Being smart about it

If you still want to drink, which beverages can you choose? And which to avoid? Most cocktails contain sweetened ingredients — check the ingredients before ordering.

OK in moderation

Straight Liquors

Unsweetened vodka, rum, gin, tequila, whiskey, scotch, brandy, and cognac (80 proof) all have no carbs.

Extra Dry Martini

For martini lovers, dry vermouth contains carbs, so order them "extra dry."

Lighter Beers

Some lighter beers are low enough in carbs to fit a ketogenic diet. Examples: Michelob Ultra (2.6 g carb) and Miller Lite (3.2 g carb).

Dry Wines

The drier the wine, the fewer the carbs.

Avoid

Sugary Mixers

Mixers like tonic water, fruit juice, sour mix, margarita mix, and any variety of soda are very sugary — avoid them.

Liquor with Mixer

Soda water or sparkling water is a no-carb mixer you can use.

Sweet Liqueurs

Steer clear of sweet liqueurs like amaretto, cordials, curacao, flavored brandy, Grand Marnier, Jagermeister, limoncello, and sweet vermouth.

Beer

Most beer, especially anything red, amber, or dark, is very high in carbs.

Sweet Wines

Avoid sweet wines like dessert wines, ports, and sherries.

Cider

Ciders are very sugary drinks and don't fit the ketogenic diet.

Seltzers

Even though seltzers are low calorie, they can contain sugar and artificial sweeteners. Be very careful with the labels.