Low carb alcoholic drinks don’t mean you have to give up enjoying life. Whether it’s a glass of wine with dinner or a round with friends, watching your carb intake doesn’t require you to stop social drinking altogether.
There are plenty of low-carb options for people who like to drink — and several picks in our top-ten list are essentially carb-free. As with anything, moderation is key: heavy drinking is risky for everyone, so enjoy carb-conscious drinks occasionally and responsibly.
Why so much liquor?
Distilled spirits are the most reliable source of low carb alcohol. They're almost carb-free, so all you have to worry about is what you combine them with. But not everyone enjoys drinking strong liquor, so we've included several diet-friendly beers and wines.
Diet Jack and Coke
A standard cola will deplete your daily carbohydrate intake. However, diet soda lends itself to many carb-free drinks—this variation on the classic Jack and Coke substitutes Diet Coke.
Make! Mix one jigger (1.5 ounces) of whiskey with Diet Coke and serve over ice.
- estimated calories (per serving): 100
- estimated carbohydrates (per serving): 0 grams
Cuba Libre
You may use diet cola to make any easy low carb recipe. Despite its sweet taste, rum has no carbohydrates.
Make! Combine your favorite unflavored rum with diet cola, then serve over ice. Add a slice of lime for an extra twist.
- estimated calories: 100
- estimated carbohydrates (with a twist of lime): <1 gram
Carb-free gin and tonic
Gin and tonics are excellent summer beverages. They are crisp and refreshing, but tonic water is high in carbohydrates—32 grams in each 12-ounce can! Swap soda water for tonic, and you'll get the taste without jeopardizing your diet.
Make! Mix one jigger of gin with soda water, squeeze with some lemon or lime, and pour over ice.
- estimated calories: 150
- estimated carbohydrates: <1 gram
Low Carb Mojito
The typical mojito is sweetened with syrup, but you can achieve the same sweetness without carbohydrates by using a lemon-lime drink like Diet Sierra Mist or Diet Sprite. (1)
Make! Combine one jigger of rum, fresh lime juice, and diet lemon-lime soda. Pour over muddled mint leaves. Then, pour over the ice.
- estimated calories: 110
- estimated carbohydrates: 1.5 grams
Michelob ULTRA
Beer seldom appears on low carb lists since most varieties are high in carbs. Michelob ULTRA, for example, is a light beer that will not detract from your efforts.
- estimated calories: 95
- estimated carbohydrates: 2.6 grams
Wine
Remember that a single glass of wine is around 5 ounces.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot grigio is a fantastic choice with little carbs if you want your wine to be calm and refreshing.
- estimated calories: 123
- estimated carbohydrates: 3 grams
Sauvignon blanc
Sauvignon Blanc also deserves a spot in your low carb wine cabinet.
- estimated calories: 120
- estimated carbohydrates: 3 grams
Red wine
Pinot Noir is an excellent low carb alternative if you like red wine.
- estimated calories: 122
- estimated carbohydrates: 3.4 grams
Beck’s Premier Light
Beck's light lager could be the answer if you need extra flavor in your bubbles! It is another of the beer hall's low carb selections.
- estimated calories: 63
- estimated carbohydrates: 3.8 grams
Low carb sea breeze
A sea breeze is a delicious summer drink that does not have to contain sugar. Traditionally, it is prepared with grapefruit juice, but using Diet Squirt avoids the added carbohydrates.
Make! Combine one jigger of vodka, two ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice, and four ounces of Diet Squirt. Pour over the ice.
- estimated calories: 110
- estimated carbohydrates: 6 grams
Enjoy!
Artificial sweeteners have a harmful influence on gut microbes and can indirectly raise blood sugar levels. Therefore, they are not without drawbacks. Moderation is still necessary. Knowing what's in your alcoholic beverages can help you make informed decisions and stay on track with your health objectives.
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