Recently, many people choose to drink alcohol with zero carbs in order to control diabetes or to lose extra pounds. Even though many alcoholic drinks are marketed as beverages free of carbohydrates, only a few of them are really with no carbs at all. Remember that these beverages are not necessarily beneficial for your heath and consult your doctor before drinking, especially if you are taking prescribed medications at the same time.

Types of Alcohol with No Carbs

Certain types of alcohol like gin, brandy, vodka, absinthe, tequila and rum contain no sugar and carbs. However, flavored versions of these alcoholic drinks may contain sugar and carbs. Before consuming them, always check up the nutritional information on the bottle.

1.   Absinthe

Absinthe is one of the strongest alcoholic drinks available, containing an alcohol volume somewhere between 45 to 74%. It is a distilled alcoholic drink made from a variety of spices and herbs. Absinthe is an alcoholic drink with no carbs at all.

CAUTION! This drink was even banned in many countries for many years as it was believed to cause hallucinations. So be careful when drinking absinthe.

2.   Gin

Gin is an alcohol with no carbs, believed to originate from England. It is a distilled spirit made from a group of ingredients including juniper berry and fermented grain. Gin itself has an alcohol volume ranging from 40 to 50%. 

3.   Tequila

Tequila, an alcoholic drink widely known worldwide, results from a fermenting and distilling process of a beverage made from blue agave. The alcoholic volume of tequila varies from 32 to 60%, while the drink is carb free.

4.   Vodka

Vodka is a popular Russian spirit. It is a distilled spirit made from potatoes or grains. Typical vodka's alcohol volume ranges from 35 to 50%. Vodka is an alcohol having no carbs.

5.   Rum

The production of rum started during the 17^th century in the Caribbean. Rum is produced from a distilling and fermenting process of water, yeast and sugar cane. Rum has an alcoholic volume of 40 to 50%. Rum is a great low-carb alcoholic choice as it has zero carbs.

6.   Brandy

Brandy is a spirit made up from grapes. Brandy contains an alcohol volume ranging from 35 to 60%. This alcoholic drink is typically consumed after dinner and due to its culinary purposes, it is a popular choice for flavoring dishes. Brandy contains zero carbs.

7.   Whisky

Whisky is a popular alcohol worldwide. It is produced by fermenting grains in wooden casks. Its alcohol volume is 40-46%. There are no carbs in whisky. In addition, it contains antioxidants which are beneficial to health.

The above mentioned alcoholic drinks contain zero carbs. However, these alcoholic drinks are often mixed with other beverages. For mixing or chasing, you can choose drinks that contain no sugar and carbs, like:

• Soda water
• Sparkling water
• Seltzer water
• Diet tonic water
• Diet sodas
• Crystal light, etc.

However, do not forget that drinking too much alcohol, regardless if it is low in carbs, can have a negative impact on your health, especially on your liver and cardiovascular system. Drink moderately or don’t drink at all.

Alcohol with Low Carbs

Besides the alcohol with no carbs, here are some low-carb alcoholic drinks for your choice. The serving size of low-carb wine is 6 oz. while that of low-carb beer is 12 oz.

How to Drink Alcohol in a Healthier Way?

Drinking alcohol with no carbs is believed to be a healthier choice. Here are more tips on how to drink alcohol in a healthier way.

1.   Avoid Mixing Alcohol

We all know that mixing alcohol is never a good idea. You will end up with a headache and an upset stomach. Pick a drink you prefer and stick to that drink till the end.

2.   Avoid Mixers

Certain alcoholic drinks have a better taste when mixed with sugary mixers. However, when alcoholic drinks are mixed with sugary mixers, your body will have a hard time processing them. Instead, stick to clear drinks or mix them with healthier options that are low in carbs or contain no carbs at all, such as fresh fruit juice, sparkling water, soda water, diet sodas, etc.

3.   Don’t Drink on an Empty Stomach

Having a meal or a snack before starting to drink will help prevent nausea, upset stomach, and headaches. Constantly eating healthy snacks is also essential while drinking alcohol.

4.   Keep Yourself Hydrated

Alcohol can cause dehydration due to its diuretic effects, so you will need to drink a lot of water before, during and after drinking alcohol in order to prevent dehydration.

5.   Eat Well the Next Morning

After alcohol consumption, there is a great possibility of hungover, especially when not drinking in a healthy way. The next morning, have a healthy breakfast and eat well throughout the day. It will make you feel better.

6.   Take a Break

Constant and regular drinking is not healthy for you. Instead, take a break for a week or two and your body will be thankful to you. While taking an alcohol brake, your tolerance to alcohol will decrease, meaning that you will end up having the same fun with less alcohol and less money.