Here are some low and zero sugar cocktails keto drinkers can mix at home.
To imbibe while on keto, sip zero carb liquors like whiskey, vodka, bourbon, gin, tequila, and rum.
And replace high carb mixers like tonic, soda, juices, and syrup with sugar-free substitutes.
Related: 14 Best Cocktails for Diabetics
What makes alcoholic drinks keto?
Most liquors like vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey are zero carb. When you add juices, sodas, syrups, and mixers the sugar creeps up. To keep the sugar down, use mixers like diet soda, diet tonic, soda water, and sugar-free juice.
Best Keto Alcoholic Drinks
Here are some of the BEST keto cocktails and boozy drinks!
1. Dirty Martini
Classic martinis contain vermouth, which adds extra sugar.
If you prefer your martini “extra dirty” or “filthy” you can omit the vermouth entirely.
Simply add extra umami-ness with olives and a splash of olive brine. Pickles and pickle brine also work in a pinch.
2. Keto Mojito
Get ready to experience a tropical vacation in a glass with this Keto Mojito recipe!
The refreshing Keto Mojito cocktail combines fresh mint, tangy lime juice, and a splash of vodka for an elegant twist.
Served over ice, it’s perfect for sipping.
This low-carb drink swaps out traditional sugar for a sugar-free sweetener, so you can indulge without worrying about kicking yourself out of ketosis.
Enjoy paradise served over ice!
3. Lemonade Prosecco Punch
Prosecco a low-carb sparkling white wine from Italy.
Prosecco has around 1.5g of sugar per glass (80 calories) which is less than most other wines. Mr SYLTBAR Premium Prosecco has just 0.3g of carbs!
Use Splenda or Stevia in this cocktail recipe to keep your drink sugar-free.
4. Keto Bourbon Peach Cocktail
The Keto Bourbon Peach Cocktail made with Knob Creek Bourbon is a fizzy and fruity summer bourbon whiskey cocktail.
It’s similar to a ‘smash’ — referring to the muddling technique used when mixing up the drink — and not having too many of these!
Use diet ginger ale or diet ginger beer to keep things keto.
Related: 23 Best Knob Creek Cocktails
5. Keto Pina Colada
Transport yourself to a beachside cabana with this creamy and refreshing pineapple and coconut concoction.
This keto version of the classic pina colada is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a healthy and delicious cocktail.
It’s bursting with flavor and low in carbs!
6. Miller Lite
Miller Lite beer contains only 3.2 grams of carbs in a standard 12 ounce serving.
Low carb beer is a better option for people on a keto diet who want to enjoy an occasional cold brew.
A few other great low-carb lite beer options are:
- Coors Light: Provides just 5 grams of carbs per 12 ounce serving.
- Bud Lite: Has fewer than 5 grams of carbs per 12 ounce serving.
7. Jalapeno Margarita
This cocktail packs a punch thanks to jalapenos.
The heat from the jalapenos can be adjusted to taste, depending on how spicy you like your drinks.
The tequila adds a smooth and smoky flavor to the drink, while the ice helps to create a refreshing and slushy texture.
8. Vodka Soda
As its name implies, you make a vodka soda by combining vodka and club soda.
As long as you use club soda or seltzer, your drink’s carb count will stay at 0 grams.
Vodka soda is a classic low sugar cocktail.
Just mix Vodka and club soda on the rocks. Squeeze a wedge of lime, and serve.
9. Extra Brut Champagne
Champagne for your January resolutions. Serve up champagne to toast all your victories.
Sip extra low-carb brut champagne year round, and take any excuse to celebrate everything.
Dry champagne like brut and extra-brut have less than 1.7 grams and 0.8 grams of carbs, respectively, per 5 ounce serving.
10. Bloody Mary
You make a Bloody Mary by mixing vodka and tomato juice with different spices, it is typically garnished with celery sticks and other veggies.
Simply skip the worcestershire sauce to save calories and extra sugar.
People consider the Bloody Mary a “healthy” cocktail due to the celery and other “veggie” garnishes like pickles, peppers, and olives. It contains 7g of carbs from the tomato juice.
11. Wine
A glass of wine fine for most keto drinkers.
Most wines aren’t high-carb.
- Red wine: Contains only 3.8 grams of carbs per 5 ounce serving.
- White wine: Provides only 3.8 grams of carbs per 5 ounce serving.
12. Whiskey Straight Up
When you have a whiskey neat, there’s no chilling, dilution, added flavors or mixers.
This is not the same as a whiskey straight up, where you mix the liquor with ice and then strain it into a glass.
Whiskey is keto-friendly in moderation. Distilled “straight” whiskey contains zero carbs per 1.5-ounce.
Be sure to avoid mixing your whiskey with sugary juices, soda, or garnishes that add extra carbs.
Related: Can Diabetics Drink Whiskey?
13. Gin Rickey
The gin rickey is a popular mixed drink. The 3-ingredient recipe calls for gin, lime juice, and club soda.
It’s served in a classic highball glass. The drink dates back to the turn of the 20th century.
The tangy flavor profile features zero sugar.
It’s low cal too.
14. Jack & Diet Coke
‘Jack & Diet’ is one of my go-to cocktails when I’m out. My other low-carb drink is dry champagne, and #14 further below.
Here’s an easy recipe for a Jack & Diet Coke cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Jack Daniel’s whiskey
- Diet Coke
- Ice
- Lime wedge (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add 1.5 oz of Jack Daniel’s whiskey to the glass.
- Top the glass with Diet Coke.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge, if desired.
- Enjoy your low carb Jack and Diet Coke cocktail!
Keto Jell-O Vodka Shots
Straight vodka contain zero carbs per 1.5-ounce.
These keto Jell-O shots have zero net carbs!
Enjoy in moderation if you are on keto, because alcohol can temporarily stop fat burning.
They’re a more keto-friendly alternative to regular Jell-O shots.
15. Keto Gimlet (Tweaked)
The gin Gimlet is a classic cocktail featuring gin and lime juice, typically mixed with simple syrup.
Simply replace the sugar with Stevia or Splenda to make this cocktail Keto.
16. Low Carb Old Fashioned (With Tweaks)
A classic, low-sugar twist on the original.
Swap sugar for a low-carb sweetener. Add whiskey and bitters, and imbibe.
Serve over ice in a whiskey glass for the Old Fashioned vibe.
And garnish with a low-carb cranberry and lemon wedge.
17. Neat Gin
Although the taste of neat gin has been described like a pinecone dipped in rubbing alcohol, some do enjoy the spirit this way.
You’ll need the very best quality gin — bottom-shelf vodka is drinkable but rail gin is completely unpalatable.
Be sure to avoid mixing with sugary juices, soda, or garnishes that add extra carbs.
Gin contains zero carbs per 1.5 ounces.
18. Keto Whiskey Sour
A keto-friendly version of the Whiskey Sour that is just as delicious and can be made with simple subs.
It has all the flavor and texture of the original, but without the added sugar and calories.
A lot of classic cocktails have carb ingredients you can easily sub with a low-carb version.
19. Rum & Diet Sprite
Tropical rum mixes great with diet Sprite.
The lemon-lime flavor with the rich flavor of rum is fantastic.
20. Gin & Diet Tonic
A gin and diet tonic is a cocktail made with gin and diet tonic water poured over ice. It is often served in a highball glass.
Tonic water, like other mixers, can be high in sugar. It has a bitter flavor and is often sweetened. Choose a “diet” version instead.
The ratio of gin to diet tonic varies according to taste. Most recipes call for a ratio between 1:1 and 1:3.
21. Ernest Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon
Brut Champagne + Absinthe
If you’re a fan of licorice, you will love Absinthe. At 0 grams of sugar it’s low-carb and keto-friendly.
Absinthe is made with grande wormwood, anise, and fennel.
Important: Be sure to use a high quality Absinthe that does not have added sweeteners.
22. Dark Rum (‘Neat’)
“Straight” rum contains zero carbs per 1.5-ounce.
Dark or aged rums have a lot of flavor and are often savored ‘neat’ or on the rocks (with ice).
A ‘neat’ is an unmixed liquor served at room temperature. And without water, ice, or a mixer.
To keep it keto, avoid mixing rum with sugary juices, soda, or garnishes that add extra carbs.
23. Mexican Chelada (Lite)
Chelada is a Mexican beer cocktail. The original recipe pairs Mexican lager with lime juice and a salt rim.
You can cut down on both sugar and calories by swapping regular Mexican beer for Corona Lite.
Corona Lite beer contains 4.8 grams of carbs and 99 calories per 12 ounce serving.
24. Japanese Highball
Transport yourself to a Tokyo rooftop bar with this refreshing and elegant Japanese Highball.
The Japanese Highball is a classic cocktail made with Japanese whiskey and sparkling water.
The cocktail is simple to make and is a refreshing and light option for those who prefer a less sweet drink.
Made with high-quality Japanese whiskey and crisp soda water, this classic cocktail is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
25. Spiced Rum and Tonic
This classic cocktail gets a spicy twist with the addition of spiced rum.
Simply mix spiced rum with tonic water and ice, and garnish with a slice of lime for a refreshing and flavorful drink.
Spiced Rum and Tonic will give you the perfect balance of spicy and refreshing flavors.
This is a simple and refreshing cocktail made with spiced rum and tonic water.
It is typically served over ice in a highball glass.
26. Gibson
The Gibson is the Martini’s savory cousin. Use extra dry vermouth and a pickled onion to add an umami undertone to the classic drink.
Extra Dry Vermouth contains 0g of net carbohydrates per serving and 0% of calories making it keto-friendly.
Martini and Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth is an excellent option that won’t break the bank or your diet.
Make it “filthy” adding extra onion brine according to your taste.
27. St. Germain Spritz
St. Germain has no carbs. And prosecco or sparkling wine are very low carb.
The classic St. Germain Spritz is a low-sugar cocktail without any tweaks.
What is St Germain?
St-Germain is a French liqueur made from elderflowers. It is floral and has subtle citrus notes.
28. Tequila Shot
When in doubt, go for a tequila shot.
A shot of straight liquor like tequila clocks in at zero carbs.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz of tequila
- Salt
- Lime wedge
Instructions
- Chill the tequila beforehand, either by placing the bottle in the fridge or freezer for a few hours.
- Pour the tequila into a shot glass.
How to drink a tequila shot
- Lick the back of your hand, then sprinkle some salt onto the wet spot.
- Hold the shot glass in one hand and lick the salt off your hand with the other.
- Quickly drink the tequila shot.
- Bite into the lime wedge to help neutralize the taste of the tequila.
Enjoy responsibly!
29. Skinny Margarita
This keto skinny margarita recipe is a low-carb version of the classic margarita that is perfect for those who are following a keto diet.
Unlike traditional margaritas, this recipe uses the natural sweetness of the tequila and lime juice, along with a keto-friendly sweetener instead of a sugary liqueur like triple sec or Cointreau.
It’s low in carbs, so you can indulge without sabotaging your keto diet.
30. Keto Rum & Coke
A classic Rum and Coke can be instantly made keto simply by using Diet Coke.
This iconic, 2-ingreient recipe is simple, yet satisfying.
This recipe has the best Rum to Diet Coke ratio.
Drinks that people on the keto diet should avoid
While there are some keto-friendly cocktails, most cocktails are mixed with juices, sodas, syrups, and/or garnishes that add sugar.
Avoid cocktails with added sugars such as:
- Margaritas, piña coladas, and daiquiris
- Dessert wines, such as vermouth, port, and sherry, are high in carbs
- Cream liqueurs such as Bailey’s Irish Cream and Kahlua
Important tips: Do not drink on an empty stomach. Avoid drinking with low blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar before, during, and after drinking.
Keto Alcoholic Drink FAQs
Which alcohol has the least amount of sugar?
Hard spirits like whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila, and gin have the least amount of sugar, but watch your mixer.
Red or a dry white wine is also a good option. Beer can be low sugar, but high in calories.
Are straight spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey keto-friendly?
Straight spirits have zero carbs. However calories come from the alcohol. Straight spirits have no additives or flavorings. Spirits that carry the “straight” moniker should be sugar free.
Are distilled spirits high in sugar?
Straight distilled spirits like whiskey (including bourbon and rye) have a lower sugar content. The USDA nutrition facts for whiskey register less than 1.5 grams of sugar per 5 ounce serving.