Can you drink, imbibe, partake of a cocktail on the keto diet? Probably one of the more common questions. The answer to all questions is: you can do anything you want. But what are the consequences? Will it throw you out of ketosis? That, like all things, depends on your total carb count, your activity level, and your own unique body and biochemistry.
The bad news right up from for you beer drinkers is, yep, beer is too high in carbs to be a consistent part of a strict keto diet. Wines are lower, but it will cost you 4-5 carbs per 5 ounce glass, depending on the type and brand. And hard alcohol is the lowest at 0 net carbs if it is unflavored, despite being made from fruits and grains, because fermentation and distillation converts that sugar to ethyl alcohol.
So while a vodka cranberry would be out because of the cranberry juice, you can do a lovely Vodka-Hibiscus Tea with a squeeze of lime, as pictured. Here is more info on Hibiscus Tea, which is super high in vitamin C. But beware that alcohol will affect you differently if you are fat adapted on the keto diet, meaning that your body is burning stored fat for fuel as opposed to carbohydrates. It’s a more complicated process than I am qualified to speak on, so for more on the science of alcohol and ketosis as well as a fantastic reference for carb counts on alcohol, I refer you to a source I trust: Ruled.Me
Here is a lovely sangria or daiquiri type sumpin-sumpin. Get out your blender, or just stir it all up. Use 4 oz. red wine with 2-3 strawberries, a couple ounces of unsweetened coconut milk, Pyure sweetener, lime squeeze and ice.
If you’re new to keto, please poke around the blog. I am pretty much a newbie, so I cook simply and explain the basics so as not to overwhelm. I am THRILLED with how much better I feel on keto: so much energy, reduced depression, drastically reduced body aches and pains, and a slightly smaller butt.
