What Can I Mix Gin with on Keto? Your Ultimate Guide to Low-Carb Gin Cocktails

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Fact: A standard 1.5-ounce shot of pure gin contains zero carbohydrates, making it a keto-friendly spirit on its own. The challenge for those on a ketogenic diet lies not in the gin itself but in the mixers, which are often loaded with sugar. So, what can I mix gin with on keto? The answer is a variety of zero-carb, sugar-free mixers and natural ingredients that maintain flavor without sacrificing your dietary goals.

Quick Summary

Pure gin is carb-free, making it a viable option for a ketogenic diet. This guide explores the best low-carb and zero-sugar mixers, from sparkling waters to homemade syrups, for creating delicious keto-friendly gin cocktails. Learning to substitute high-sugar ingredients ensures you can enjoy a variety of refreshing drinks without derailing ketosis.

Key Points

Zero-Carb Base: Pure, unflavored gin is a zero-carb spirit, making it suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Smart Mixer Swaps: Replace high-sugar mixers like regular tonic, ginger ale, and fruit juice with diet tonic, zero-carb sparkling water, and sugar-free sodas.
Homemade Syrups: Create low-carb simple syrups using keto-friendly sweeteners like monk fruit, allulose, or stevia to add sweetness without the sugar.
Herbs and Garnishes: Use fresh herbs (rosemary, basil), citrus twists, and cucumber slices to add complex flavor and aroma without extra carbs.
Prioritize Moderation: Be mindful that consuming alcohol will temporarily stall fat burning as your body processes the alcohol first. Your alcohol tolerance may also be lower on keto.

Keto-Friendly Mixer Essentials

Pure spirits like gin, vodka, and tequila are free of carbohydrates and sugar, which is why they fit into a ketogenic lifestyle. The most basic and safest mixers for gin on keto are those with zero calories and zero carbs. These staples should form the foundation of your keto home bar.

Sparkling Water and Club Soda

One of the simplest ways to enjoy gin is to pair it with sparkling water or club soda. These mixers add effervescence and dilute the alcohol without contributing any carbs. For a basic, crisp drink:

Gin & Soda: A classic combination of gin, club soda, and a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon.
Flavored Sparkling Water: Brands like LaCroix, Bubly, or Aqua Libra offer a variety of flavors without sugar or artificial sweeteners, such as cucumber-lime or grapefruit.

Diet Tonic Water

For those who crave a classic gin and tonic, diet or zero-sugar tonic water is the perfect keto solution. Regular tonic water contains significant amounts of sugar, which can quickly knock you out of ketosis. Many brands, including Fever Tree Naturally Light and Artisan Drinks Co., offer excellent low-sugar alternatives that deliver the familiar crisp and slightly bitter taste.

Zero-Carb Syrups and Sweeteners

Many cocktails rely on simple syrup for sweetness. On keto, you can easily create or buy a sugar-free version using erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose.

Homemade Simple Syrup: Simply combine a keto-friendly sweetener with water over heat until dissolved. You can infuse this syrup with herbs like rosemary or basil for extra flavor.
Sugar-Free Flavored Syrups: Brands like Torani or Jordan's Skinny Syrups offer zero-sugar options in flavors like vanilla, raspberry, or peach.

Low-Carb Cocktail Recipes

Mixing gin with keto-approved ingredients allows for a wide range of refreshing and flavorful cocktails. Here are a few recipes inspired by traditional favorites:

Keto Gin Rickey: Muddle fresh lime juice and a few mint leaves in a glass. Add 2 ounces of gin, top with chilled club soda, and garnish with a lime wheel.
Keto Blackberry Bramble: In a shaker, muddle a few fresh blackberries with a splash of keto simple syrup. Add 1.5 ounces of gin and lemon juice. Shake with ice, then strain over crushed ice and top with a diet ginger beer.
Cucumber Gin Fizz: In a blender, liquidize some cucumber. Strain the juice and shake with gin and lime juice. Strain into a glass and top with sugar-free ginger ale for a refreshing, herby drink.

Comparison of Mixers


Mixer Type	Regular Version	Keto-Friendly Option	Notes
Tonic Water	High sugar (approx. 16g per serving)	Diet Tonic Water, Light Tonic Water	Look for 'zero sugar' or 'naturally light' versions.
Simple Syrup	Concentrated sugar water	Keto Simple Syrup (made with monk fruit, allulose)	Easy to make at home or buy pre-made.
Ginger Beer/Ale	High sugar content	Zero-Carb Ginger Beer/Ale	Brands like Zevia and Reed's offer diet versions.
Fruit Juice	Very high in sugar and carbs	Flavored sparkling water, a few fresh berries (muddled)	Only use in tiny amounts, as a garnish.
Soda	High sugar content (e.g., Sprite)	Diet Soda (e.g., Diet Sprite)	Use sparingly or opt for plain soda water.

The Role of Garnish and Fresh Ingredients

Don't underestimate the power of fresh ingredients to elevate your keto gin cocktails. They add aroma and depth of flavor without the carbs associated with fruit juices.

Fresh Herbs: A sprig of rosemary, basil, or thyme adds a complex, earthy aroma and taste. Muddle them gently to release their oils.
Citrus Zest and Peel: A twist of lemon or orange peel provides aromatic oils that brighten the drink, a much better option than using the high-sugar juice.
Cucumber Slices: Especially with gins that feature cucumber botanicals, fresh slices add a refreshing, cooling element.
Berries: While most fruits are high in sugar, a few frozen or muddled berries can add a pop of flavor with minimal carb impact.

Considerations for Drinking Alcohol on Keto

While you can enjoy keto gin cocktails, it's important to remember that alcohol affects your body differently on a ketogenic diet. Your body will prioritize metabolizing alcohol over fat, which can temporarily pause ketosis.

Moderation is Key: Excessive alcohol consumption can impair judgment and lead to poor food choices. On a low-carb diet, alcohol tolerance can be significantly lower, so it's wise to drink less.
Beware of Hidden Carbs: Always check the labels on pre-mixed products and avoid anything with added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. Stick to pure spirits and zero-carb mixers to be safe.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of cocktails on a ketogenic diet doesn't mean giving up on gin. By understanding what can I mix gin with on keto, you can enjoy a variety of delicious, low-carb drinks. Swapping sugary mixers for sparkling water, diet tonic, or homemade zero-carb syrups, and adding fresh herbs and citrus, allows you to craft sophisticated cocktails that are both satisfying and keto-friendly. With smart choices and moderation, you can responsibly enjoy your favorite spirit while staying in ketosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a traditional gin and tonic uses regular tonic water, which is high in sugar and will quickly kick you out of ketosis. You must use a zero-sugar or diet tonic water instead.

Most flavored gins are not suitable for keto as they often contain added sugars and fruit juices to achieve their taste. Stick to a classic, unflavored gin to be safe.

You can make a keto simple syrup by dissolving a zero-carb sweetener, such as monk fruit, erythritol, or allulose, in water. Brands like Torani also offer pre-made zero-sugar syrups.

Yes, when you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it over burning fat for energy. This can temporarily pause ketosis, but it will resume once the alcohol is processed.

While most fruit juice is off-limits, you can use small amounts of low-carb fruits as a garnish or for muddling, such as a few raspberries or a slice of lime. The key is moderation.

The best and simplest zero-carb mixers are sparkling water, club soda, and diet tonic water. They add fizz without any sugar or calories.

On a ketogenic diet, your liver is busy producing ketones, which can affect how your body processes alcohol. This often results in a lower alcohol tolerance, so it's best to drink in moderation.