A bloody mary is a delicious low-carb cocktail.
A bloody mary is a delicious low-carb cocktail.
Image: 123RF / Maksym Khytra

Paleo, banting, LCHF, keto ... Don’t panic! If you’re diving into a low-carb, low-sugar lifestyle, you needn’t dive away from the bar entirely. Dry wine, light beer and pure forms of alcohol (like whisky, tequila, vodka, rum and gin) offer few to zero carbs per serving. The hidden carbs and sugars sneak in when seltzer, sodas, energy drinks, fruit juices or tonic waters are added to the mix. If you must add these, opt for low-sugar, low-carb options.

While wine and light varieties of beer are relatively low in carbs (usually 3g to 4g per serving), while some alcoholic beverages pack in a dizzying 30g or more per serving. Cocktails and mixed drinks are often the worst culprits and regular beer whacks in upwards of 12g of carbs in just one can.

So, if you’re trying to cut out carbs and sugar, steer clear of cocktails, regular beer and too many mixers. Raise a glass of good wine or a neat spirit instead. And of course, watch your consumption (even of the low-carb liquor).

Here are two cocktail recipes that are both delicious and low in carbs and sugar. Cheers to healthier, happier times ahead!

1. FRESH START

INGREDIENTS

45ml Tito's Handmade Vodka

120ml sparkling mineral water

GARNISH

1 orange slice

1 lime slice

METHOD

1. Add Tito's Handmade Vodka and sparkling mineral water to a rocks glass with ice.

2. Stir and garnish with an orange and lime slice.

2. TITO’S BLOODY MARY

INGREDIENTS

45ml Tito’s Handmade Vodka

60ml premium bloody mary mix

60ml tomato juice

METHOD

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake and pour into a pint glass.

3. Go wild with your garnishes – celery, cucumber, stuffed olives …

Pro tip: Rim your glass with cocktail salt.

Wade Bales is the Founder of Wade Bales Fine Wines & Spirits.

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