Many keto dieters still want to enjoy social situations when they’re on the keto diet, and it can be challenging, especially when alcohol is involved.
That’s why we put together this list of keto cocktails.
With these drinks, you can unwind a little while sticking to your diet as closely as possible. We will explore the options of low-carb beverages you can order the next time you are out with friends.
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Can you drink cocktails on keto?
One question that many people have is if you can drink alcohol on keto. We dove into this subject in our article about keto wine, but the short answer is that you can enjoy the occasional drink if you keep it low-carb. As with most diets, it’s best to avoid alcohol if possible, but if you’re going to drink, low-carb cocktails are a good choice.
The reason many people say to avoid alcohol is that it gets metabolized first in your body, so you’re essentially pausing the fat burning to let your body process the alcohol. The body wants to get the alcohol out of your system as quickly as possible because it’s toxic. That’s why it takes priority in your metabolism.
On top of that, alcohol is known to lower inhibitions and can lead you to make poorer choices when it comes to food. How many of us crave carb-loaded bar food when we’re drinking?
In general, alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation, which is no different from the keto diet. The occasion drink won’t hurt you but try not to do it over.
What makes a cocktail low-carb?
Believe it or not, most liquors tend to be keto-friendly. That is because they have been distilled to a high alcohol level, which has converted almost all of the sugar into alcohol. Tequila, vodka, whisky, gin, and even rum (made from sugar) have essentially no carbs on their own.
To make cocktails, you must be careful when adding juices, syrups, mixers, and other garnishes. That is where you can get into trouble with high sugar and carb counts. This is why it’s important to know which keto-friendly cocktails to order. Some mixers like soda water or diet cola are low in carbs and good go-to options.
What keto-friendly cocktails can I make?
A few cocktails can be sugar-free and have the least carbs. You can go for simple cocktails like a dry martini, vodka-soda, gin and diet tonic, and whisky or rum in diet coke. You can order other cocktails in a low-carb way to help make them fit into your diet. It’s even easier if you decide to make the cocktails at home. Here are some of our choices for keto cocktails.
Keto Skinny Margarita
A skinny margarita made with simple sugar-free syrup, which uses an artificial sweetener like erythritol, is a good option for anyone on keto. The good news is that these margaritas are pretty popular, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one.
A keto skinny margarita offers a refreshing taste that is tart, tangy, and slightly sweet. It is lighter in flavor than traditional margaritas, with a balance of citrusy notes from lime juice, a hint of tequila, and a subtle sweetness from natural sugar alternatives like stevia or agave nectar.
Low Carb Vodka Seltzer with Lime
Similar to a vodka tonic but made without the sugary tonic water. It’s a good option for a low-calorie and zero-sugar cocktail.
A keto Vodka Seltzer with Lime offers a refreshing and zesty taste. The sparkling seltzer’s crispness complements the vodka’s smoothness, while the hint of lime adds a tangy and citrusy flavor.
Keto Basil Whiskey Sour
A slight twist on the classic whisky sour. It uses real lemon juice and monk fruit as a sweetener but still comes in at fewer than 2g of net carbs. A perfect drink for front porch sitting.
Keto Cranberry Mojito
The classic Mojito is keto-friendly, but this is a Mojito with a boost of cranberry flavoring. It’s a good balance between tart, sweet, and sparkling. Low in calories and carbs but high in flavor.
A Keto Cranberry Mojito is a refreshing cocktail with a tangy and slightly sweet taste. The combination of fresh mint, tart cranberries, and a hint of lime creates a balanced flavor that is not overly sweet. The absence of added sugar keeps it low-carb and suitable for a keto diet.
Low Carb Lemon Drop
The lemon drop is a popular cocktail; this keto version won’t leave you missing anything. This drink uses a monk fruit simple syrup, which is one of the best sweeteners for keto dieters.
A Low Carb Lemon Drop has a refreshing and tangy taste, balanced sweetness, and a hint of sourness.
Keto Spiced Rum Mojito
As you can tell, mojitos are a favorite pick because they are usually low in carbs. This one uses a spiced rum, which gives it a unique flavor profile that is sure to please. It’s sugar-free, with only 2g of net carbs per serving.
A Keto Spiced Rum Mojito is a refreshing, zesty cocktail with a unique twist. It combines the robust flavors of spiced rum with the freshness of mint and lime, creating a perfectly balanced and slightly sweet drink.
Using keto-friendly sweeteners adds a subtle sweetness without the added sugars, making it a guilt-free indulgence for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
Keto Vodka and Berries
An excellent cocktail for family gatherings around the end of year holiday times. This cocktail, made with vodka and berries, is a tasty low-carb option. This one has just 2g of net carbs per serving.
A Keto Vodka and Berries cocktail offers a refreshing and fruity taste, with a hint of sweetness from the berries. The vodka provides a smooth and clean flavor, complementing the natural tartness of the berries without overpowering them. Overall, it’s a balanced and enjoyable low-carb option.
Low Carb Hurricane
A Hurricane is a delicious drink, popular for sipping at the beach but often packed with sugar from fruit juice. This version is made with stevia and a sugar-free water enhancer. I am making this a good keto-friendly option.
A Low Carb Hurricane has a balanced and refreshing taste with hints of tropical fruit flavors, such as pineapple and citrus, complemented by a light sweetness and a subtle kick of rum. It is a lighter version of the classic Hurricane cocktail, offering a satisfyingly enjoyable experience with reduced carbohydrates.
Low Carb Paloma
A Paloma is a great mix of soda, grapefruit, lime, and tequila. It’s a fantastic cocktail if you’re the type of person who likes grapefruit. This keto-friendly version is made with sugar-free grapefruit soda and has less than 2g of net carbs.
A Low Carb Paloma is a refreshing and tangy cocktail with a slightly bitter grapefruit flavor, complemented by the sweetness of agave nectar and a hint of lime. It’s a light and citrusy drink with a subtle herbal undertone, perfect for those seeking a healthier, low-carb alternative.
Keto Rum Punch
Dreaming of sipping a nice rum punch like you’re relaxing on a tropical island? Then you need to try this low-carb version. It’s only about 2g of net carbs for a generous 10oz serving.
A Keto Rum Punch has a delightful combination of tangy citrus flavors that are enhanced by the richness of rum. It has a slightly sweet taste with a hint of tropical fruitiness, balanced by a refreshing and crisp finish.
Keto-friendly Rum and Coke
This one is a simple, go-to classic. One of the easiest recipes to make, but a great sipping drink. This cocktail is carb-free since you use rum and a diet cola. Give it a try today.
A Keto-friendly Rum and Coke offers a deliciously balanced taste of smooth, rich rum with a hint of sweetness from a sugar-free cola, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying low-carb drink.
Keto Moscow Mule
A low-carb version of the Moscow mule with only three ingredients. A nice, fizzy drink with sugar-free ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. This gives you a refreshing keto cocktail with basically no carbs.
A Keto Moscow Mule is a low-carb version of the classic cocktail. It has a tangy and refreshing taste with a hint of sweetness from the ginger beer and lime juice. Using vodka as the base gives it a smooth and slightly boozy flavor. Overall, it is a zesty and satisfying drink with a subtle kick.
Low Carb Cosmopolitan Cocktail
The cosmopolitan, or cosmo, has become extremely popular in recent years. This low-carb version uses unsweetened cranberry juice and sugar-free sweetener drops. This one comes in at only 3g of net carbs per serving.
A Low Carb Cosmopolitan Cocktail has a tangy and refreshing taste with a perfect blend of citrus flavors. It is slightly sweet with a hint of tartness, complemented by the smoothness of vodka.
Keto-Friendly Daiquiri
There are many options for daiquiris, usually loaded with carbs. However, this version is low in carbs but still has flavor. With only one net carbohydrate per serving, you can enjoy a few while hanging out by the pool.
A Keto-Friendly Daiquiri is a refreshing and tangy cocktail with a balanced citrusy flavor, complemented by the natural sweetness of keto-friendly sweeteners such as stevia or erythritol. It has a slightly tart and zesty taste, making it a perfect low-carb option for those following a ketogenic diet.
Keto Raspberry Gimlet
A low-carb version of a classic gin drink with an interesting flavor twist. It has only 1g of net carbs per serving. It tastes almost like a raspberry popsicle. Another perfect keto cocktail for you to try.
A Keto Raspberry Gimlet is a refreshing and tangy cocktail with a perfect balance of sweetness from fresh raspberries and a hint of tartness from lime juice. It has a light and crisp flavor profile, with a subtle herbal note from the addition of rosemary.
Keto Manhattan Cocktail
The classic Manhattan is made in a keto-friendly style. A few minor modifications make this drink great for the keto diet. This version has less than 1g of net carbs per serving compared to about 9g for the regular drink.
A Keto Manhattan Cocktail has a rich and bold taste with a smooth and slightly smoky flavor. It combines the sweetness of bourbon or rye whiskey with the warmth of bitters and a hint of herbal notes from the vermouth. The absence of traditional sweet vermouth in Keto Manhattan makes it less sweet and more focused on the complex flavors of the whiskey, resulting in a sophisticated and low-carb drink.
Low Carb Negroni
This negroni tastes almost like cherry wine with citrus over ice. With gin and a little pomegranate juice, you’ll get that flavor with a low carb count. This drink has 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
A Low Carb Negroni is a lighter, less sweet version of the classic Negroni cocktail. It has a balanced and bitter taste, with notes of citrus, herbal flavors, and a hint of sweetness.
Keto-friendly Old Fashion
A keto version of this classic drink that tastes like the original. Simple to prepare and low in carbohydrates. This drink uses a bit of sugar-free sweetener instead of simple syrup. It only has 2g of net carbs per serving.
A Keto-friendly Old Fashion has a bold and rich flavor profile, featuring the smoky notes of bourbon or whiskey, balanced with a hint of sweetness from a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. It showcases the aromatic and zesty essence of orange zest, complemented by the distinct taste of bitters. Overall, it offers a satisfyingly smooth and slightly sweet taste with a pleasant hint of warmth.
Low-Carb Sex on the Beach
With 0 net carbs per serving, this cocktail is sure to please. It tastes similar to the original but is great for the keto diet. Diet cranberry juice and water flavor enhancers make this drink tasty.
Low Carb Sex on the Beach is a low-carbohydrate version of the classic cocktail with a refreshing taste. It blends the flavors of tangy cranberry, citrusy orange, and a hint of tropical peach, resulting in a balanced and slightly sweet beverage.
Keto Mimosa
A low-carb mimosa is the perfect choice for brunch with friends without the carbs. This one has about 5g of carbs per serving, so enjoy in moderation, but go ahead and enjoy.
A Keto Mimosa is a low-carb, sugar-free twist on the classic Mimosa cocktail. It combines dry sparkling wine or champagne with freshly squeezed orange juice, replaced with a sugar-free orange substitute. The taste of a Keto Mimosa is refreshing, citrusy, and effervescent, without the sweetness typically associated with traditional Mimosas.
Low Carb Bloody Mary
This popular tomato juice-based drink is often higher in carbs. This low-carb twist on the classic Bloody Mary is a great choice for the keto diet. It is a bit higher in carbs with 6g per serving, so you’ll likely want to limit yourself to just a single serving.
A Low Carb Bloody Mary is a savory and tangy cocktail with a rich tomato base, enhanced by subtle hints of spices, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of heat from the hot sauce. The absence of high-carb ingredients like traditional tomato juice or sugary additives results in a lighter, refreshing, and less sweet taste.
Keto Mai Tai
Dreaming of sipping on a Mai Tai while chilling on the beach? This low-carb cocktail will make you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re not. It has 0g of net carbs per serving, making it an excellent keto cocktail choice.
A Keto Mai Tai is a low-carb and sugar-free variation of the classic tropical cocktail. It offers a delicious blend of flavors with notes of citrus and almond, complemented by the richness of rum and a hint of sweetness from natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
Low Carb Long Island Iced Tea
Looking for a strong, keto-friendly cocktail? Look no further than a low-carb long island iced tea. This one has no net carbs per serving. Just be careful drinking this one, as your alcohol tolerance can be lower on keto.
A low-carb Long Island Iced Tea is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that combines the flavors of vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and a splash of lemon juice. It has a tangy and slightly sweet taste with a hint of citrus, balanced by the crispness of the spirits. The low-carb version typically uses sugar-free sweeteners or diet soda to reduce the carbohydrate content without compromising its enjoyable and bold flavor profile.
Conclusion
With any diet, it’s best to avoid alcohol, but if you want to have a drink on keto, these are some great choices. There are several classic cocktails and some new twists that you may enjoy. All of the drinks can be made in a keto-friendly way to help keep your diet on track while you kick back.
