Forget sacrificing your favorite drinks just because you’re practicing the keto diet. With a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy classic cocktails like Margaritas, Pina Coladas, and Whiskey Sours while staying within your low-carb guidelines. And if you’re looking for something new and exciting, try a Blue Mermaid Vodka Granita! The best part is that most liquors are naturally carb-free, so it’s all about the mixers you use.
That’s why we’ve curated 23 sugar-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly cocktails for you to enjoy without worrying about blowing your diet. Whether you’re looking to spice up a party or just want to indulge in a special treat, these drinks will help you do so while still staying true to the keto lifestyle.
Sparkling Summer Sangria
The key to this scrumptious sangria lies not in its wine, but rather in its clever combination of ingredients. In fact, there’s no white wine at all! Instead, the drink gets its bold flavor from vodka and bourbon, which provide a delightful kick without overpowering the senses. To add some fizz without overloading on carbs, mandarin-flavored seltzer water is used. To keep the calorie count in check, be sure to opt for a granulated sugar substitute.
Lemon Drop Martini
With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a revitalizing martini that’s surprisingly low in carbs – a mere two grams per serving! When it comes to the citrus-flavored vodka, feel free to get creative with your choice, as long as it’s unsweetened and doesn’t contain any added sugars. The real magic happens when you combine this vodka with lemon-flavored sparkling water, giving the drink an invigorating kick that’s both delicious and refreshing.
White Russian
Not only does this recipe align with the principles of a ketogenic diet, but it also boasts a trio of appealing qualities: sweetness, smoothness, and simplicity. One notable advantage is the ability to substitute traditional sugar-laden coffee liqueur for regular coffee and sugar substitutes that comply with the keto lifestyle. For optimal results, opt for powdered or liquid sweeteners that dissolve effortlessly in your beverage.
Sex On The Beach
While it’s true that fruit is naturally high in sugars, there are ways to create a fruity beverage without compromising your diet. A unique combination involves mixing cranberry and peach-flavored vodka with unflavored vodka and a sugar-free water enhancer. For added fizz, club soda or sugar-free soda can be used as a substitute. To complete the look, garnish with a slice of fruit for a visually appealing beach-inspired drink that boasts zero net carbs!
Margarita
While margaritas are a beloved drink for many, the high sugar content of many pre-made mixes may give you pause. Fear not, however, as there’s a way to enjoy this tasty beverage without all the added sweetness. By using fresh lime and orange juice combined with Stevia, flavored sparkling water, and essential oils, you can significantly reduce the carb count. In fact, this modified recipe slashes the carb count by 16g, bringing it down to a mere 10g per drink.
Bloody Mary
When hosting a keto-friendly brunch, don’t forget to impress your guests with a refreshing twist on the classic Bloody Mary. To make it even easier, V8’s tomato juice is an excellent choice, boasting a rich flavor profile packed with veggie goodness while keeping carb count in check. Add a shot of vodka for a delightful kick and a splash of pickle juice for a tangy zing, all without exceeding four grams of net carbs. If you’ve been intimidated by the thought of crafting a Bloody Mary, fear not!
This recipe requires only three ingredients: simply combine them in a cocktail shaker, pour into glasses, and serve with confidence.
Frozen Mudslide
Envision a sophisticated milkshake that combines the indulgence of a boozy treat with the sweetness of an adult beverage, minus the excessive sugar content typically found in most milkshakes. This dream can become a reality with Torani’s sugar-free syrups, bold black coffee, and rich heavy whipping cream. By incorporating these ingredients, you can recapture your inner child while keeping sugar intake in check.
Feel free to start with a light touch when adding the syrups, adjusting to taste as needed to strike the perfect balance of flavors.
Sparkling Blackberry Spritzer
Looking to beat the heat with a refreshing summertime sipper? Look no further than this delightful concoction. By combining blackberry flavored sparkling water, fresh berries for natural sweetness, and a splash of lime juice, you’ll create a drink that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy. And the best part? A shot of tequila adds just enough buzz to keep things interesting. The best news?
This spritzer won’t knock you out of ketosis, but will definitely quench your thirst and satisfy any sweet tooth cravings.
Moscow Mule
Incorporating vodka into keto cocktails is a no-brainer given its zero-carb content. Another sugar-free option that’s readily available at many stores is ginger beer, which can be used to add a classic spicy kick to your beverage. This refreshing drink is suitable for any time of year, whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply enjoying the great outdoors.
Sparkling Peach Cocktail
When it comes to mixing up keto-friendly drinks, Sparkling Ice is an excellent choice. This sugar-free and low-calorie mixer brings a burst of flavor and a touch of sparkle to your cocktails without adding any unwanted sweetness. To create a delicious and refreshing drink, simply combine flavored sparkling water with a great-tasting peach-flavored vodka like Ketel One. The result is a quick and satisfying cocktail that’s free from sugar.
Whiskey Sour
By making a simple substitution to traditional whiskey sours, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing cocktail while keeping the carb count in check. Simply swap out the added sugar for an alternative sweetener, and you’ll be sipping on a low-carb treat with only four grams of carbs per serving. The combination of lemon juice, water, and whiskey remains unchanged from the classic recipe, but this modification allows you to indulge in all the flavor without the guilt.
It’s a clever trick that will satisfy your taste buds while keeping your dietary restrictions in mind.
French 75
As you navigate the process of reducing or eliminating sugar from your diet, you may be surprised by how artificially sweet cocktails can taste in comparison. To create a refreshing drink that doesn’t rely on sugar, consider this recipe for a crisp and tart cocktail made with champagne, gin, lemon juice, and a touch of alternative sweetener. The key is to use just the right amount to balance out the flavors, allowing you to enjoy a sugar-free drink without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Blue Mermaid Vodka Granita
While the aesthetic appeal of this unique cocktail is undeniable – its baby blue hue and slushie texture make it a visual treat – it’s the nutritional benefits that truly set it apart. This refreshing drink boasts an impressively low sugar and carb content, making it a guilt-free indulgence for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Assembling this cocktail does require some forward planning, as you’ll need to allow the mixture to freeze before serving.
However, the payoff is well worth the wait, as the resulting tropical blend of blue raspberry, pineapple, and coconut flavors will transport your taste buds to a sunny beachside paradise – even if you can’t physically escape to one.
In short, this cocktail is not just a fun and flavorful treat, but also a delicious way to satisfy your cravings while staying mindful of your dietary needs.
Hot Buttered Rum
The keto diet can be challenging during the holidays, especially when surrounded by sweet treats and festive beverages. However, there’s a way to enjoy a warm, carb-friendly drink that will make the season more inclusive. By boiling a rich, flavorful cocktail on the stove and infusing it with rum and a cinnamon stick, you’ll have a delightful holiday beverage that matches the flavors of popular winter drinks.
This treat is not only delicious but also satisfies your craving for something special to sip on during the holidays.
Espresso Martini
While espresso martinis are undoubtedly a tasty treat, they can also be surprisingly high in sugar content. If you’re looking for a lower-carb alternative that still packs a punch, you’re in luck. By combining just three ingredients, you can create a martini that’s not only delicious but also boasts an impressive two grams of carbs or less.
Cranberry Vodka Spritz
Whether you’re crafting this refreshing drink for yourself or as a shareable punch for friends, its appeal is universal. Whether you’re mindful of your carb intake or not, everyone can enjoy it. This cocktail’s versatility lies in its ability to mask the vodka flavor, making it an excellent choice for those who crave complexity beyond just booze.
The combination of diet cranberry juice, diet ginger ale, soda water, and a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon wedge creates a harmonious balance that will have you sipping with pleasure.
Skinny Raspberry Lime Rickey
When crafting a typical Lime Rickey, you can already enjoy a low-sugar concoction. Elevate the taste further by incorporating sugar-free raspberry syrup, which adds depth without introducing excessive sweetness.
Meanwhile, combining limes and mint leaves creates an air of sophistication, despite being incredibly quick to prepare – making this drink a true delight.
Tequila Sunrise
When adopting the keto lifestyle, incorporating low-carb beverages into your routine can be challenging. Fortunately, liquor is a great option since it’s naturally carb-free. However, straight liquor can be harsh on the palate, making it difficult to enjoy. To make it more palatable and align with your dietary goals, consider adding sugar-free sweeteners. These additives not only enhance the flavor but also help you stay committed to your keto regimen.
For example, combining liquid sweetener, flavored water drops, and sugar-free juice can create a delicious cocktail that still fits within your daily carb limit of four grams.
Black Beauty
Looking for a refreshing drink that’s low in carbs and big on flavor? Look no further than the Black Beauty cocktail, which transforms vodka soda into a tasty treat. While ground black pepper may seem like an unconventional addition to a cocktail, it adds a surprising kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of blackberry and the freshness of mint leaves.
French Martini
Transform your ordinary martini into an extraordinary French martini by incorporating Chambord. This sweet and indulgent ingredient not only adds flavor but also provides the sole source of carbohydrates in the cocktail. If you’re looking to further reduce the sugar content, consider substituting with a sugar-free raspberry syrup for added depth. Alternatively, combine sugar-free pineapple syrup, vodka, and cold water to craft a luxurious and refined drink that’s sure to impress.
Pina Colada
Transforming La Croix into a keto-friendly beachy drink is as effortless as combining it with coconut milk, ice, and a touch of sweetness. The simplicity of this process is only rivalled by its effectiveness. To create this refreshing concoction, simply add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until the desired consistency is reached, then pour it into a glass and enjoy.
Mojito
Create a keto-friendly simple syrup to elevate your Mojito (and other cocktails) by combining boiled water, sweetener of your choice, and unsweetened coconut flakes. This homemade simple syrup can be used in a variety of beverages. To make the drink truly special, mix it with vodka, soda water, and fresh lime and mint leaves that have been gently muddled together, perfect for sipping on at your next celebration or gathering.
Mai Tai
Indulge in this delectable zero-carb cocktail, where the sweet and tangy flavors of sugar-free syrups, lime juice, and a blend of white and spiced rum will leave you pleasantly surprised. As you take your first sip, the harmonious blend of flavors will tantalize your taste buds. For an added visual appeal, consider topping it off with a splash of soda water, allowing the layers to remain distinct, creating a stunning visual effect that’s almost as enjoyable as the drink itself.
The bottom line
When it comes to enjoying drinks on a ketogenic diet, it can be tempting to think that all options are off the table. However, this doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor entirely. In fact, there are plenty of delicious and keto-friendly drink options to explore.
While you may need to say goodbye to beer and wine, there are still many tasty choices available.
And if you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve got you covered with a range of lists showcasing everything from snacks to casseroles to side dishes that fit within the keto lifestyle. From 27 Damn Good Keto Snacks to 30 Mind-Blowing Keto Casseroles and more, there’s something for everyone.
But what about drinks? We’ve got you covered there too! Our collection of 23 easy keto cocktails is designed to help you keep your carb count in check while still allowing you to let loose and have fun.
So go ahead, grab a glass, and toast to the keto lifestyle!
