After the twins were born (just 12 months and two days after their big brother!), we stayed home for a very long time. When we finally started venturing out, I was still breastfeeding. When they finally started to wean, I’d indulge with a drink on date night. When I adopted a low carb, high fat lifestyle, I had to get more creative. That’s why I’ve decided to share these 10 best keto cocktails for special occasions.
Part of my research was because I’ve gotten lazy and need new ideas. I’ve also been enjoying my keto slow cooker recipes and keto Halloween treats so much that I’ve wanted to find some good drinks to enjoy, too!
Is Alcohol “Keto”?
There’s an entire guide on Wholesome Yum (one of my favorite sites!), but I’m going to keep it pretty simple here. Here’s the burning question: can you drink alcohol on the keto diet? The short answer is YES! The catch? You have to choose the low carb drinks…in moderation.
There’s no sugar in alcohol, so it should not kick you out of ketosis but it can slow down your weight loss. Why? Because your body is going to focus on getting rid of the “poison” alcohol before it targets fat. So, be prepared for the scale not to budge if you’ve had booze the night before.
Here are the types of alcohol you can consume without guilt on the keto diet:
- Hard Liquor – Vodka, rum, tequila, gin, brandy, whiskey, etc. Most of these have 0 carbs, just don’t blend them with sugary mixes!
- Dry Wine
- Light Beer (check the carb counts, though!)
- Light Seltzers (as long as there is no sugar added)
These are the types of alcohol you need to avoid on keto:
- Mixed drinks – If it’s made with sugar, skip it. Unfortunately, that’s most mixed drinks 🙁
- Drinks made with soda or juice (you could try diet soda)
- Sweet wines
- Liqueurs
- Hard ciders or wine coolers
- Sangrias (the wine’s not the problem, it’s the added sugar)
It’s also worth noting that some people find their tolerance for alcohol much lower than before they adopted a keto diet. So, if you’re usually able to drink two or three drinks without feeling the effects, you might want to start with just one and see how you feel. Sip slowly. Trust me.
Low Carb Vanilla Latte Martini
My big splurge used to be a Mudslide Martini, but the one I’d order at TGI Friday’s had 35 net carbs! That’s almost two days’ worth of my carb allowance! When I spotted this recipe for a low carb Vanilla Latte Martini, I knew I had to try it.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s a two-for-one, really. Yes, you get the recipe for the Vanilla Latte Martini, but you also learn how to make your own sugar-free coffee liquer. Bonus!!!
Low Carb Vodka Chata Drink
There are so many things to love about this recipe for low carb Vodka Chata. First of all, you can make it with either vodka or rum. I’m more of a rum person so the idea of making a keto-friendly RumChata makes me so happy.
Plus, it’s just 0.6 net carbs for this sweet little drink that you can sip on the couch while you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Winning!
Keto Hot Buttered Rum
We absolutely love winter and fall. There are so many things to enjoy. Snuggling under a blanket watching a horror flick is among my favorite. Now, I can stay warm and toasty with this Keto Hot Buttered Rum recipe, too!
It makes enough for 4.5 servings, so you can share — or enjoy a few cups for yourself. Hey, it’s better than a handful of Halloween candy, am I right?
Sugar Free Hot Toddy
When I was a little girl, my grandmother always talked about hot toddies. If she felt like there was too much of a chill in the air or was coming down with something, she’d make some for herself. When I got older, I did the same.
Now, there’s this great recipe for a Sugar Free Hot Toddy that I can make when the weather is especially gloomy. All I need is a mug of this stuff, my warmest socks and a blanket and I’m good to go!
Keto Irish Coffee
One summer, a friend and I both went through a tough summer. We’d often meet for lunch and order Bailey’s hot chocolate or coffee. Although it was a rough time, just the smell of these drinks brings back fond memories of friendship.
This recipe for Keto Irish Coffee from Keto Connect is the best one I could find which isn’t surprising because that site is awesome! It feels like this would be the perfect pick-me-up for the day after Thanksgiving. We’re doing this!
Dark & Stormy Cocktail
As Halloween approaches, lots of people will be having parties and gatherings. You will want to skip the sugary punches and cocktails, but you don’t have to feel left out! This great recipe for the Dark & Stormy Cocktail is perfect!
It’s so simple to make, too. So, if anyone wants to try some of your drink, you can easily make them one! We don’t need no stinkin’ sugar!
While it’s never a good idea to drink alcohol in excess, you can still enjoy most things in moderation. Keto is a great way of living, and some people are really strict, but it can be flexible too.
That’s what we love about it. Not only have I lost weight, but it helps with our anxiety and makes us feel good. That’s why, even when we have a “cheat” meal, we always go back to that low carb, high fat way of eating!
Do you have a favorite keto cocktail? Share your drink ideas in the comments!
PIN IT FOR LATER
