Keto-Friendly Gin and Tonic

With the crisp, refreshing taste of tonic water, lime, and gin, this keto-friendly gin and tonic is the perfect mixed drink for summertime!

WHAT IS A GIN AND TONIC?

A gin and tonic is a deliciously refreshing highball drink consisting of gin and tonic water. Most recipes call for ice as well, but we skip that in this drink (explained below).

The gin to tonic water ratio can differ greatly based on personal preference and type of gin used.

Traditional gin and tonic recipes use regular tonic water, which is basically sugary carbonated water with a small amount of quinine in it for the iconic bitter taste.

This gin and tonic recipe, however, substitutes the regular tonic water for a diet version, eliminating the sugars and carbs while keeping the drink delicious!

KETO-FRIENDLY GIN AND TONIC INGREDIENTS

Before you try to make this gin and tonic recipe, you’ll want to make sure you have the following ingredients on hand first.

• 1 cup diet tonic water, chilled
• 4 oz gin of choice
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

After you have all of this, you’re set and ready to go!

HOW TO MAKE A LOW CARB GIN AND TONIC

1. Combine all ingredients into a chilled glass
2. Add ice (optional)
3. Sit back, drink, and enjoy!

CHOOSING A GOOD GIN

Choosing the right gin (if you don’t already have one you love) is an essential step in creating a delicious gin and tonic.

Here a few things to keep in mind when trying to choose a delicious, smooth gin for this recipe:

• The easiest way to find out what gins you like best is to order a gin drink at your local restaurants or bars as you’re eating out. If you like what’s served, ask for the brand. Quick and easy way to not have to buy different brands to find out!
• If you live in an area where bars and restaurants keep multiple brands on hand, you can even ask for small amounts of each (or shots) to see what you like the best.
• As always, remember: more expensive does not mean a better quality product.
• Reading a label won’t help you make any decisions at all.
• Botanical gins contain more “fragrances” and are often considered to be better than regular gins.

If you want a really great, fragrant gin, check out Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN KETO AND KETO-FRIENDLY?

There is often some confusion as to the difference in the term “keto” versus “keto-friendly.” While the two terms are often used interchangeably by those on keto, they actually mean two different things.

KETO DEFINITION

Used alone, keto (or ketogenic) references a food, recipe, or way of eating that is high in fat, has a moderate amount of protein, and a low (usually five or less) amount of carbs.

Common keto foods/ingredients are heavy cream, butter, avocado, and almond flour. These follow the high fat, low-carb equation mentioned above.

Generally, those eating a keto diet aim for 20g (sometimes 30g) of carbohydrates or less daily. However, they try to make 70% of their calories come from fat.

KETO-FRIENDLY DEFINITION

Keto-friendly, on the other hand, is a food or ingredient that is able to be consumed while on the keto diet. These foods/ingredients are very low in carbohydrates (3g or less) and generally have little to no fat or protein.

Some common keto-friendly products include Zevia, monk fruit sweetener, and unsweetened almond milk.

Just because an ingredient is keto-friendly, that doesn’t make it “truly keto.” It just means it is safe to eat because the carb count is low enough.

DOES THIS DRINK NOT USE ICE?

You absolutely can use ice. However, we prefer this drink without the ice and a nice, chilled tonic water.

The ice normally waters down the taste, in our opinion.

WHAT LIME IS THE BEST TO USE?

While you can use any kind of lime you’d like, our personal favorite is is a Key lime. There is something extra refreshing about the taste of a Key lime with the tonic water and gin.

However, of course, you’ll have to use what is available to you in your local grocery store or supermarket.

WHAT TO EAT WITH A LOW CARB GIN AND TONIC

A nice, cool, and refreshing drink like this is perfect for anytime really, but spring and summer most defintiely.

Here are a few recipes you might consider pairing with this delicious cocktail!

• Keto Grilled Sous Vide Pork Chops
• Keto Flourless Fried Chicken
• Keto Steak Au Poivre
• Keto Lemon Butter Scallops

For more ideas, you can check out our recipe index.

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