Can You Drink Alcohol On The Keto Diet? The Best and Worst Drinks

What could go wrong? Having a social life and trying to win that long overdue promise to maintain a trendy lifestyle diet? Some say it is impossible to do two different things without compromising the other. But what if that is not the case? What if the only thing stopping you from achieving both a quality lifestyle and a healthy, fun social life is not knowing the science behind what you are eating?

One must not choose between going out to a party and having some drinks versus staying at home just to fulfill their strict diet routine without even knowing if it’s backed up by science. Numerous myths are circling the internet, and it is about time to shatter some of those.

An individual who commits to becoming healthy starts a diet plan and focuses on nutrients that they need is still definitely allowed to drink or consume alcohol. There’s a negative connotation that individuals who consume alcohol are more likely to live an unhealthy lifestyle. But that is not always the case.

Keto-Diet and Alcohol

According to an article from Total Shape, a practical keto diet lifestyle is when you plan a nutritional diet that has a combination of high fat and low carbohydrates content. The primary source of energy in the body is carbohydrates, and they can be found in fruits, honey, grains, and dairy. The problem arises when someone has an excessive carbohydrate intake, these excess carbs can lead to diabetes and extra pounds in your weight.

Every alcohol is not created equal. Different alcoholic beverages have different levels of carbohydrates in them. A ketogenic lifestyle has an allowable carb intake of 20-50 grams per day. You have to know the number of carbohydrates per type of liquor and understand the undesirable ones.

The most common and famous option is wine since it has fewer carbs than the accessible drink, beer. But it does not mean that wine is the best option for you.

Another thing to remember, Medical News Today stated that if someone is on a keto diet, to treat an existing illness like diabetes and epilepsy, it is best not to consume any alcoholic beverages.

Keto-Friendly Alcohols

Of course, you can look for different ket-friendly alcohols. But you should also know simple things like, it is mandatory to stay hydrated when consuming alcohol, especially on a keto diet. Hangover experiences are extreme if you remain dehydrated. Remember to stick to your plan and stay within the range of allowable carbs intake per day.

It is common for liquor lounges or bars to mix alcohol with sodas, juice, or other beverages. These alcohol mixes beat the purpose of pure spirit liquors like vodka that supposedly contains zero carbs. Be mindful of these kinds of sweet mixed drinks.

Zero Carbs Alcohol Options:

• Vodka
• Whiskey
• Tequila
• Rum
• Brandy
• Gin

Low On Carbs Alcohol Options:

• Red Wine (Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, Zinfandel)

• 3-5g (grams) net carbs per glass

• SkinnyGirl Wine (Prosecco, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio)

• 2-5g (grams) net carbs per glass

• White Wine (Sparkling White Wine, Brut Cava, Riesling, Albarino, Pinot Blanc)

• 1-6g (grams) net carbs per glass

• Low Carbs Beer (Greens Trailblazer, Budweiser Select 55, Miller 64, Coors Light)

• 0.5-5g (grams) net carbs per glass

Alcohols To Avoid On Keto Diet

As you already know, the number one thing you must avoid when you are on your keto diet plan is the number of carbs on your foods and drinks. Food items with highly refined carbohydrates should be avoided, and some examples are white rice, white bread, sodas, and processed food. But there are also drinks or alcohol to avoid since they have high sugar, high carbs content. Alcoholic beverages like cocktail mixes can be loaded with up to 50g (grams) of carbs and should be avoided not just by individuals on a keto-diet lifestyle.

High On Carbs Alcohol Beverages That Must Be Avoided:

• Fuzzy Navel - 38 grams
• Piña Colada - 32 grams
• Sangria - 27 grams
• Mojito - 25 grams
• Cosmopolitan - 22 grams
• Screwdriver - 19 grams
• Seven and Seven - 17 grams
• Gin and Tonic - 16 grams
• Tequila Sunrise - 15 grams
• Margarita - 11 grams
• Long Island Iced Tea - 10 grams

The Bottom Line

It is typically not bad to have some alcoholic beverages in your keto-diet routine, as you can see on the list mentioned above. But it also does not mean that it can be regularly added and consumed. There are numerous options to pick from, and they’re low carb by content and are keto-friendly. The key term is “moderation.” It has always been the key whenever you’re about to face the all-time diet breaker, alcohol drinking.

This guideline will only help you understand the carbohydrate contents of your drinks. You can now assess your options and try to eliminate the beverages with overly high carbs content from your go-to party drinks. But it’s still up to your moderation to sustain a healthy diet lifestyle.