The 15 Best Low-Carb And Keto-Friendly Cocktails You Can Sip On
That spicy mango mojito, though...
Nothing completes a Sex and the City-style girls night quite like a fancy cocktail. If you're on a low-carb diet (or keto), though, you'll probably have to give your usual cosmo order the boot.
Sad but true: Most cocktails are loaded with carbs (specifically sugars) because of the sodas, juices, and syrups used in them, says nutritionist Charlotte Martin, RDN, CPT. Even drinks labeled “healthy” or “skinny” usually just swap simple syrup for agave nectar or honey and still rack up the sweet stuff.
Honestly, at most bars, low-carb cocktails (other than your trusty vodka sodas) just don't exist on the menu. So you'll need to learn how to craft your own order.
“When it comes to choosing low-carb alcoholic drinks, stick with clear liquors, like vodka, gin, and silver tequila," says Martin. (Typically, these picks contain zero grams of carbs.)
While you're at it, though, make sure that clear liquor is also unflavored. You didn't really think that sweet tea vodka was sugar-free, did you?
Of course, you also have to think about what you mix your carb-free booze with. “Stick with zero-calorie mixers like soda water, seltzer water, or sparkling water, and add a squeeze of a fresh lemon or lime wedge if you need a boost of flavor,” Martin says. (Her go-to order is silver tequila, sparkling water, a splash of OJ or grapefruit juice, and extra limes.)
Looking for something fancier? If you're ready to take your low-carb cocktail game to the next level, you can also DIY some pretty legit concoctions. Get started with these low-carb takes on all of your favorite adult beverages.
Low-Carb Margarita
Sipping margs keto-style is totally possible with this stevia- or monk fruit-sweetened marg. It takes just five ingredients and two minutes to whip up.
Per serving: 106 calories, 0.01 g fat (0 g sat), 1 g carbs, 0.3 g sugar, 0.1 g fiber, 0.1 g protein
Keto Mojito
Mojitos are minty and refreshing, and this one is super low in carbs and sugar, so you can sip away without worrying about the sweet stuff too much.
Per serving: 109 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 2 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 1mg sodium, 0 g protein
Low-Carb Moscow Mule
Made with vodka, diet ginger beer, and some lime juice, this simple take on trendy mules is a must for low-carb imbibers. (Copper mug, optional.)
Per serving: 101 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 1 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 mg sodium, 0 g protein
Gin Fizz
Thanks to the egg whites (which, yes, are always in gin fizz drinks), this sugar-free cocktail actually provides some protein, so beat that.
Per serving: 150 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 1 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 74 mg sodium, 3 g protein
Hot Buttered Rum
Low in carbs and sugar, but higher in fat, this cozy buttered rum is the perfect way to get your keto buzz on during the winter.
Per serving: 243 calories, 11 g fat (7 g sat), 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 108 mg sodium, 0 g protein
Keto Paloma
Sugar-free grapefruit soda and tequila vibe hard in this super low-carb paloma. Go ahead and pretend you're on the coast of Mexico.
Per serving: 132 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 0.5 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
Keto Bloody Mary
No Sunday brunch is complete without a Bloody, and this low-carb version of the salty, spicy, tangy drink doesn't disappoint.
Per serving: 163 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 7 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein
Keto Spicy Mango Mojito
A kick of jalapeño pairs well with these mojitos' otherwise minty, fruity flavor. Add some club soda for some extra sugar-free fizz.
Per serving: 130 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 7 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein
Vodka Berry Cocktail
Fizzy and filled with berries, this cocktail is sweet (and pretty) without being high in sugar.
Per serving: 142 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 3 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 6 mg sodium, 0 g protein
Luscious Homemade Eggnog
Another higher-fat option for all you keto peeps, this DIY eggnog delivers big time on velvety texture and fancy flavor, without a shred of sugar.
Per serving: 248 calories, 25 g fat (14 g sat), 2 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 29 mg sodium, 3 g protein
Low-Carb Frozen Margarita
Zero added syrups and refined sugars here. This lower-carb frozen marg mixer recipe is worth busting out the blender for.
Per serving: 15 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 5 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0.5 g fiber, 1 mg sodium, 0 g protein
Low-Carb Daiquiri
Daiquiris usually scream sugar, sugar, and MORE sugar—but this one is low in sugar and overall carbs, and still plenty sweet.
Per serving: 108 calories, 0 g fat (0 g sat), 3.7 g carbs, 0.7 g sugar, 0.2 g fiber, 11 mg sodium, 0.2 g protein
Low-Carb Piña Colada
Thanks to unsweetened coconut milk and a little liquid stevia, this poolside-worthy piña colada is far from your usual sugar bomb.
Per serving: 345 calories, 24.3 g fat (21.50 g sat), 9.1 g carbs, 4.3 g sugar, 1.1 g fiber, 78 mg sodium, 2.9 g protein
Low-Carb Irish Mule
Beer might be off limits for low-carb St. Patty’s Day celebrators, but this whiskey-filled mule certainly isn't.
Per serving: 139 calories, 0.1 g fat (0 g sat), 2.7 g carbs, 0.7 g sugar, 0.2 g fiber, 61 mg sodium, 0.2 g protein
Low-Carb Lime Batida
Crazy rich batidas aren't really everyday cocktails, but this one just so happens to be keto-friendly and pretty much doubles as dessert. (Don't have cachaca? Replace it with white rum or vodka.)
Per serving: 402 calories, 28.7 g fat (25.5 g sat), 6.6 g carbs, 0.8 g sugar, 0.1 g fiber, 23 mg sodium, 2.9 g protein
Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of 5-Minute Energy. She can't resist a good sample, a margarita, a new HIIT class, or an easy laugh. Learn more about her on her website: isadorabaum.com.
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