Keto diets are popular for weight loss, but they can make enjoying cocktails tricky. Many drinks contain sugar and carbs that don’t fit keto guidelines.
But don’t worry – you can still sip tasty cocktails while sticking to your low-carb eating plan.
With a few tweaks, you can make keto-friendly versions of classic cocktails. By swapping out sugary mixers for low-carb options, you can enjoy drinks that taste great without derailing your diet.
From mojitos to margaritas, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cocktail cravings while keeping carbs in check.
1. Ketotini
The Ketotini is a low-carb twist on the classic martini. It’s perfect for keto dieters who want to enjoy a cocktail without breaking their carb limits.
To make a Ketotini, you’ll need vodka or gin and dry vermouth. Mix these in a shaker with ice, then strain into a chilled glass.
For extra flavor, add a splash of olive juice.
Garnish your Ketotini with olives or a lemon twist. This drink is smooth and crisp, with zero carbs. It’s a great choice for a night out or a relaxing evening at home.
Remember to drink responsibly and count the calories from alcohol in your daily totals.
2. Bacon Bourbon
Bacon bourbon is a unique twist on traditional bourbon. It combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the rich taste of bourbon whiskey.
To make bacon bourbon, you infuse bourbon with bacon fat. This process is called fat-washing.
Pour bourbon into a container and add melted bacon grease. Mix well and freeze.
The fat will separate and solidify on top. Remove the fat layer and strain the bourbon. You’ll be left with a smooth, bacon-flavored spirit.
Use bacon bourbon in cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Manhattans. It adds a savory element to sweet drinks. You can also sip it neat or on the rocks for a bold flavor experience.
3. Avocado Margarita
Looking for a creamy twist on a classic cocktail? Try an avocado margarita. This keto-friendly drink blends ripe avocado with tequila and lime juice for a smooth, satisfying sip.
To make it, blend tequila, lime juice, avocado, and a low-carb sweetener until smooth. Add ice and blend again.
Rim your glass with chili lime salt for extra flavor.
This drink is perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. The healthy fats from the avocado make it filling and keto-compliant. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy your guilt-free margarita.
4. Keto Mojito
A keto mojito is a refreshing low-carb twist on the classic cocktail. You can enjoy this drink without derailing your diet.
To make a keto mojito, muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice and a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol. Add white rum and crushed ice to your glass.
Top it off with club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy finish. Garnish with extra mint leaves and a lime wedge for a burst of flavor and aroma.
This sugar-free version has all the taste of a traditional mojito with fewer carbs. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm day or enjoying at your next get-together.
5. Cucumber Lime Vodka Cooler
This refreshing keto cocktail combines crisp cucumber with zesty lime and smooth vodka. It’s perfect for hot summer days or anytime you want a light, low-carb drink.
To make it, muddle cucumber slices with fresh lime juice in a glass. Add vodka and ice, then top with sugar-free lime seltzer water. Stir gently to mix.
Garnish with a cucumber slice and lime wedge for extra flair. This drink is low in carbs and calories, making it a great choice for those following a keto diet.
You can adjust the strength by adding more or less vodka to suit your taste. For extra flavor, try infusing your vodka with cucumber beforehand.
6. Berry Lemon Fizz
The Berry Lemon Fizz is a refreshing keto-friendly cocktail perfect for warm days. You’ll love its fruity flavors and fizzy texture.
Mix vodka with sugar-free berry syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add a splash of sparkling water for bubbles.
Garnish with a few fresh berries and a lemon slice. This drink is low in carbs but high in taste.
Enjoy the Berry Lemon Fizz at your next barbecue or pool party. It’s a great way to stay cool while sticking to your keto diet.
7. Peach Collins
A Peach Collins is a tasty keto-friendly twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. This refreshing drink combines vodka, fresh lemon juice, and sugar-free peach syrup.
To make it, mix 2 ounces of vodka with 1 ounce of sugar-free peach syrup and 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top it off with sugar-free soda water for a bubbly finish. Garnish with a peach slice or lemon wedge if you like. This drink is perfect for summer sipping and has very few carbs.
8. Minty Green Margarita
This refreshing twist on a classic margarita is perfect for keto dieters. You’ll love the cool mint flavor mixed with tart lime and smooth tequila.
To make it, muddle fresh mint leaves in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, and a sugar-free sweetener. Shake well with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
For extra minty flavor, garnish with more fresh mint leaves. This low-carb cocktail is crisp and refreshing without the sugar. It’s great for sipping by the pool or enjoying at summer barbecues.
9. Spicy Ginger Margarita
This zesty twist on a classic margarita adds a fiery kick to your keto cocktail lineup. You’ll love the blend of tequila, lime, and ginger in this low-carb drink.
To make it, muddle fresh ginger and jalapeño in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, and a sugar-free sweetener. Shake well with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
For extra flavor, garnish with a lime wedge and a slice of jalapeño. This spicy ginger margarita is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their drinks.
Remember to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño to suit your preferences.
10. Keto Mudslide
The keto mudslide is a low-carb version of the classic cocktail. You can enjoy this creamy, coffee-flavored drink without breaking your diet.
To make a keto mudslide, blend ice, coffee, vodka, sugar-free syrups, and heavy cream. Use coffee syrup and Irish cream syrup for flavor without added sugar.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the vodka. You can adjust the sweetness by using less syrup if needed.
This drink is perfect for a night in or a small gathering with friends. It’s a tasty treat that fits your keto lifestyle.
11. Coconut Margarita
This tropical twist on a classic margarita is perfect for keto dieters. You’ll love the creamy coconut flavor mixed with tequila and lime.
To make it, use coconut milk instead of sugary mixers. Add tequila, fresh lime juice, and a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
Rim your glass with unsweetened shredded coconut for extra flair. Top with a splash of coconut-flavored sparkling water if desired.
This refreshing cocktail has about 3-4 grams of net carbs per serving. It’s a great choice for sipping by the pool or enjoying at your next summer gathering.
12. Jalapeno Margarita
This spicy twist on a classic cocktail adds a kick to your keto-friendly drink menu. To make it, muddle jalapeno slices in a shaker to release their heat.
Add tequila, fresh lime juice, and a keto-approved sweetener. Shake well with ice and strain into a glass.
For extra flavor, rim the glass with salt. Just run a lime wedge around the edge and dip it in kosher salt.
Garnish with a jalapeno slice or lime wedge. This low-carb drink packs a flavorful punch without the added sugars of traditional margaritas.
13. Chili Lime Tequila Shots
Spice up your keto cocktail game with chili lime tequila shots. These zesty sippers pack a flavorful punch without the carbs.
Rim shot glasses with a mix of salt, chili powder, and lime zest. Pour in a splash of fresh lime juice and your favorite tequila.
For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or muddle a small slice of jalapeño in the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
These shots are perfect for parties or as a quick drink before dinner. They’re low in carbs but high in bold flavors that will wake up your taste buds.
14. Keto Vodka Collins
The Keto Vodka Collins is a refreshing drink you can enjoy while following a low-carb diet. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Tom Collins.
To make it, mix vodka with fresh lemon juice and a keto-friendly sweetener. Top it off with sugar-free club soda for fizz.
You can garnish your Keto Vodka Collins with a lemon wheel or fresh mint leaves. This drink is perfect for warm summer days or any time you want a light, citrusy cocktail.
Remember to use a high-quality vodka for the best taste. You can also experiment with flavored vodkas to add variety to your keto cocktail options.
15. Blackberry Gin Fizz
The Blackberry Gin Fizz is a tasty keto-friendly drink that combines gin with fresh blackberries. It’s a refreshing choice for warm summer evenings or any time you want a fruity cocktail.
To make this drink, muddle fresh blackberries in a shaker. Add gin, lemon juice, and a sugar-free sweetener. Shake well with ice, then strain into a glass filled with ice cubes.
Top off your drink with sugar-free soda water for a bubbly finish. Garnish with a few whole blackberries and a sprig of mint for a pretty touch.
This cocktail is low in carbs but big on flavor. You’ll enjoy the botanical notes of the gin mixed with the sweet-tart taste of blackberries.
16. Creamy Keto White Russian
You can enjoy a creamy Keto White Russian without breaking your diet. This low-carb version uses vodka, cold brew coffee, and heavy cream.
To make it, mix vodka, cold brew, and a keto-friendly sweetener in a glass. Stir until the sweetener dissolves. Add ice and pour heavy cream on top.
You can adjust the sweetness to your liking. For variety, try swapping vodka with whiskey. This creates a Brown Russian with a richer flavor.
A Keto White Russian is perfect for those times when you want to treat yourself while staying on track.
17. Rosemary Grapefruit Cocktail
This keto-friendly drink combines the bright flavors of grapefruit with aromatic rosemary. You’ll need fresh grapefruit juice, vodka, and a homemade rosemary simple syrup made with a keto-approved sweetener.
To make the cocktail, mix the grapefruit juice, vodka, and rosemary syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice cubes.
Garnish your drink with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice of grapefruit. The herbal notes of the rosemary complement the citrus perfectly, creating a refreshing and low-carb beverage.
18. Cinnamon Spiced Old Fashioned
This keto-friendly twist on a classic cocktail adds warmth and spice to your drink. You’ll love the blend of bourbon, cinnamon, and blood orange flavors.
To make it, muddle a blood orange peel in your shaker. Add bourbon, a dash of orange bitters, and cinnamon simple syrup made with a keto-friendly sweetener.
Shake well with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange twist. This drink is perfect for cozy fall evenings or holiday parties.
Remember to count the carbs from the orange peel and cinnamon syrup in your daily total. Enjoy this tasty cocktail in moderation as part of your keto lifestyle.
19. Orange Blossom Gin and Tonic
This refreshing keto-friendly cocktail combines gin with orange flavors. You’ll need gin, sugar-free tonic water, and orange blossom water.
Mix 2 ounces of gin with 4 ounces of sugar-free tonic water in a glass filled with ice. Add a few drops of orange blossom water to taste.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel or a thin slice of fresh orange. This drink has a light, floral aroma and a crisp taste.
It’s low in carbs but high in flavor. You can enjoy this cocktail without worrying about breaking your keto diet.
20. Iced Matcha Tonic
This refreshing keto-friendly drink combines the earthy taste of matcha with the fizzy kick of tonic water. To make it, mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder with a small amount of hot water to form a paste.
Fill a glass with ice and add the matcha paste. Pour in sugar-free tonic water and stir gently. For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
This drink is low in carbs and high in antioxidants. It’s perfect for a hot summer day or when you need a caffeine boost without the jitters.
21. Basil Blueberry Smash
This keto-friendly cocktail combines fresh flavors with a low-carb twist. Start by muddling fresh basil leaves and blueberries in a glass.
Add ice, vodka, and a splash of sugar-free berry lemonade. Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Top with a bit of club soda for some fizz.
Garnish your drink with a few extra blueberries and a basil leaf. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings or relaxing evenings at home.
Remember to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar-free lemonade to suit your preferences.
Understanding Keto Cocktails
Keto cocktails let you enjoy drinks while sticking to a low-carb diet. These drinks use specific ingredients and techniques to keep carbs low.
What Makes a Cocktail Keto-Friendly
Keto cocktails have very few carbs, usually less than 5 grams per drink. They skip sugary mixers and fruit juices.
Instead, they use sugar-free options or small amounts of low-carb fruits.
Zero-carb spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila are common in keto drinks. You can add flavor with sugar-free syrups or fresh herbs. Some recipes use heavy cream or coconut milk for richness.
To make a cocktail keto, you need to count the carbs in each ingredient. Even small amounts of fruit or mixers can add up.
It’s best to measure everything carefully.
Common Ingredients in Keto Cocktails
Keto cocktails often use these low-carb ingredients:
- Sugar-free sweeteners (stevia, erythritol)
- Sparkling water or diet soda
- Fresh lime or lemon juice (in small amounts)
- Herbs like mint or basil
- Sugar-free flavored syrups
- Unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream
Some recipes might include a splash of berries or cucumber. These add flavor without too many carbs. Always check the carb count of any fruits or veggies you add.
When making keto drinks at home, you have more control over the ingredients. This helps you keep the carbs low while still enjoying tasty cocktails.
Benefits of Keto Cocktails
Keto cocktails let you enjoy drinks while sticking to your low-carb diet. They help you stay in ketosis and offer tasty options for socializing.
Low-Carb Alcohol Choices
Unflavored liquors like vodka, whiskey, and tequila have zero carbs. This makes them great bases for keto cocktails. You can mix them with sugar-free mixers to create tasty drinks.
Dry wines are also good choices. They have fewer carbs than sweet wines.
Red and white dry wines typically contain 3-4 grams of carbs per 5-ounce glass.
Here’s a quick list of keto-friendly alcohol options:
- Vodka
- Whiskey
- Tequila
- Gin
- Dry wine (red or white)
Maintaining Ketosis
Keto cocktails help you stay in ketosis while enjoying a drink. They use sugar-free sweeteners instead of high-carb mixers.
This keeps your carb intake low. Popular keto-friendly sweeteners include:
- Stevia
- Erythritol
- Monk fruit
These sweeteners don’t spike blood sugar like regular sugar does. This helps you avoid getting kicked out of ketosis.
Keto cocktails often use fresh ingredients like lime juice and mint. These add flavor without adding many carbs.
They also provide some nutrients and antioxidants. Remember to drink in moderation.
Alcohol can slow fat burning temporarily. But keto cocktails minimize the impact on your diet goals.