Cocktail lovers, rejoice! Happy hour is still alive and well on the keto diet. While being on the keto diet makes it a little harder to enjoy a drink at the neighbourhood bar or restaurant, there are plenty of keto cocktails and mocktails you can make at home! Low carb keto drinks have less sugar and carbs than the original versions, but you still get the delicious taste you love! Right up your alley, you say? Right this way!
What is the Keto Diet?
The keto diet is a high fat, low carb diet that helps with weight loss and offers a range of health benefits including reduced blood sugar and insulin levels, brain and heart health, gastrointestinal and gallbladder health, and more.
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The keto diet works by depleting your body of its stored sugar, and the goal is for you to get more calories from protein than carbs. The keto diet urges you to consume less carbs and more high fat foods. The reduction of carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. Ketosis encourages your body to start burning its own fat stores for energy, which is why it’s amazing for weight loss.
Can I Drink Alcohol on the Keto Diet?
Yes! You can drink alcohol on the keto diet. Just not all forms of alcohol, and of course, like anything else, alcohol is best in moderation. Some alcohols are extremely high in sugar and carbs, but others pass the keto test. Clear liquors at around 40% alcohol are considered ketogenic drinks. These include vodka, tequila, gin, whiskey, rum, scotch, brandy and cognac. You can also drink low carb beer, champagne and dry wine. Use these alcohols to make low carb mixed drinks with sugar-free mixes that won’t allow you to fall into the trap of empty calories.
What Types of Alcohol Should I Avoid on the Keto Diet?
There are certain alcohols and mixes that are definitely not low carb drinks, and you should stay far away from them on the keto diet. These include alcohols like peach schnapps, curacao, Baileys, beers and wines that are high in carbs and sugar, and wine coolers.
Keep in mind, most people need significantly less alcohol to get intoxicated on the keto diet, so know your limit and take it easy the first time you drink alcohol on keto!
Cocktails: 10 Keto Drinks with Alcohol
If you’re craving your favourite cocktail on the keto diet, here are low carb versions of the most popular cocktails out there!
1. Keto Mojito | Tasteaholics
This low carb, sugar free mojito is a healthy spin on the classic. You’ll consume way less calories, while still enjoying the delicious taste of a minty mojito!
2. Low Carb Sex on the Beach | Low Carb-ology
While the original ‘sex on the beach’ cocktail is full of sugar, this version has zero sugar and zero carbs. But it will still give you that fruity, tropical taste! It’s made with flavoured vodka and zero carb water enhancer to mimic the taste of fruit juice.
3. Low Carb Vanilla Latte Martini | All Day I Dream About Food
A low carb cocktail made with vanilla vodka, cream and sugar-free homemade kahlua, you’ll love sipping on this after dinner. With no sugary liqueurs, this cocktail is perfect for anyone on the keto diet.
4. Low Carb Strawberry Lemonade Mojitos | I Breathe, I’m Hungry
These strawberry lemonade mojitos are a blend of white rum, mint, and sugar free strawberry lemonade. You can add fresh strawberries to garnish if you like, or sip on it without. Either way, it’s a refreshing low carb cocktail to get you through summer!
5. Low Carb Hurricane Cocktail | Low Carb-ology
If you’re a fan of rum, this keto mixed drink is the one for you. Made with two types of rum, lime juice, and zero carb fruit punch and mango passionfruit water enhancers, you can enjoy this cocktail guilt free.
6. Low Carb Sparkling White Sangria | I Breathe, I’m Hungry
Sangria is typically far from keto friendly, with tons of sugar and a wine base. But this version has similar flavours without the sugars and carbs. It uses ingredients like sugar free mango flavoured syrup (if you can’t find mango-flavored syrup, this zero calorie orange mango water will also work), vodka, bourbon, and mandarin flavoured seltzer water to mimic real sangria!
7. Low Carb Spicy Margarita | KetoDiet App
Rather than whipping up (or ordering) a high-in-sugar margarita, make this low carb spicy version instead. Made with tequila, fresh lime juice, jalapeno, and a simple syrup made with water and Swerve, this cocktail is keto approved!
8. Low Carb Sugar Free Moscow Mule | I Breathe, I’m Hungry
Instead of using ginger beer like the classic moscow mule, this recipe includes a sugar free ginger syrup and diet ginger ale, mixed with vodka and lime juice. You still get a delicious blast of ginger, without all the carbs.
9. Low Carb Cosmopolitan | Very Well Fit
Cosmopolitans are typically packed with sugar. The blend of cranberry juice and Cointreau or Triple sec makes it one of the sweetest drinks around. But this low carb cosmo is much lower in sugar and carbs, and doesn’t sacrifice on flavour. You can sip on it totally guilt-free.
10. Low Carb Daiquiri | KetoDiet App
Daiquiris are the perfect summer cocktail, the only downside is they’re filled with sugar! This low carb alternative uses just a few drops of stevia, white rum, lime and a cup of ice.
Mocktails: 5 Keto Drinks without Alcohol
For the days when alcohol is the last thing on your mind, sip on these delicious keto mocktails instead!
1. Sparkling Raspberry Limeade Mocktail | Low Carb Yum
Made with a pinch of vanilla Stevia, sparkling raspberry lemonade, frozen raspberries and lime, this mocktail is the best way to stay refreshed and low carb this summer.
2. Cranberry Lime Spritzer | Sugar-Free Mom
All you need for this mocktail is natural sugar-free cranberry juice, lime seltzer water and limes. An ideal low carb blend to sip on and enjoy!
3. Iced Tea Green Tea Mojito | Primally Inspired
This mojito mocktail doesn’t just taste good, it’s also a digestive aid and liver detoxer. The unsweetened green tea mixed with cucumber, lime and mint leaves will flush your body and make you feel great.
4. Grape-Pineapple Mint Fizz | Diabetic Loving Online
A mix of unsweetened fruit juices, club soda and mint, this low carb fizzy drink is the perfect partner for any keto dish!
5. Lemon Cucumber Mint Sparkler | Fluffy Chix Cook
Perfect for a summertime party, this minty mocktail allows you to sip on a delicious drink and not worry about your waistline!
Being on the keto diet doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of cocktails. Enjoy these keto cocktails and mocktails all summer long to stay in ketosis and live your life!
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