If you’re on a low-carb diet, like keto or Atkins, finding alcoholic drinks that fit your lifestyle might seem challenging. Many alcoholic beverages are loaded with sugar and carbs, but there’s good news: there are plenty of low-carb options that allow you to enjoy a drink or two without derailing your progress.
Whether you’re into cocktails, wine, beer, or hard seltzers, this comprehensive list of 50 low-carb alcoholic drinks will help you stick to your goals.
Low carb spirits and cocktails
1. Vodka soda
If you’re looking for the ultimate low-carb cocktail, vodka soda is a winner. It’s made with vodka and club soda (also known as soda water or sparkling water), which has zero carbs. The drink is crisp, refreshing, and easy to customize.
Carbs: 0 grams
Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon for a burst of flavor, or toss in some cucumber slices or mint leaves for a more refreshing twist without extra carbs.
2. Gin & diet tonic
A classic gin and tonic can be high in sugar, but by switching to diet tonic, you cut out all the carbs. Gin has a distinct, herbal taste, making it a popular base for low-carb cocktails. When mixed with diet tonic, it becomes a refreshing, carb-friendly drink.
Carbs: 0-1 grams
Tip: You can elevate your drink with fresh garnishes like cucumber slices, rosemary, or a twist of lemon peel to add flavor without the sugar.
3. Rum & diet Coke
Rum, especially darker varieties, has a rich, deep flavor profile that pairs perfectly with soda. By choosing diet cola, you can enjoy this classic cocktail without the carbs that come with regular soda.
Carbs: 0 grams
Tip: For extra flavor, opt for spiced rum and garnish with a lime wedge for an even richer experience.
4. Whiskey on the rocks
For those who prefer their drinks strong and simple, whiskey on the rocks is an excellent zero-carb option. Whether it’s bourbon, scotch, or Irish whiskey, it’s carb-free when enjoyed straight or with ice. Whiskey has a robust flavor, making it a satisfying choice for slow sipping.
Carbs: 0 grams
Tip: Add a splash of soda water to slightly mellow out the whiskey without adding carbs.
5. Dry martini
The dry martini is a classic cocktail made with gin or vodka and a touch of dry vermouth. The fewer ingredients, the better for keeping it low-carb. It’s an elegant choice and a perfect cocktail for those who want something simple yet sophisticated.
Carbs: 0-1 grams
Tip: Skip sugary versions like appletinis or cosmos—stick to the classic dry martini to avoid added sugars. Garnish with an olive or lemon twist for a little extra flair.
6. Tequila & soda with lime
Tequila is naturally carb-free, and when paired with soda water and fresh lime juice, it creates a zesty, refreshing cocktail. Unlike sugary margarita mixes, this option keeps things simple and low-carb, allowing you to enjoy the bold flavors of tequila.
Carbs: 0 grams (if no added sugar)
Tip: For a low-carb version of a margarita, combine tequila, fresh lime juice, and a bit of stevia or another zero-calorie sweetener.
7. Mojito (without simple syrup)
A traditional mojito is often loaded with sugar, but you can make a low-carb version by simply skipping the sugary simple syrup. This cocktail features rum, fresh mint, lime, and soda water, making it a refreshing and keto-friendly choice.
Carbs: 1-2 grams
Tip: Use a sugar substitute like stevia to sweeten it without adding carbs. Muddle extra mint for an even more refreshing experience.
8. Vodka & diet lemonade
For a refreshing summer drink, try mixing vodka with diet lemonade. This cocktail is both light and low in carbs, perfect for hot days when you want something crisp and tangy without the extra sugar.
Carbs: 0-1 grams
Tip: Garnish with lemon slices or a few fresh mint leaves to elevate the flavor while keeping it carb-free.
9. Gin & soda with cucumber
Gin’s botanical flavors pair perfectly with crisp, refreshing soda water. Adding cucumber slices enhances the drink’s freshness while keeping it carb-free. This is an ideal cocktail for those who enjoy light, aromatic drinks.
Carbs: 0 grams
Tip: Garnish with basil or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor without the sugar.
10. Rum punch (sugar-free)
Love tropical flavors but want to avoid the sugar? A sugar-free rum punch is your answer. You can mix rum with diet fruit-flavored soda or a sugar-free punch mix to create a fruity, tropical cocktail that doesn’t mess with your low-carb goals.
Carbs: 0-1 grams
Tip: For a homemade version, mix rum with fresh citrus juices and a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia for a punch that packs flavor, not carbs.
Low carb wine options
26. Cabernet Sauvignon
This bold red wine is perfect for pairing with meats and cheese. It’s rich, flavorful, and one of the lower-carb red wine options available.
Carbs: 3-4 grams per 5-ounce serving
Tip: Stick to a 5-ounce pour to keep carb counts in check. Red wines tend to be more calorie-dense as well.
27. Merlot
Merlot is known for its smooth, fruity flavor and is slightly sweeter than Cabernet, but still relatively low in carbs. It’s a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Carbs: 3-4 grams per 5-ounce serving
Tip: When ordering out, ask for a dry Merlot to ensure you’re getting the lowest sugar content.
28. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with fruity, earthy flavors. It’s one of the lower-carb red wines, making it a popular choice for those looking to limit their sugar intake while still enjoying a glass of wine.
Carbs: 3-4 grams per 5-ounce serving
Tip: Pinot Noir pairs well with grilled vegetables, chicken, or fish, making it a versatile option for meals.
29. Sauvignon Blanc
This crisp, dry white wine is a great choice for low-carb drinkers. Sauvignon Blanc is often lower in carbs than other white wines, with its light, zesty flavor profile.
Carbs: 3 grams per 5-ounce serving
Tip: Look for Sauvignon Blanc from cooler climates like New Zealand, as these tend to be lower in residual sugar.
30. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a popular dry white wine that’s known for its buttery, rich flavor. When choosing a Chardonnay, look for unoaked varieties for a crisper, lighter experience.
Carbs: 3-4 grams per 5-ounce serving
Tip: Pair Chardonnay with seafood or grilled chicken for a light, low-carb meal.
Hard seltzers
43. White Claw (various flavors)
White Claw is one of the most popular hard seltzers on the market, known for its refreshing flavors and low-carb content. With only 2 grams of carbs per can, it’s a great option for those on a low-carb diet looking for a light, fruity drink.
Carbs: 2 grams per 12-ounce can
Tip: Enjoy it ice-cold at a BBQ or outdoor gathering, and pair it with low-carb snacks like nuts or cheese.
44. Truly (various flavors)
Truly hard seltzers come in a wide range of flavors, all with a light, refreshing taste. With only 2 grams of carbs per can, it’s another excellent choice for those watching their carb intake.
Carbs: 2 grams per 12-ounce can
Tip: Try mixing your favorite Truly flavor with a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice for an extra kick of flavor.
Low-carb alternatives and mixers
49. Diet tonic water
Tonic water is usually high in sugar, but the diet version is a perfect low-carb alternative for mixing with gin or vodka. It provides the same crisp, bubbly texture without the added carbs, making it a go-to mixer for low-carb cocktails.
Carbs: 0 grams
Tip: Pair it with gin and a squeeze of lemon or lime for a refreshing, carb-free gin and tonic.
50. Club soda
Club soda is a naturally carb-free mixer that adds fizz to your cocktails without any sugar or calories. It’s a perfect base for spirits like vodka, gin, or rum when you want to keep things light and carb-free.
Carbs: 0 grams
Tip: Add a twist of lemon or lime to your club soda and spirit mix for a refreshing, guilt-free drink.
Question | Answer |
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What alcohol drink has the least carbs? |
Most pure spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, and rum contain 0 carbs when consumed straight or with carb-free mixers like soda water. Vodka soda is a popular choice for a low-carb cocktail with 0 grams of carbs. |
Can you drink alcohol on keto and still lose weight? |
Yes, but in moderation. While alcohol doesn’t stop ketosis, it slows fat burning as your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol. Choose low-carb options like spirits or dry wine and avoid sugary mixers to stay keto-friendly. |
Are White Claws low-carb? |
Yes, White Claw hard seltzers are low-carb, with only 2 grams of carbs per 12-ounce can, making them a popular choice for keto and low-carb diets. |
What is the best alcoholic drink for low sugar? |
The best low-sugar alcoholic drinks are pure spirits like vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, and tequila when served neat or with carb-free mixers. Dry wines and Brut Champagne are also low in sugar compared to sweeter wines and cocktails. |
What cocktail is keto-friendly? |
A vodka soda is one of the most keto-friendly cocktails, containing 0 carbs. You can also enjoy a margarita made with fresh lime juice and a sugar-free sweetener or a dry martini for minimal carbs. |
How many carbs are in White Claw? |
White Claw contains 2 grams of carbs per 12-ounce can, making it a low-carb option suitable for keto and low-carb diets. |
Is bourbon keto-friendly? |
Yes, bourbon is keto-friendly because it contains 0 carbs when consumed straight or with carb-free mixers like soda water. |
What seltzers have no carbs? |
Corona Hard Seltzer is one of the few hard seltzers with 0 grams of carbs per 12-ounce can, making it an ideal choice for low-carb diets. |
What alcoholic drink doesn’t spike blood sugar? |
Pure spirits like vodka, whiskey, and gin won’t spike blood sugar when consumed without sugary mixers. Stick to carb-free mixers like soda water to keep blood sugar levels stable. |
Is rum and Coke zero keto-friendly? |
Yes, if you use Diet Coke or Coke Zero, a rum and diet soda mix is keto-friendly as it contains 0 carbs. Avoid regular Coke, which is high in sugar. |