When it comes to picking a liquor that does not contain added sugar, there are several good options to choose from. Some liquors, like whiskey, rum, vodka and tequila in their purest forms do not contain any added sugars. However, once mixers and other ingredients are added in cocktails or during the production process, the amount of sugar per serving can increase. To make the healthiest choice, it is important to understand which liquors are naturally sugar-free and to check the nutrition labels on flavored varieties.
Vodka
Vodka is considered one of the most low-calorie and low-sugar liquor options. Traditional vodkas are made from fermented grains or potatoes. The fermentation process converts the starches into alcohol. Then, the liquid is distilled multiple times to remove impurities, flavors and sugars. The result is a clear, neutral-flavored spirit.
Plain vodka contains no carbohydrates, no fat, no protein and no sugars. A 1.5 oz serving contains about 96 calories and no sugar. Flavored vodkas, on the other hand, can contain added sugar. Some of the most popular flavored vodkas include citrus, vanilla, cinnamon and berry flavors. When choosing a flavored vodka, check the nutrition labels carefully and select a brand with no added sugars or low sugar content.
Sugar-Free Vodka Brands
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Ketel One Vodka
- Belvedere Vodka
- Absolut Vodka
- Grey Goose Vodka
Gin
Like vodka, gin is another sugar-free liquor option. Gin is made by distilling neutral grain spirits and infusing them with juniper berries and other botanicals. These natural flavorings do not contain any added sugars.
Unflavored gin typically contains about 97 calories and 0g sugar per 1.5oz serving. Be careful of gin brands that are pre-mixed with juices, sodas or syrups, as they will contain added sugar. Some popular sugary gin cocktails include gin and tonic, Tom Collins and Singapore Sling.
Sugar-Free Gin Brands
- Beefeater London Dry Gin
- Bombay Sapphire Gin
- Hendrick’s Gin
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin
Rum
Traditional rum is made from molasses or sugarcane juice that is distilled and fermented. Plain, white and spiced rums do not contain any added sugars. A 1.5oz serving of 80 proof rum contains about 97 calories and 0g of sugar.
Flavored rums can sometimes contain added sugars from fruit juices, flavor extracts or syrups. Some flavored rum varieties to watch out for include coconut, mango, pineapple, vanilla, cinnamon and banana rum. Be sure to check the nutrition facts for flavored rums and select low or no sugar products.
Sugar-Free Rum Brands
- Bacardi Superior White Rum
- Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
- Malibu White Rum
- Appleton Estate Signature Blend Rum
- Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
Tequila
Unflavored tequila contains no carbohydrates, sugars or fat. It is made from the distilled juices of blue agave plants. The plants are pressed, fermented and distilled, producing clear spirit with herbal and earthy tones.
A 1.5oz serving of tequila contains about 97 calories and 0g of sugar. While pure tequila has no added sugars, the flavored versions often have added sweeteners.Flavorings like grapefruit, lime, mango, coconut, cinnamon and coffee are popular. Check the nutrition labels and pick a brand made with 100% agave and no extra sugars.
Sugar-Free Tequila Brands
- Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila
- Patrón Silver Tequila
- 1800 Silver Tequila
- El Jimador Blanco Tequila
- Espolòn Blanco Tequila
Whiskey
Whiskey is distilled from fermented grains like barley, corn, rye or wheat. Straight whiskey contains no added sugars and about 97 calories per 1.5oz serving. Common varieties like bourbon, rye, Scotch and Irish whiskey have zero grams of sugar when enjoyed straight up or on the rocks.
Blended or flavored whiskies sometimes have added sweeteners. Popular flavored whiskeys include honey, maple, cinnamon, apple and cherry flavors. Check the nutrition facts on flavored varieties and choose options with little or no added sugars.
Sugar-Free Whiskey Brands
- Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey
- Crown Royal Canadian Whisky
- Jameson Irish Whiskey
- Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky
- Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
Brandy
Brandy is made by distilling wine, which is originally fermented fruit juice and does not contain added sugars. Plain brandy distilled from wine contains about 97 calories and 0g sugar per serving. However, sweetened specialty brandy liqueurs do contain sugar.
Examples of sugar-free plain brandies are Cognac and Armagnac. Sweetened and flavored brandy options to avoid include cherry, honey, peach, blackberry, apricot and vanilla brandy.
Sugar-Free Brandy Options
- Hennessy V.S Cognac
- Courvoisier V.S Cognac
- Remy Martin V.S.O.P Cognac
- Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy
- St-Rémy V.S.O.P brandy
Vermouth
Dry vermouth is a fortified wine flavored with botanicals like herbs, roots and barks. Sweet vermouth has added sugar from caramel coloring and sometimes additional sweeteners. Dry vermouth typically contains about 10 calories and 1g of sugar per ounce. Sweet vermouth contains around 15 calories and 2g of sugar per ounce.
To limit sugar intake, choose dry vermouth for making martinis or opt for an unsweetened brand like Dolin Dry Vermouth. If using sweet vermouth, consume in moderation or balance it out by adding more non-sugary ingredients.
Low-Sugar Vermouth Options
- Dolin Dry Vermouth
- Noilly Prat Extra Dry Vermouth
- Carpano Dry Vermouth
- Ariel Dry Vermouth
- Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth
Mezcal
Like tequila, mezcal is distilled from the agave plant and contains no added sugars. A 1.5oz serving contains about 97 calories and 0g of sugar. It has an earthy, smoky flavor compared to tequila.
Some mezcal brands do produce crema de mezcal and other sweetened liqueurs, so check labels for added sugars. But traditional unflavored mezcal is sugar-free.
Sugar-Free Mezcal Options
- Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
- Ilegal Joven Mezcal
- El Silencio Espadin Mezcal
- Mezcal Vago Elote
- Fidencio Clásico Mezcal
Amaretto
Amaretto is an almond-flavored liqueur made from apricot pits and almonds. It contains some natural residual sugar left after the distillation process. A 1.5oz serving contains about 120 calories and 4g of sugar. This is slightly higher than sugar-free liquors but still a reasonable option.
Overall, amaretto is not as sweet as many cream-based liqueurs and cordials. The almond flavor balances out the sweetness. So amaretto can be enjoyed in moderation by those limiting sugar.
Low-Sugar Amaretto Brands
- DiSaronno Originale
- Gozio Amaretto
- Bepi Tosolini Amaretto
- Luccio Amaretto
- Marie Brizard Amaretto
Sherry
Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes. Dry sherry styles like fino and manzanilla contain about trace amounts of sugar. Medium sherry contains up to 5g of sugar while sweet cream sherries can have 10g or more.
For a low sugar option, stick with very dry sherry varieties. Fino and manzanilla sherry have a light, crisp flavor that works well in cocktails. Amontillado and oloroso sherry are slightly sweeter but can still be moderate sugar options.
Low-Sugar Sherry Options
- Tio Pepe Fino Sherry
- La Gitana Manzanilla Sherry
- Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla Sherry
- Valdespino Inocente Fino Sherry
- Lustau Jarana Manzanilla Sherry
Soju
Soju is a clear, distilled spirit that originated in Korea. It is made from fermented grains, rice or sweet potatoes. Traditional soju does not contain added sugar. A 1.5oz serving contains about 90 calories and 0g of sugar.
Flavored soju mixed with juices, fruits or syrups will likely contain added sweeteners. For sugar-free soju, choose plain, unflavored varieties. Popular brand include Jinro, Chamisul and Chum-Churum.
Sake
Sake is a rice wine made by fermenting rice. The starch in rice is converted to sugar which is then converted to alcohol during the brewing process. Plain sake contains trace amounts of sugar remaining after fermentation. It has about 100 calories and 1g sugar per 4oz serving.
Nigori sake is unfiltered and contains more residual sugars from rice starch. Flavored sake contains added sweeteners from fruit purees or juice. Check labels and select plain, clear sake for the least amount of sugar.
Low-Sugar Sake Options
- Gekkeikan Sake
- Ozeki Sake
- Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Sake
- Murasaki ‘Ty Ku’ Sake
- Takara Plum Wine
Conclusion
When it comes to reducing sugar in your diet, straight liquors like vodka, gin, rum, tequila and whiskey contain zero added sugars and are the best options. Dry wines and champagne are also low in sugar. Avoid cream-based liqueurs, sweetened spirits and mixed cocktails with added syrups or juices whenever possible.
If you do opt for a flavored liquor, inspect the nutrition facts closely and aim for ones with no added sugars or low amounts from natural fruits. Dilute sweet cocktails with soda water or extra ice to lower the sugar content. Overall, sticking with pure distilled spirits is the surest way to minimize your sugar intake from alcohol.
| Liquor | Sugar Content per 1.5oz Serving |
|---|---|
| Vodka | 0g |
| Gin | 0g |
| Rum | 0g |
| Tequila | 0g |
| Whiskey | 0g |
| Brandy | 0g |
| Dry Vermouth | 1g |
| Mezcal | 0g |
| Amaretto | 4g |
| Dry Sherry | 0-1g |
| Soju | 0g |
| Sake | 1g |
