There are many reasons why someone might stick to a low carb diet. But that doesn’t mean those who do can’t indulge in an adult beverage every once in a while. With the right recipe and some low carb alcoholic mixers, you can whip up delicious low carb cocktails anyone can enjoy when entertaining this summer. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Low Carb Mojito
A traditional mojito typically contains two teaspoons of sugar. Sugar helps to release the flavor of the mint during muddling, but as a simple carbohydrate, it can also count against your daily carb intake. To make a low carb mojito, swap out the regular white sugar for your favorite artificial sweetener, like Truvia or Splenda.
Ingredients:
- 8 mint leaves
- 1 fl oz (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice or lime wedges from a third of a lime
- 1 heaping tablespoon artificial sweetener
- 1 1/2 oz white rum
- Club soda
Directions:
- Place the mint, lime juice, and artificial sweetener into a highball or Collins glass. Using a cocktail muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon or spatula, “muddle” the ingredients together.
- Fill the glass about 3/4 of the way up with ice. Add the rum and top off with club soda. Stir to combine. Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime wedge, if desired.
Gin and Tonic Soda Water
The leading brand of tonic water contains 32 grams of sugar per 12 fl oz bottle. Soda water, or carbonated water, on the other hand, contains no sugar.
Diet Rum and Coke
Diet coke mixed with one jigger of whiskey makes for a nice, cold low-carb alcoholic drink when served on the rocks.
Cuba Libre
With diet cola, you can make any low-carb drink. Amazingly, sweet flavored rum has no carbs but you can still prepare a low-carb drink by mixing unflavored rum with diet coke. Serve with ice and a slice of lemon.
Low Carb Sea Breeze
This fruity drink is traditionally made with grapefruit juice. Mix a jigger of your favorite vodka with unsweetened cranberry juice and diet soda to eliminate the extra carbs before serving it on ice.
Wine
If you prefer soft liquor, there is a wide range of low carb alcoholic wine that you can enjoy including Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc each holding just 3 grams of carbs. Also on the list is Pinot Noir, a red wine containing 3.4 grams of carb or 5 ounces of carb.
Low Carb Beer
Michelob Ultra, a light beer with 2.6 grams of carbs is one of the most popular low carb alcoholic drinks.