What Alcoholic Drink Is OK for Keto? Your Guide to Low-Carb Sips

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Healthline, pure spirits like rum, vodka, gin, and tequila contain zero carbohydrates, making them a suitable choice for those on a ketogenic diet. So, what alcoholic drink is ok for keto? The secret lies in understanding the carb content of different beverages and, more importantly, the mixers you combine them with.

Quick Summary

Pure spirits and certain dry wines and light beers can be low-carb options for the keto diet. The key is to avoid sugary mixers and sweet beverages that can easily push you out of ketosis. Moderate consumption is essential for maintaining your dietary goals.

Key Points

Pure Spirits are Zero-Carb: Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and whiskey are carb-free, but only when unflavored.
Avoid Sugary Mixers: The real carb trap lies in sodas, juices, and tonic water. Use sugar-free alternatives like soda water or diet soda.
Choose Dry Wines: Stick to dry red and white wines, which contain minimal carbs. Avoid sweet dessert wines and fortified options.
Select Light Beers and Hard Seltzers: Many light beer and hard seltzer options are available with very low carb counts. Always check the label.
Mind Your Intake: Alcohol can slow down fat burning and lower inhibitions, so moderate consumption is vital for maintaining ketosis.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check for hidden sugars in flavored alcohols, liqueurs, and cocktail mixes.

Navigating Alcohol on the Keto Diet

When following a ketogenic diet, managing your carbohydrate intake is crucial for staying in a state of ketosis. Many people assume alcohol is off-limits, but that's not always the case. The real challenge comes from the hidden sugars and carbs in many popular drinks and mixers. By making smart choices, you can enjoy an occasional alcoholic beverage without sabotaging your progress.

The Impact of Alcohol on Ketosis

Even with keto-friendly drink options, it's important to understand how alcohol affects your body. When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it over other fuels, including fat. This can temporarily pause or slow down the fat-burning process. Additionally, alcohol can lower your inhibitions, which may lead to poor food choices that can easily kick you out of ketosis. Therefore, moderation is always key.

The Best Spirits for a Keto Lifestyle

For those who prefer liquor, pure spirits are your safest bet. This is because the distillation process removes carbohydrates and sugar, leaving behind a zero-carb liquid. Flavored spirits, however, often contain added sugars and should be avoided.

Vodka: The ultimate blank canvas for keto cocktails. Combine with soda water and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime for a simple, refreshing drink.
Rum: Stick to clear or unflavored rum, as spiced or coconut-flavored varieties can be high in sugar. Mix it with a diet soda or sparkling water.
Gin: A classic, zero-carb spirit. Pair it with a sugar-free or 'slimline' tonic water and a lime wedge.
Tequila: An excellent zero-carb choice. Make a low-carb margarita using fresh lime juice and a keto-friendly sweetener instead of traditional sugary mixes.
Whiskey: Unflavored whiskey, bourbon, and scotch contain zero carbs. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water or sugar-free mixer.

Keto-Friendly Wines and Beers

While spirits are the safest, some wines and beers can also fit into a keto diet in moderation. The key is to choose the driest options possible, as fermentation removes most of the sugar.

Dry Wines: Dry red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, have very low carb counts, typically under 4 grams per 5-ounce glass. Always check the specific wine's nutrition information, as sweetness levels can vary.
Hard Seltzers: The rise of hard seltzers has provided another low-carb option. Many brands offer versions with just 1-2 grams of carbs per can.
Light Beer: Some light beers can be surprisingly low in carbs. Brands like Miller Lite or Michelob Ultra are often recommended for their lower carbohydrate counts. Always check the label before you buy.

The Dangers of Sugary Mixers and Liqueurs

Your low-carb spirit can quickly become a sugar-filled disaster with the wrong mixer. Juices, regular soda, and sweetened cordials are packed with carbs and should be strictly avoided. The same goes for high-sugar liqueurs, which can contain 15 grams or more of carbs in a single serving. This includes popular options like Kahlúa, Baileys, and Fireball.

Comparison Table: Keto-Friendly Drinks


Drink Category	Keto-Friendly Examples	Carb Range (per serving)	Common Mixers to Avoid
Pure Spirits	Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, Whiskey	0g	Sugary sodas, juice, tonic water
Dry Wines	Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Brut Champagne	2-4g (per 5oz)	Dessert wines, sangria, sweet wines
Hard Seltzers	White Claw, Truly	1-2g (per 12oz)	---
Light Beers	Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite	2-6g (per 12oz)	Regular beer, craft beer, ciders

How to Order at a Bar While on Keto

Ordering a keto-friendly drink at a bar is easier than you think. Just remember to keep it simple and specify your preferences clearly. Here are some examples:

Vodka Soda: A classic and simple choice. Ask for vodka with soda water and a lime wedge. Make sure they don't confuse soda water with tonic water, which contains sugar.
Dry Martini: Request a dry martini with gin and no vermouth, or just a very small amount.
Whiskey on the Rocks: A straightforward order with no added carbs. You can also ask for a splash of water.
Low-Carb Margarita: Ask for tequila, fresh lime juice, and a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol if available. Avoid the pre-made mixes entirely.

Conclusion: Enjoying Alcohol on Keto Responsibly

Finding what alcoholic drink is ok for keto is less about giving up alcohol entirely and more about making informed, conscious choices. By sticking to zero-carb pure spirits, dry wines, or light beers and pairing them with sugar-free mixers, you can enjoy a drink without derailing your diet. Always consume alcohol in moderation, as it can still impact weight loss goals and your overall health. For those who want more precise control, making keto cocktails at home using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit is the safest option. Cheers to a successful and sustainable keto lifestyle!

For more detailed information on specific brands and their nutritional content, consult resources from reputable organizations like Atkins or Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all alcoholic drinks are keto-friendly. Pure spirits are zero-carb, but many beers, sweet wines, and sugary mixed drinks contain high amounts of carbohydrates and should be avoided.

Many light beers and hard seltzers are low in carbs and can be consumed in moderation on a keto diet. However, you should always check the nutritional label of the specific brand to be sure.

The best mixers are those with zero carbs and zero sugar. Good choices include soda water, diet soda, sugar-free tonic water, and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice.

Drinking alcohol can temporarily slow down fat burning as your body prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol. While pure spirits won't add carbs, excessive consumption can pause your keto progress.

For wine lovers, dry red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, and dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, are your best options. They contain less than 4 grams of carbs per glass.

To make a keto margarita, combine a zero-carb tequila with fresh lime juice. Instead of a sugary mix, use a keto-friendly liquid sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to taste.

Yes, you should avoid most liqueurs, as they are typically made with added sugar and high-carb flavorings. Options like Kahlúa, Baileys, and coconut rum are not keto-friendly.