How Many Carbs are in Cognac? A Low Carb Alcohol

How Many Carbs Are in Cognac?

Cognac is a popular spirits that has a reputation of being low in sugars and carbohydrates. But many wonder, just how many carbs are actually in cognac?

This article will provide an in-depth look at the carb and sugar content of cognac. We’ll compare it to other alcohols, discuss how it fits into low-carb and keto diets, and offer guidance on enjoying cognac while watching your carbohydrate intake.

What is Cognac?

Cognac is a variety of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France. It's made by distilling wine made from at least 90% Ugni Blanc grapes. The distillate is then double distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak barrels for at least two years before bottling (1).

The longer a cognac is aged, the more complex flavors it develops. Popular age designations include:

• VS (Very Special) - At least 2 years old
• VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) - At least 4 years old
• XO (Extra Old) - At least 6 years old

Cognac has a smooth, complex flavor profile with notes of fruit, oak, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and more. It's commonly consumed neat as an after-dinner drink or used in cocktails.

The Carb and Sugar Content of Cognac

Pure, unadulterated cognac contains minimal residual sugar and carbohydrates. A standard 1.5 ounce (44 ml) serving contains (2):

• Carbs: 0 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams
• Calories: 97

During the distillation process, the majority of sugars from the grapes are eliminated, leaving behind very little in the finished spirit.

However, some cognac producers add a small amount of sugar, typically less than 2 grams per liter, before bottling. This “dosage” helps smooth out the flavor. It may add a trace amount of carbs, but not enough to be significant.

Overall, standard cognac can be considered a “no carb” and “no sugar” beverage for all practical purposes.

Comparing Cognac to Other Alcohols

The minimal carbs in cognac make it one of the lowest carb alcoholic beverages available. Here’s how it compares (3):

• Red or white wine: 3–4 grams carbs per 5 ounce glass
• Champagne: 1–2 grams carbs per 5 ounce glass
• Light beer: 5–10 grams carbs per 12 ounce serving
• Craft beer: 15–30 grams carbs per 12 ounce serving
• Sweet wine: 9–30 grams carbs per 5 ounce glass

The main exceptions are straight liquors like gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, and tequila, which also contain 0 carbs. However, cognac offers a richer, more sophisticated flavor profile.

Drinking Cognac on a Low-Carb or Keto Diet

Hard liquors like cognac are generally acceptable on low-carb and very low-carb ketogenic diets. Some guidelines include:

• Standard low-carb diet: 1–2 servings per day can be accommodated, but control calories
• Strict keto diet: Limit to 1–3 servings 2–3 days per week

It’s also recommended to enjoy cognac neat or on the rocks. Avoid mixing with high carb mixers like cola, fruit juices, or syrupy liqueurs.

Here are some delicious keto-friendly ways to enjoy cognac:

• Neat or over ice
• With club soda or seltzer
• In place of whiskey in a low-carb Old Fashioned
• With unsweetened iced tea or diet ginger ale
• Splashed into black coffee

Potential Effects on Ketosis

On a ketogenic diet, the goal is to maintain a state of ketosis by restricting net carbs to 20–50 grams per day. This stimulates the body to burn fat for fuel rather than glucose from carbohydrates.

Hard liquor is generally considered ketosis-friendly because it's free of carbs and sugar. However, alcohol can temporarily halt ketone production in the liver.

One study found that ingesting vodka temporarily reduced blood ketone levels by up to 50% for several hours compared to abstaining (4). But ketosis resumed after the alcohol was metabolized.

To minimize potential effects on ketosis, limit cognac to 1-2 servings max when actively trying to get into ketosis. Avoid binge drinking.

Counting Net Carbs in Cognac

Most cognac has 0 grams of carbohydrates per serving, so the net carb count is also 0. However, as mentioned above, some producers add a touch of sugar before bottling.

If your cognac does contain carbs, the general rule is to subtract fiber grams from total carbs to get net carbs when counting for keto:

Net carbs = Total carbs − Fiber

However, spirits contain no fiber, so net carbs will be equivalent to total carbs.

The best way to determine the exact carb content is to check the nutritional label on your cognac bottle. Information may also be available on the brand's website.

Low Carb Cognac Brands

Here are some excellent low carb cognac brands to consider:

• Hennessy VS - Contains 0 g carbs and 0 g sugar per serving
• Remy Martin VSOP - Contains 0 g carbs and 0 g sugar
• Courvoisier VSOP Exclusif - 0 g carbs and 0 g sugar
• Martell Cordon Bleu - 0 g carbs and 0 g sugar
• Camus Elegance - 0 g carbs and 0 g sugar

These all have no added sugars or dosages. Always check the label to verify carb content for any cognac.

Potential Drawbacks of Cognac

While cognac is low carb, drinking does come with some potential downsides:

• High calorie content - Around 100 calories per serving
• Can stall weight loss on keto diet if over-consumed
• Impairs metabolic function and fat burning
• Contributes empty calories without nutrients
• May increase cravings for other foods

As with any alcohol, it's best consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy low-carb or keto eating plan.

The Bottom Line

Cognac is an excellent low-carb alcohol option, with 0 grams of carbs and sugar per serving. It fits nicely into low-carb, keto, and other carb-controlled diets when consumed in moderation. Stick with reputable brands and enjoy cognac neat or on the rocks to keep carbs to a minimum.

While cognac won't kick you out of ketosis like higher carb drinks, be mindful of overall calorie intake and other effects on weight loss goals. Sipping cognac occasionally can be an elegant way to enjoy some carbless spirits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.