Enjoying cocktails while following a keto diet is completely possible with the right recipes. You don’t have to give up your favorite drinks just because you’re watching your carb intake.
Keto-friendly cocktails focus on sugar-free mixers like sparkling water, seltzer, and club soda paired with spirits like vodka, gin, rum, and tequila. The key to staying in ketosis while having a drink is knowing which mixers and ingredients to choose.
Simple, dry cocktails tend to be better options than sugary mixed drinks. From vodka sodas to dry martinis, you can enjoy plenty of delicious options that won’t kick you out of ketosis.
1. Vodka Soda with Lime
The Vodka Soda with Lime is a perfect keto-friendly cocktail with zero carbs. It’s simple to make and refreshing to drink.
Mix vodka with plain soda water and add a squeeze of fresh lime. You can use a lemon-lime flavored seltzer water as your base and add vodka to your desired strength.
For extra flavor, add a few lime slices to your glass. This cocktail contains no sugar or carbs.
Keep your soda water cold and use quality vodka for the best taste. It’s a straightforward option when you want to enjoy a drink without breaking your keto goals.
2. Keto Paloma with Tequila and Grapefruit Soda
The Keto Paloma is a refreshing low-carb version of the classic Mexican cocktail. It combines tequila, grapefruit, and lime for a tangy, citrusy drink without the sugar.
Mix tequila with fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a sugar-free sweetener like stevia. Some recipes use grapefruit zest for extra flavor.
Rim your glass with salt for an authentic touch. The drink has very few carbs and only about 128 calories per serving.
3. Gin Martini
The gin martini is a top choice for keto dieters because it contains almost no carbs. This classic cocktail is made with gin and dry vermouth, neither of which contains sugar.
Order this at any bar without worrying about hidden carbs. For the most keto-friendly version, ask for it extra dry, which means less vermouth.
Garnish your martini with olives instead of a lemon twist for added healthy fats. If you prefer a flavored option, use cucumber-infused gin for a refreshing twist that doesn’t add carbs.
A standard gin martini contains less than 1 gram of carbs.
4. Bourbon and Water
Bourbon and water, often called a “bourbon highball,” is a simple yet effective keto cocktail option. Bourbon contains zero carbs.
Mix bourbon with still or sparkling water to create this refreshing drink. The water dilutes the strong bourbon flavor while keeping your carb count at zero.
Adjust the ratio based on your taste preferences. A typical mix is one part bourbon to two parts water.
For extra flavor without added carbs, add a squeeze of lemon or a few drops of keto-friendly bitters.
5. Scotch and Soda
Scotch and soda is an excellent choice for those following a keto diet. This simple cocktail contains zero carbs when made properly.
Pour a shot of your favorite scotch over ice and top with plain soda water. Avoid tonic water as it contains sugar and carbs.
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for flavor without adding significant carbs. Some people also enjoy a dash of bitters, though this adds a tiny amount of carbs.
6. Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka with Lemon and Passionfruit Soda
This refreshing keto cocktail combines tangy citrus with a tropical twist. Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka provides a clean, natural grapefruit flavor without added sugars.
Mix 2 oz of Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka with fresh lemon juice and sugar-free passionfruit soda water. The result tastes similar to a sour candy but contains virtually zero carbs.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference for tartness. This drink is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a fruity cocktail.
7. Sugar-Free Skinny Margarita
A keto margarita is a perfect cocktail choice when you’re watching your carbs. These refreshing drinks use sugar alternatives instead of the high-carb sweeteners found in traditional margaritas.
The basic ingredients for a sugar-free margarita include tequila, fresh lime juice, and a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or Swerve. Some recipes add orange-flavored sparkling water to mimic the taste of triple sec without the sugar.
For extra flavor, try using flavored tequila like 21Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus. This addition enhances the taste without adding carbs.
8. Old Fashioned Keto Cocktail
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that can easily be made keto-friendly. This drink combines whiskey with a touch of sweetness that won’t kick you out of ketosis.
Make a keto Old Fashioned with bourbon or whiskey, sugar-free simple syrup, and a few dashes of bitters. Some recipes describe it as sweet and spicy, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
Garnish your keto Old Fashioned with an orange peel or cherry for extra flavor without adding carbs.
9. Keto Lemon Drop
The Keto Lemon Drop is a refreshing low-carb cocktail that’s perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. With only about 1 gram of carbs and 130 calories, it’s a guilt-free treat.
Mix 2 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and a sugar-free sweetener like liquid stevia. Some recipes also include sugar-free triple sec for added flavor.
This zesty drink pairs wonderfully with seafood, chicken, and poolside appetizers. Garnish the rim with a keto-approved sweetener for a traditional look.
10. Elderflower Spritz
The Elderflower Spritz is a refreshing keto-friendly cocktail that combines floral notes with crisp bubbles. You can make this drink with just a few simple ingredients.
Muddle cucumber slices with lime juice in your glass. Add 2 ounces of elderflower liqueur and fill the glass with ice.
Top with club soda or sparkling water to keep the carbs low. For an extra touch, garnish with a cucumber slice or lemon wheel.
11. Blueberry Keto Mojito
A Blueberry Keto Mojito offers a fruity twist on the classic cocktail without the carbs. This refreshing drink combines fresh mint, lime, blueberries, and rum for a perfect summer beverage.
Skip the sugar and opt for a low-carb sweetener instead. Some recipes use sugar-free drink mixes like Everly’s Pomegranate Berry to add flavor without carbs.
The drink typically contains between 0-7g net carbs depending on the recipe and amount of blueberries used. Muddle fresh blueberries with mint leaves and lime for the most authentic flavor.
12. Dry Martini
A Dry Martini is a perfect choice for those following a keto diet. This classic cocktail contains almost no carbs.
The traditional recipe calls for gin and dry vermouth. Since dry vermouth has minimal sugar content, it fits well within keto guidelines when used in moderation.
Ask for “extra dry” which means less vermouth. Garnish with olives or a lemon twist for added flavor without extra carbs.
For the best experience, choose high-quality gin. The clean, botanical flavors shine in this simple yet sophisticated cocktail.
13. Gin Rickey
The Gin Rickey is perfect for keto dieters looking for a refreshing low-carb cocktail. This simple drink contains no sugar.
Combine gin with fresh lime juice and club soda. The absence of sweeteners keeps the carb count extremely low.
This tart and bubbly drink is especially popular during summer months. When ordering at a bar, be specific about wanting no added sugar or simple syrup.
Some bartenders might add sweetener unless you clarify. The Gin Rickey offers a crisp, clean taste that lets the botanical flavors of the gin shine through.
14. Pickleback
The Pickleback is a unique keto-friendly cocktail that combines bourbon and pickle juice. With just 4 simple ingredients, it contains under 3 net carbs per serving.
This savory drink is perfect for pickle lovers and makes a great option for tailgating season. The combination might sound unusual, but the flavors work surprisingly well together.
You’ll need bourbon, pickle juice, lime juice, and a keto-friendly simple syrup to make this cocktail. The savory nature of this drink means it doesn’t need adaptation to fit into your keto lifestyle.
At just 2.9 carbs per serving, you can enjoy this distinctive cocktail without worry.
15. Vodka Collins
The Vodka Collins is a refreshing keto-friendly cocktail. It’s a simple drink that swaps gin for vodka in the classic Collins recipe.
Combine 1 1/2 oz of vodka with 1 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add 1/3 oz of sugar-free sweetener syrup instead of regular simple syrup.
Top it off with about 3 oz of soda water for fizz without the carbs. Use stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit extract as your keto-friendly sweetener.
Serve in a tall glass over ice for a refreshing drink.
16. Brandy Separator
The Brandy Separator is a perfect choice for your keto lifestyle with minimal carbs. This cocktail combines brandy with coffee liqueur over ice for a sophisticated taste.
Mix 1½ ounces of brandy with ½ ounce of sugar-free coffee liqueur in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Float cream on top to create distinct layers.
Try the White Brandy Separator variation by using the same proportions. With approximately 2-3 carbs per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a rich, flavorful drink.
17. Dark ‘n Stormy with Gosling’s Blackstrap Rum
The Dark ‘n Stormy is one of the most keto-friendly cocktails you can enjoy. It contains just two main ingredients: Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and ginger beer.
For a low-carb version, use diet ginger beer to cut the carbs dramatically. The rum contains zero carbs, making it an excellent choice for keto followers.
To make this cocktail, fill a tall glass with ice and pour in diet ginger beer. Float the Gosling’s rum on top and stir until it resembles a storm cloud.
You can add a splash of lime juice for extra flavor without adding significant carbs.
18. Tequila Soda with Grapefruit Splash
This keto-friendly drink is a refreshing take on the classic Paloma cocktail. It combines tequila with soda water and a splash of fresh grapefruit juice for flavor.
Mix 2 ounces of tequila with 4 ounces of club soda in a glass over ice. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh grapefruit juice and a squeeze of lime.
The club soda keeps the carb count low, while the small amount of grapefruit provides flavor without too many carbs. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge if you’d like.
19. Peach Martini
A peach martini offers a delicious low-carb option for keto dieters who crave fruity cocktails. This drink combines the sweetness of peach with the sophistication of a classic martini.
To make this keto-friendly, use sugar-free peach syrup or flavoring instead of sugary liqueurs. Pair it with vodka or a clear spirit of your choice as the base.
For an extra flavor dimension, add a splash of raspberry vodka as suggested in some recipes. This adds complexity without adding carbs.
Garnish with a small piece of fresh peach or a lemon twist to enhance the presentation.
20. Keto Fruity Arnold Palmer
The Keto Fruity Arnold Palmer is a refreshing low-carb twist on the classic half tea, half lemonade drink. This sugar-free version uses keto-friendly ingredients to create a delicious beverage.
Make this drink with sugar-free tea and lemonade mixes. Some recipes use Everly’s Fruit Tea and Strawberry Lemonade Drink Mix for a fruity flavor without added sugars.
For extra flavor, add fresh strawberry slices and lemon. This creates a visually appealing drink.
To make it a cocktail, add 2 oz of vodka to transform this drink into a keto-friendly adult beverage with zero carbs.
21. Wine Spritzer
Wine spritzers are a simple yet refreshing option for keto dieters. Dry and sparkling wines contain only about 1 to 2 grams of carbs per glass.
To make a basic wine spritzer, mix your favorite dry wine with sparkling water. The ratio is typically 3 parts wine to 1 part sparkling water, but you can adjust to your taste.
For extra flavor without adding carbs, add a squeeze of lemon or lime. Drop in a few frozen berries for color and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients To Use and Avoid in Keto Cocktails
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference when crafting keto-friendly cocktails. Understanding which spirits, mixers, and garnishes work best will help you enjoy drinks without breaking your carb limits.
Common Keto-Friendly Spirits
Distilled spirits are your best friends on a keto diet as they contain zero carbs. Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey are all excellent choices when consumed straight or with low-carb mixers.
Silver (or blanco) tequila is particularly clean. Aged spirits like whiskey and dark rum maintain zero carbs despite their rich flavors.
Brandy is another good option that won’t affect your carb count when enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Avoid flavored varieties as they often contain added sugars. Opt for unflavored versions and add your own keto-friendly flavorings.
Low-Carb Mixers and Garnishes
Soda water (club soda) is the perfect zero-carb mixer and adds fizz without carbs. Diet tonic water is a good alternative to regular tonic, which is high in sugar.
Use sugar-free or unsweetened juices in small amounts for flavor. Try a splash of lime or lemon juice, which contains minimal carbs.
Diet ginger beer works well for Moscow mule variations and contains far fewer carbs than traditional versions.
For garnishes, stick with:
- Lemon or lime wedges
- Cucumber slices
- Fresh herbs like mint or basil
- Berries in moderation (strawberries and raspberries have fewer carbs)
Avoid sugar-rimmed glasses and use salt or spices instead.
Ingredients That Increase Carbohydrates
Regular mixers are the biggest carb culprits in cocktails. Standard tonic water can contain 32g of carbs per 12oz serving.
Sweet liqueurs like Kahlúa, Baileys, and Cointreau are high in sugar and should be avoided. Even small amounts can quickly increase the carb count of your drink.
Fruit juices, even natural ones, pack a carb punch. Orange juice contains about 26g of carbs per cup, while cranberry juice has around 30g.
Simple syrup and agave nectar are pure sugar. Replace them with keto sweeteners like:
- Stevia
- Erythritol
- Monk fruit sweetener
Pre-made cocktail mixes almost always contain high amounts of sugar and should be skipped.
Tips for Making and Enjoying Keto Cocktails
Making tasty low-carb cocktails requires some know-how to replace sugary mixers while maintaining great flavor. The right techniques and ingredient substitutions can keep your drinks delicious without breaking your carb limits.
Balancing Flavors Without Sugar
Sugar alternatives are essential for keto cocktails. Use liquid stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener instead of simple syrup or sugar.
Fresh herbs add flavor without carbs. Muddle mint, basil, or rosemary in your glass for complex taste profiles.
Citrus peels contain oils that add bright notes without the juice’s sugar. Express lemon, lime, or orange peels over your drink by twisting them.
Consider these sugar-free flavor enhancers:
- Sugar-free flavored syrups (vanilla, hazelnut)
- Bitters (use sparingly, as some contain small amounts of sugar)
- Fresh berries (in moderation)
- Unsweetened coconut cream
Use soda water or diet tonic instead of regular mixers. These zero-carb options add fizz without carbs.
Staying Within Your Carb Limit
Track the carbs in every ingredient. Clear spirits like vodka, gin, and silver tequila contain zero carbs and make the best choices.
Be cautious with these higher-carb ingredients:
- Regular tonic water (contains 32g+ carbs per serving)
- Fruit juices
- Liqueurs
- Simple syrup
Use a jigger to measure ingredients precisely. Avoid eyeballing to maintain control.
Keep serving sizes reasonable. One standard drink per hour lets your body process alcohol efficiently while staying in ketosis.
Create a list of go-to keto cocktail recipes you enjoy. Trusted options help you avoid impulsive high-carb drink choices.
Pre-batch sugar-free mixers at home for quick drink assembly. This helps you avoid the temptation of sugary store-bought options.
