The short answer
Vodka contains no carbs or sugar and does not impact blood glucose levels, so it will not knock you out of ketosis. However, alcohol consumption can slow fat loss on a keto diet. Vodka should be consumed in moderation by following these guidelines:
- Limit to 1-2 drinks per day max
- Count the calories from alcohol within your daily intake
- Avoid sugary mixers like juice or soda
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Overall, vodka can fit into a keto lifestyle when consumed responsibly, but should not be over-consumed.
What is the keto diet?
The ketogenic or “keto” diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that forces the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. Here’s how it works:
- Carb intake is restricted to 20-50 grams per day, sometimes lower.
- This extremely low carb intake helps lower blood sugar and insulin levels.
- The body responds by breaking down fat for energy, producing ketones.
- Ketones become the primary fuel source in place of carbs.
When in ketosis, the body efficiently burns fat for energy rather than carbs. Ketosis can lead to rapid weight loss and other health benefits like lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
To stay in ketosis, it’s critical to avoid foods that may spike blood sugar or provide excess carbs that “knock” you out of ketosis. That’s why many keto dieters carefully limit their fruit, starch and sugar intake.
Alcohol is another grey area on keto due to its potential effects on ketosis. Let’s take a deeper look at whether vodka can fit into a keto lifestyle.
Vodka nutrition facts
Here are the nutrition facts for an average 1.5 ounce (shot) serving of 40% alcohol vodka:
- Calories: 97
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbs: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
As you can see, vodka contains zero carbs or sugar. This makes it one of the “keto-friendliest” alcoholic options.
Note that the calorie counts can vary slightly by brand. For example, a 1.5 oz shot of Grey Goose vodka contains 97 calories while the same amount of Deep Eddy vodka has 104 calories. But in general, a shot of vodka will clock in right around 100 calories.
Also keep in mind that these nutrition stats are for straight vodka. Mixers like juice, soda or tonic water can quickly add carbs and calories. We’ll talk more about mixers later.
Why vodka has no carbs
Vodka is distilled from fermented grains, vegetables or fruits. The distillation process results in a high-proof liquor containing mostly alcohol and almost zero carbs or sugar.
Here’s an overview of how various vodkas are made:
- Grain vodka – Made from fermented grains like wheat, rye or sorghum. Includes popular brands like Tito’s, Deep Eddy, Smirnoff and Absolut.
- Potato vodka – Made from fermented potatoes. Ketel One and Chopin are common brands.
- Grape vodka – Made from fermented grapes. Includes Ciroc and Kirkland Signature.
- Fruit vodka – Made from fermented fruits other than grapes. Can be apple, peach, mango, lemon, etc.
In all cases, the base ingredients provide the starches and sugars that get fermented into alcohol.
The fermented wash then gets distilled multiple times. Distillation involves heating, condensing and filtering the alcohol repeatedly in columns or pots.
This process can be done over 20 times or more until the vodka reaches a desired proof, purity and flavor. The more it’s distilled, the higher the alcohol content and the lower the carb content.
What’s left after distillation is almost entirely ethanol (alcohol) and water, resulting in no carbs or sugar in the final vodka.
Does vodka affect ketosis?
Vodka has no direct effect on ketosis. Since it contains zero carbs that could impact blood sugar or insulin, vodka does not interfere with a ketogenic state.
Studies also confirm vodka does not influence glucose or ketone levels:
- A study in Type 1 diabetics found vodka did not change blood glucose levels, while wine and beer increased them.
- Another study in healthy adults showed vodka did not alter blood ketone levels.
This means drinking vodka does not directly “knock” you out of ketosis like carbohydrates do. You can remain in ketosis after drinking vodka.
However, alcohol consumption does come with some caveats on keto:
It provides calories without nutrition
Vodka supplies nearly 100 “empty” calories per shot that provide no carbs, fat, protein or vitamins. These discretionary calories must fit within your daily macros on keto. Going over your limits may stall weight loss.
It’s dehydrating
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing you to lose fluids and electrolytes. This dehydration can make keto flu symptoms like fatigue, cramps and low energy worse. Drinking water before bed and taking electrolytes can help replenish hydration.
It may impair fat burning
Some research suggests alcohol may mildly suppress fat burning for up to 24 hours after ingestion. It does this by slowing down the breakdown of acetate, a product of alcohol metabolism. This may temporarily reduce ketosis. However, the impact is small and does not completely stop fat burning.
It can affect decision-making
Drinking can loosen inhibitions around food choices. You may be more tempted to grab high-carb snacks or meals after drinking if you’re not careful. Being mindful of overconsumption while drinking is key.
The bottom line is vodka is considered “keto-friendly,” but it can indirectly impact fat burning, dehydration and diet adherence when chronically over-consumed. Moderation is key.
Keto alcohol limits
Most health experts recommend limiting alcohol intake to 2 drinks or less per day on keto. This helps keep calories and potential side effects low.
What counts as “1 drink?”
- Beer: 12 oz
- Wine: 5 oz
- 80-proof spirits (vodka, whiskey, gin, rum): 1.5 oz
Some can stay in ketosis with 3-4 drinks daily, while others get knocked out of ketosis after 1 drink. Alcohol tolerance is highly individualized.
The best bet is sticking to 1-2 drink maximums to be safe. This allows some wiggle room while limiting potential downsides. Monitor your progress and see if alcohol stalls weight loss over time.
Also pay attention to serving sizes. It’s easy to underestimate total alcohol intake by overpouring drinks at home. Getting rest while drinking, staying hydrated and taking electrolytes may also minimize keto side effects.
Vodka keto drink ideas
When drinking vodka on the rocks or mixed into zero carb beverages, it can easily fit into a keto diet. Here are some keto-friendly vodka drink recipes:
Keto Vodka Soda
– 1.5 oz vodka
– 4 oz soda water
– Squeeze of lemon or lime (optional)
Keto Moscow Mule
– 1.5 oz vodka
– 1/2 cup diet ginger beer
– 2 lime wedges
Keto Bloody Mary
– 1.5 vodka
– 4 oz tomato juice
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Dash of hot sauce
– Dash of Worcestershire
– Celery stick for garnish
Keto Madras
– 1.5 oz vodka
– 3 oz cranberry juice
– 1 oz lime juice
– Club soda
Keto Vodka Martini
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz dry vermouth
– Olive or lemon twist garnish
When mixing vodka with juices, stick to low-sugar options like tomato or diet cranberry juice. Avoid high-carb sodas and juices. Flavored vodkas can also add unnecessary sugars.
And don’t forget…drink plenty of water between alcoholic beverages! This prevents dehydration and supports ketosis.
What about tonic, soda or juice?
Mixers like tonic water, regular soda and juices can quickly make vodka-based drinks higher in carbs and sugar.
Here’s how various 6-8 oz mixers compare:
| Mixer | Carbs |
| Diet tonic | 0 g |
| Regular tonic | 20-30 g |
| Diet soda | 0 g |
| Regular soda | 30-40 g |
| Tomato juice | 10 g |
| Cranberry juice | 30 g |
| Orange juice | 20 g |
As you can see, regular sodas, juices and tonic water are very high in sugar and carbs. Just 6-8 oz can provide up to 40 grams of carbs – nearly maxing out an entire day’s intake on keto.
To keep carb counts low:
- Choose slimline or diet tonic instead of regular tonic in mixed drinks.
- Skip sugary sodas – opt for soda water, seltzer or diet soda instead.
- Use a splash of tomato or diet cranberry juice instead of full-sugar juices.
- Avoid sweet mixers like orange juice or regular cranberry juice.
With low carb mixers, it’s possible to enjoy vodka drinks on occasion while remaining in ketosis. Just be mindful of overall calories and serving sizes.
Other low carb alcohols
Vodka is one of the most keto-friendly alcohol options given its low carb and high alcohol content. But you can also drink these low carb alcohols in moderation on keto:
Wine – Dry wines like sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio average under 5 grams carbs per glass. Avoid sweet wines.
Light beer – Michelob Ultra and Bud Light have 2-3 grams per can. Limit to 1 per day.
Liquor – Whiskey, scotch, tequila, rum and gin have 0 carbs like vodka. Avoid sugary mixers.
Low carb cocktails – Dry martinis, manhattans and Negronis are go-to keto cocktail options.
As always, drink in moderation by limiting alcohol to 1-2 servings daily max to prevent side effects. And beware that alcohol tolerance varies individually – some struggle to stay in ketosis after just 1 drink. Monitor your body’s response.
Potential downsides of drinking on keto
While an occasional low carb drink may not knock you out of ketosis, regularly drinking too much can be counterproductive for several reasons:
Slowed weight loss – Heavy drinking provides excess calories that can slow fat burning. Alcohol also impairs fat metabolism in the liver. Reduce intake if weight loss stalls.
Fatigue and brain fog – Hangovers and alcohol withdrawal can worsen keto flu side effects. Drink plenty of fluids and get proper rest to recover.
Increased cravings – Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making you more likely to reach for carb-heavy snacks, fast food, desserts, etc. which could quickly kick you out of ketosis.
Digestive issues – Alcohol can irritate the gut lining and promote inflammation, exacerbating issues like leaky gut. Those with digestion problems may want to avoid drinking.
Ketoacidosis risk (for diabetics) – Alcohol can cause blood sugar drops in diabetics, increasing the risk for ketoacidosis. Diabetics should use caution when drinking on keto.
While an occasional drink may not be problematic, heavy drinking and alcoholism are clearly unhealthy. Make sure to drink in moderation and monitor how alcohol affects your personal keto experience.
The bottom line
Vodka contains zero carbs or sugar and does not directly impact ketosis. While vodka is considered keto-friendly, there are some potential downsides:
- It provides “empty” calories without nutrition.
- Overconsumption may slow fat burning.
- It’s dehydrating and impacts decision-making.
- Sugary mixers can quickly increase carb counts.
To integrate vodka into your keto diet:
- Limit vodka to 1-2 servings max per day.
- Count vodka calories within your daily intake.
- Opt for keto-friendly mixers like diet soda or slimline tonic.
- Avoid high-carb sodas, juices and flavored liquors.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water between alcoholic beverages.
- Monitor weight loss and ketone levels when drinking.
Overall, vodka can fit into a keto diet in moderation. Just be mindful of calories, drink slowly and wisely, and don’t let it sabotage your keto progress.
