Summer can be a stressful time for drinking. Frozen Daiquiris and tropical tiki drinks are tempting you at every turn, trying to undo all of the hard work you’ve put into sculpting your summer bod. But it turns out, as great as sugary, sweet cocktails taste, it’s not as hard as you might think to step back and satisfy your cravings with something that’s just as tasty, yet a little less carb-heavy. Here are 10 cocktails that all have less than than 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving. And for most of them, the count is way less.
No traces of sugar or or carbs here. Japanese whiskey is a treat on its own, but it becomes a refreshing, bubbly delight when mixed with effervescent club soda.
The Essentials
Japanese Whiskey
Soda Water
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This close cousin of the Bloody Mary may seem like an indulgence, but even the richest beef stock has less than one ounce of carbohydrates per serving. Plus, bone broth makes for a fantastic on-the-go power lunch.
The Essentials
Vodka
Beef Broth
Worcestershire sauce
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This lip-smacking cocktail ticks off all the tastebuds—savory tomato, tart lime juice and a touch of sweetness from aloe liqueur, making it an irresistible summer libation. Even the added watermelon garnish doesn’t take you over the 10 carb limit.
The Essentials
Cherry Tomatoes
Blanco Tequila
lime juice
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Any classic Martini with an ounce of dry vermouth is low in carbs, but we especially love whipping up this Bottled Martini in the warmer months. Batch it, bottle it, and store it in the freezer for an ice-cold refresher, ready anytime.
The Essentials
Gin
Vermouth
Water
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This sweet and sour cocktail gets about seven grams of carbs from the simple syrup, and to that we say indulge yourself. It’s gratifying enough to satisfy a sweet tooth, but doesn’t teeter into sugar-overload territory.
The Essentials
Whiskey
Simple Syrup
Lemon Juice
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Fans of a strong, smokey libation will get total satisfaction from a tall Scotch and Soda. Better yet, it doesn’t have any sugar or carbs, so you’ll be completely content without any guilt.
The Essentials
Scotch
Soda Water
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This summer take on the classic Old Fashioned swaps out sugar for peach liqueur. The dry cocktail is perfect for sipping on a porch swing all season long.
The Essentials
bourbon
Peach liqueur
Angostura bitters
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This classic New Orleans libation is the most iconic rye drink there is. Memorize the recipe so you can whip up the bitter essential at a moment’s notice.
The Essentials
Rye
Absinthe
Bitters
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Spice satisfies even the most intense cravings because it instantly brings a burst of flavor to your palate. The Bloody Mary does that and more—just be sure to use pure tomato juice so you’re not ingesting any hidden sugar from pre-made mixes.
The Essentials
Vodka
Tomato Juice
Worcestershire Sauce
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Hot heads who really want to gratify their pepper cravings should whip up this ultra-spicy cocktail. There’s just enough simple syrup to temper the heat, although it really won’t do much because this drink is for bona fide spice fans only.
The Essentials
Whiskey
lime juice
Lethal Ingestion
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