Drinking Alcohol on the Keto Diet: What You Need to Know

Following a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to give up alcohol completely. In moderation, you can still enjoy a drink while staying on track—as long as you choose wisely. Here’s how to navigate alcohol consumption without knocking yourself out of ketosis.

Alcohol and Ketosis: What Happens?

The keto diet relies on low carbohydrate intake to keep your body in ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbs. Alcohol can affect this process in two key ways:

1. Carbohydrate Content – Many alcoholic drinks are full of hidden sugars and carbs, which can quickly add up and push you out of ketosis.
2. Metabolism Priorities – Your body burns alcohol before fats or carbohydrates, meaning fat-burning is temporarily paused until the alcohol is metabolised.

Keto-Friendly Alcohol Choices

To enjoy alcohol while staying in ketosis, opt for low-carb options such as:

• Pure Spirits – Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and whisky contain zero carbs. Pair with soda water or a sugar-free mixer for a keto-friendly drink.
• Dry Wines – Red and white dry wines typically have around 2g of carbs per 175ml glass, making them suitable in moderation.
• Low-Carb Beers – Some light beers have a reduced carb content, but always check the label as this can vary.

Low-Carb Alcoholic Drinks at Keto Kitchen Lytham

At Keto Kitchen Lytham, we stock a selection of low-carb alcoholic drinks to help you enjoy a tipple without the guilt:

• ThinK Low Carb Prosecco – A vegan, organic Prosecco made from the finest Glera grapes in Treviso, Italy. With zero carbs per 100ml glass, it’s perfect for a guilt-free toast.
• Low-Carb Beers – We stock a range of low-carb, gluten-free beers, including Laguna Pale Ale and KARUSSELL Pilsner, offering the same great taste without the excess carbs.

Top Tips for Drinking on Keto

• Drink in Moderation – Even low-carb alcohol adds calories and can slow down weight loss, so limit your intake.
• Stay Hydrated – Alcohol is dehydrating, especially on keto. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol.
• Watch Your Mixers – Avoid sugary mixers like fruit juice and regular tonic water. Instead, choose soda water, diet tonic, or sugar-free options.
• Know Your Limits – Many people find they become more sensitive to alcohol on a keto diet. Listen to your body and pace yourself accordingly.

The Bottom Line

You can drink alcohol on a keto diet, as long as you make smart choices. Stick to low-carb options, stay hydrated, and always drink responsibly. Cheers to enjoying the keto lifestyle without compromise!