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

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

7 Feb 2025

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

One of the most common questions we hear is whether you can drink alcohol while following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.

The good news is yes, you can. But like most things on keto, it comes down to making the right choices.

In this guide, we explain how alcohol affects ketosis, which drinks are best to choose, what to avoid, and how to enjoy a drink without undoing your progress.

How Alcohol Affects the Keto Diet

When you drink alcohol, your body treats it as a priority fuel source. That means fat burning and ketone production temporarily pause while your liver processes the alcohol.

This does not automatically kick you out of ketosis, but it can slow fat loss if you drink frequently or excessively.

The key is moderation and choosing drinks that are low in carbohydrates and sugar.

Best Alcohol Choices on Keto

Some alcoholic drinks fit into a keto lifestyle far better than others.

Spirits and Dry Wines

  • Vodka, gin, whisky, rum and tequila contain zero carbs when enjoyed neat or with sugar-free mixers

  • Dry red, white and sparkling wines tend to be lower in carbs than sweeter varieties

These options are generally the safest if you are tracking carbs closely.

Low-Carb Beers and Prosecco (Yes, Really)

Beer is often written off completely on keto, but low-carb versions do exist and can be enjoyed in moderation.

At Keto Kitchen Lytham, we stock a carefully selected range of low-carb drinks that fit a keto lifestyle without compromising on taste.

Low-Carb Beers

Our range includes gluten-free and low-carb options such as:

  • Crisp pilsners

  • Light lagers

  • Hazy pale ales

You can explore our full selection of low-carb beers here.

Low-Carb Prosecco

For celebrations or evenings that call for bubbles, we also stock low-carb prosecco, including both full-size and mini bottles. These are dry, refreshing and much lower in sugar than traditional sparkling wines.

Browse our keto-friendly prosecco and drinks range to see what’s currently available.

Alcohol to Avoid on Keto

Some drinks are much more likely to spike blood sugar and knock you out of ketosis.

It’s best to avoid:

  • Sweet cocktails

  • Sugary mixers like tonic, juice or regular cola

  • Liqueurs and dessert wines

  • Standard beers and ales

These are typically high in carbohydrates and offer little nutritional benefit.

Tips for Drinking Alcohol on Keto

Eat first
Enjoying alcohol after a balanced keto meal can help reduce its impact. Meals from our 7-Day Keto Meal Plan are designed to keep you satisfied and stable.

Stay hydrated
Alcohol is dehydrating, especially on keto. Alternate drinks with water to avoid headaches and fatigue.

Watch your tolerance
Many people find alcohol hits harder on keto, so take it slow and listen to your body.

Plan your snacks
Pair drinks with keto-friendly snacks like low-carb crackers, cheese, or cured meats rather than reaching for high-carb nibbles.

Perfect Pairings for Keto Drinks

Low-carb drinks pair beautifully with simple keto foods:

  • Cheese boards

  • Olives and nuts

  • Seeded crackers

  • Low-carb cakes for special occasions

Our low-carb cakes and treats work particularly well for celebrations when paired with a glass of low-carb prosecco.

And if convenience matters, our ready-prepared Frozen Keto Meals make it easy to stay on track even on relaxed evenings.

Can You Lose Weight on Keto While Drinking Alcohol?

Yes, but results vary.

Occasional low-carb drinks can fit into a keto lifestyle, but frequent drinking may slow progress due to:

  • Paused fat burning

  • Increased calorie intake

  • Reduced food choices while drinking

If fat loss is your main goal, alcohol is best enjoyed occasionally rather than regularly.

Final Thoughts

Drinking alcohol on keto is not about perfection. It’s about making informed choices.

By choosing low-carb drinks, avoiding sugary mixers, and enjoying alcohol mindfully, you can still socialise, celebrate and enjoy life while staying aligned with your goals.

If you want to explore keto-friendly drink options, you can view our full Low-Carb Drinks Collection here.