The Ultimate Guide to Carbs in Bourbon: Everything You Need to Know if You Are On A Keto Diet
on Apr 12, 2023
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Is bourbon keto? How many carbs are in bourbon? If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, you may be wondering whether or not you can enjoy a glass of bourbon without sabotaging your diet goals. In this guide, we will take a closer look at bourbon and its carb content to help you make proper choices.
Bourbon is a popular distilled spirit made from a mixture of grains, including corn, rye, barley, and wheat. It’s known for its unique flavor profile and is a popular choice for many people.

What Is Bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is primarily made from corn. To be considered bourbon, the spirit must be made from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels.
Other grains, such as rye, barley, or wheat, may also be used in the mash bill, giving each bourbon a unique flavor profile.
What Is Bourbon Made Of?
Bourbon is made from a mash of grains that are fermented and distilled. The primary grain used in bourbon is corn, followed by rye, barley, and wheat.
The mash is then fermented with yeast and distilled to create a clear spirit that is aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years.
Is Bourbon Keto-Friendly?
Bourbon can be keto-friendly if consumed in moderation. Bourbon is a distilled spirit, which means it does not contain any carbs or sugar.
Since this is an alcoholic beverage, you shouldn’t drink too much of it when following the ketogenic diet. One drink of bourbon won’t stop ketosis, but it can slow down the rate in which you burn fat.
How Many Net Carbs In Bourbon?
According to USDA, one jigger(1.5 oz) of bourbon contains zero carbs. This makes it a great option for those on a keto diet.
Serving Size | Net Carbs |
1 Jigger | 0 grams |
1 ounce | 0 grams |
1 drink | 0 grams |
How Many Carbs Are In Bourbon? A Complete Guide
Bourbon contains almost zero carbs. Here are some bourbon brands with zero carbs:
- Jim Beam
- Maker’s Mark
- Wild Turkey
- Bulleit Bourbon
- Knob Creek
- Woodford Reserve
Low-Carb Bourbon Options
If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, there are plenty of bourbon options that won’t derail your diet. Look for bourbons that are made with a higher percentage of corn in the mash bill, as these tend to have fewer carbs.
The brands listed above are the best low-carb bourbon options.
Bourbon vs. Beer: Which Has More Carbs?
When it comes to carbs, bourbon is a better option than beer. Beer is made from grains and typically contains around 12.6 grams of carbs per can, while bourbon has no carbs.
If you’re watching your carb intake, it’s best to opt for bourbon over beer.
Bourbon Nutrition (Macros)
According to USDA, bourbon contains the following macros per 1.5 oz serving:
- Carbs: 0g
- Fats: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Calories: 97
Bourbon And Weight Loss: Can You Drink Bourbon On A Low-Carb Diet?
Drinking bourbon in moderation can be incorporated into a low-carb or keto diet. However, it’s important to consider your calorie intake as well. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s best to limit your bourbon consumption or opt for lower-calorie options.
How To Enjoy Bourbon Without Ruining Your Low-Carb Diet
If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet and want to enjoy bourbon, there are a few things you can do to ensure you stay on track:
- Watch your portions: Stick to a single serving of 1 shot (1.5 oz) to limit your calorie intake.
- Mix with low-carb options: Instead of sugary mixers, opt for soda water or diet soda to keep your carb intake low.
- Choose lower-calorie options: Some bourbons are lower in calories than others. Look for options that are labeled as “light” or “low-calorie” to help keep your calorie intake in check.
FAQ
What bourbons are low in carbs?
All bourbons are low in carbs, as they contain 0g of carbs per serving.
Does bourbon have sugar or carbs?
USDA states that bourbon contains no sugar or carbs per serving.
What is the carb count of a shot of bourbon?
There are 0g of carbs in a shot of bourbon, which is equal to 1.5 oz.
Is bourbon high in carbs?
No, bourbon is not high in carbs. It contains 0g of carbs per serving.
How many calories and carbs are in a serving of bourbon?
Bourbon contains 0g of carbs and 97 calories per shot (1.5 oz) serving.
Conclusion
Bourbon is a great choice for those on a low-carb or keto diet as it contains no carbs or sugar. However, it’s important to watch your calorie intake and limit your consumption to avoid weight gain.
By choosing lower-calorie options and mixing with low-carb options, you can enjoy bourbon while staying on track with your diet goals. Remember to always drink responsibly and in moderation.
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Keto Bourbon Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- keto sweetener, to taste
- 2 teaspoons water
- orange peel , to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Mix together bourbon, orange bitter, keto sweetener and water in a cocktail shaker.
- Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass.
- Garnish with optional orange peels. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.