomb. For example, a vodka soda with a splash of lime stays carb-free, while a vodka cranberry could contain double digits. Whiskey has 97 calories per shot, but when you add 6 ounces of cola, it becomes a whiskey and Coke with 165 calories.
To keep the calories, carbs, and sugar low, you can swap out sugar-filled mixers for low-carb options. Soda water or club soda is carb-free and adds fizz without extra sugars or calories, making it a perfect mixer for low-carb cocktails. Diet tonic water is a low-calorie and low-carb alternative to regular tonic water, which contains added sugars. Diet ginger ale is another low-calorie mixer that adds a spicy kick without the carbs found in regular ginger ale.
For those on a keto diet, there are plenty of low-carb mixers available at the grocery store. Zero-carb simple syrup can be used instead of sugar-based syrup, and low or no-carb mixers can be chosen. For example, a classic cocktail like a margarita can be made low-carb by replacing the added sugars with more natural ingredients like orange juice and agave.
When choosing a mixer, it is important to be mindful of flavoured spirits as well. Craft vodkas, for instance, may have ingredients that increase the carbohydrate content. Flavoured versions of spirits may sneak in sugars, so it is always good to check the label.
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Dry wines are low-carb
Pure alcohols like whiskey, vodka, brandy, gin, tequila, and rum have zero carbs and are suitable for a low-carb diet. However, when mixers with carbohydrates are added, the carb count increases. For example, a whiskey and Coke has 165 calories, with the extra calories from the soda coming from sugar. Therefore, it is recommended to mix spirits with carb-free options like club soda or lime to keep the carb count at zero.
Dry wines are also low-carb, with around 2-5 grams of carbs per 5-ounce (150 ml) serving. The drier the wine, the lower the carbohydrate count. For example, dry white wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio have 1-2 grams of carbs per 125 ml, while dry red wines like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have 2-4 grams of carbs per glass. Sweeter wines can have up to 4 grams or more of carbs. Therefore, when choosing wines, it is best to opt for drier varieties to keep the carb count low.
Champagne is another low-carb option, with only 2 grams of net carbs per 5 ounces (150 ml). Brut Nature or Extra Brut sparkling wines also have almost no residual sugar and are among the lowest-carb options. Light beers, such as Michelob Ultra, are also lower in carbs than regular brews, with 2.6 grams of carbs per serving.
It is important to note that while these alcoholic beverages are low in carbs, they still contain calories. Most alcoholic drinks have at least 100 calories per serving, and the calories can add up, especially when mixers are added. Therefore, it is recommended to drink in moderation and choose low-carb options if you are on a low-carb diet.
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Light beers are better than regular
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, it's important to consider not only the carb content but also the overall calorie intake and potential health implications. While most hard alcohols contain zero carbohydrates or sugar, the addition of mixers or sweeteners can significantly increase the carb and calorie count. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for straight or neat spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, and rum, which have zero carbs and minimal calories.
However, for those who enjoy beer, the choice between light and regular beer can be a dilemma. Light beers, also known as low-carb beers, offer several advantages over their regular counterparts. Firstly, they contain significantly fewer carbohydrates. Regular beer typically contains 13 grams of carbs per 12 ounces, while light beers can have less than half that amount, with some brands offering as little as 2.6 grams of carbs per serving. This makes light beers a more suitable option for those watching their carb intake or following a low-carb diet.
Secondly, light beers tend to have a lower calorie count. Regular beer can range from 150 to 300 calories per serving, whereas light beers often fall below the 100-calorie mark. This difference can be substantial when it comes to managing your overall calorie intake, especially if you're mindful of your weight or trying to adhere to a specific diet plan.
In addition, light beers can provide a more moderate drinking experience. Alcoholic beverages can impede weight loss by stimulating appetite and decreasing inhibitions, leading to increased food intake. Light beers, with their lower alcohol content, can help mitigate these effects and allow for a more controlled drinking experience. This is particularly relevant for those following a keto diet, as alcohol can slow down weight loss progress, and light beers offer a lower-carb alternative.
Lastly, light beers offer variety and flexibility. While some may associate light beers with a compromise in taste or enjoyment, there are numerous brands and varieties available that cater to different preferences. Additionally, light beers can serve as a versatile base for creating low-carb cocktails or mixed drinks. With the right choice of mixers, such as club soda, tonic water, or fresh herbs, you can create flavorful beverages without sacrificing your carb or calorie goals.
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Calories from alcohol vs carbs
Pure spirits such as vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, and rum have zero carbs, making them a good base for low-carb drinks. However, the calorie content of these drinks comes from alcohol, with a standard 1.5-ounce shot containing around 90 to 100 calories. A vodka soda with lime, for example, stays carb-free, while a vodka cranberry could contain double digits.
On the other hand, beer is high in carbs and calories and should be consumed with caution or avoided on a low-carb diet. A typical beer has 13 grams of carbs and 150 to 300 calories. Light beers are a better option, with some containing as little as 2.6 grams of carbs.
Wine is also relatively low in carbs, with dry wines containing around 3 to 5 grams of carbs per 5-ounce pour. Sweeter wines can have up to 4 grams or more. Champagne is the lowest-carb and calorie option, with 2 grams of carbs and 95 calories per flute.
Mixed drinks and cocktails can be especially high in calories due to the alcohol and mixers. Sugary mixers, soda, and juices can lead to a temporary rise in blood glucose as the liquid carbs enter the bloodstream quickly. Some cocktails can contain upwards of 500 calories.
In summary, while pure spirits, dry wines, and light beers are low in carbs, they still contain calories from alcohol. Mixed drinks and cocktails can be high in both carbs and calories, depending on the ingredients. To keep the calorie and carb content low, it is recommended to avoid sugary mixers and choose low-carb options instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Pure distilled spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, and rum (unflavoured) have zero carbs.
Wine, light beer, and cider are relatively low in carbs, usually containing under 6 grams per serving. Dry wines have around 2-5 grams of carbs per serving, while a typical beer has 13 grams. Champagne has less than 1 gram of carbs per ounce, and a flute of champagne has 2 grams of carbs.
Mixed drinks or cocktails can be high in carbs depending on the mixers used. Sugar-filled mixers can quickly turn a carb-free drink into a high-calorie drink. It's best to stick to low-carb mixers like diet soda, seltzer, diet tonic water, or powdered flavour packets.
Yes, several alcoholic drinks are low in carbs and suitable for a keto diet. These include pure forms of alcohol like the ones mentioned above, as well as light beer and some cocktails. Keto-friendly mixers are important to keep the carb count low.
Yes, alcohol is rich in "empty" calories and can contribute to gradual weight gain over time. It can also suppress fat burning and increase body fat. Additionally, alcohol can further impede weight loss by stimulating appetite and increasing food intake. It's important to drink in moderation and consult a doctor or nutritionist for guidance.
