Gin and tonic, a classic and well-loved highball cocktail, has been a favorite for generations. But can you enjoy this refreshing drink while following a ketogenic diet? The answer is yes, with some careful considerations and adjustments. This article delves into the world of keto-friendly gin and tonics, providing a comprehensive guide to help you enjoy this popular cocktail without compromising your low-carb lifestyle.
What is Gin and Tonic?
The traditional gin and tonic is a highball cocktail consisting of simple gin and tonic water. The most common ratio between these ingredients is usually 1:1 and 1:3. Tonic water is usually poured into the mixture using a bar spoon to maintain the bubbles. Ice is added into the mix to counter the strong alcohol and make it more pleasant to the mouth. A good choice for gin has a slight citrus flavor and blended herbs. This famous cocktail is also sold ready-to-drink in single-serving cans in countries like the UK. In the USA, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, it can be called G and T. Aside from the main ingredients, other variations of this concoction include lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice, grenadine, tea, and spiced simple syrup in the elements. One notable variation of the gin and tonic is called Gin-Tonic, which originated in Spain. The Gin-Tonic is served in a balloon glass or coupe glass for aromatic purposes. The garnish is also versatile, as it is chosen based on the flavors of the gin. This variation has become so popular that bars dedicated to it have been established. The traditional gin and tonic is usually garnished with a lime wheel or lime wedge. In recent years, the use of lemon as an alternative to lime has been gaining fame. This is because lemon is more affordable and more readily available than lime.
The Keto Diet: A Quick Overview
Generally, those eating a keto diet aim for 20g (sometimes 30g) of carbohydrates or less daily. Common keto foods/ingredients are heavy cream, butter, avocado, and almond flour. Keto-friendly, on the other hand, is a food or ingredient that is able to be consumed while on the keto diet.
Gin: A Keto-Friendly Spirit
As a pure distilled spirit, unflavored and infused gin may be considered keto-friendly for it contains zero carbohydrates. Except for flavored gin liqueurs, all kinds of gin contain zero carbohydrates so that it can be drunk while on a low-carb diet. Only unflavored and infused gins are sugar-free. No. Consuming gin will not take you out of ketosis, and it is zero-carb so that it won't disrupt your daily carb allowance.
Potential Health Benefits of Gin (in Moderation)
Most people claim that gin has astounding benefits for health and wellness, from fighting kidney and liver diseases to a longer life. There aren't enough studies to support these claims, and it's not sure that the antioxidants in juniper berries are retained after the fermentation process of making the gin. Aside from being zero-carb, the gin also has no sugar and has fewer calories than other liquors. When consumed moderately, there is a reduced risk for heart disease and other complications. These conditions include Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, Ischemic Stroke, and Type 2 Diabetes. Keep in mind that those potential health benefits will only be valid for moderate drinkers.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Risks to Consider
Although gin is naturally zero-carb, it is still an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol is a toxin that will slow down the weight loss process of the keto diet. With some potential health benefits also comes possible risks. Medication is a serious matter, and if you're taking medication, it means you are ill or not in the best condition. Inevitably, there is a chance that alcohol will negatively interact with your medication. There are numerous possible effects, from nausea to breathing problems to internal bleeding. Continuous heavy drinking can ultimately lead to alcohol dependency. It is an immediate risk of heavy drinking. Alcohol poisoning happens when too much alcohol is present in your body. It is a fatal condition that can lead to brain damage or death.
The Tonic Water Dilemma: Sugar vs. Keto
On the other hand, tonic water is high in sugar content and not keto-friendly in its traditional and standard form. Tonic water contains carbonated water, a sweetener, citric acid, quinine, and natural flavors. The sweetener most often used by the majority of brands available is high-fructose corn syrup. Is tonic water keto-friendly? No, traditional tonic water is high in sugar and carbs.
Keto-Friendly Tonic Water Options
But fret not! There are diet tonic waters available that are keto-friendly. Yes. Diet tonic waters are keto-friendly and are sugar-free and zero-carb. There are two kinds of diet tonic waters, artificially sweetened ones and naturally sweetened ones. While both are zero-carb and sugar-free, artificial sweeteners can have long-term adverse side effects. You can replace the high-sugar ingredient with a naturally sweetened diet tonic water. If diet tonic water is not up to your taste, you can also replace it altogether with club soda.
Navigating Low-Carb Tonic Water Brands
As you can see tonics vary wildly in their carb content, even those that are marketed as ‘light’ or ‘diet’. While I’ve tried hard to get an accurate list errors are possible so its worth double-checking the information for yourself.
Sainsbury’s Diet Indian Tonic Water with Lime
Carbs per 100ml <0.5gOf which sugars <0.5gSweeteners: Acesulfame K, Sucralose.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Tesco Low Calorie Indian Tonic Water
Carbs per 100ml 0gOf which sugars 0gSweetened with Sweeteners (Acesulfame K, Sucralose).
Tesco Low Calorie Indian Tonic Water with Lime
Carbs per 100ml 0gOf which sugars 0gSweetened with Sweeteners (Acesulfame K, Sucralose).
Sainsuburys Indian Tonic Water
Carbs per 100ml 4.8gOf which sugars 4.8gSugar and Sweeteners: Acesulfame K, Sucralose.
Making Your Own Keto-Friendly Tonic Water
One key to staying with the low-carb diet - and still enjoy a summer cocktail - is to make your own low-carb tonic. It’s not that hard, it just takes a little patience. Two ingredients will likely need to be ordered online: powdered cinchona bark and granulated citric acid. Cinchona is a species of tree that grows in South America, and is what gives tonic that distinctive quinine flavor. Citric acid helps preserve the base and also gives the flavor some tang. After you simmer for about 20 minutes, you need to strain. It takes a while. We’ve done this with a jelly strainer, and also just with a flour-sack dish towel. You will notice an orangish-hue to your homemade low-carb tonic. Not to be alarmed.
Low-Carb Tonic Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar (or if you’re hard-core low-carb, use a sugar substitute)
- Limes
- Powdered cinchona bark
- Granulated citric acid
Instructions:
- With a paring knife, slice the zest off the limes.
- Cut the lime flesh into quarters and add both zest and flesh to a medium stockpot or saucepan.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Remove solids with tongs or strain through a sieve.
- Place remaining liquid into a jelly strainer over a bowl and let strain for up to 24 hours, until the tonic base is an orange-ish clear hue.
- Measure the liquid. Add enough water to make 4 cups of tonic base.
- To make the low-carb tonic, measure a ratio of 1:5 tonic base to seltzer water.
- Cut the lime into quarters.
- Fill two tallboys or stemless wine glasses with ice.
- Add 2 ounces of gin to each drink.
- Top with 3 ounces of tonic water.
- Squeeze the lime into the drink, then drop it in.
Crafting the Perfect Keto Gin and Tonic
While a keto-friendly gin and tonic is zero-carb, it is still an alcoholic drink and contains calories. Gin and tonic is a famous drink loved by many. If you are on a keto diet, you can make your keto-friendly gin and tonic that you can enjoy.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
Tips for a Superb Keto Gin and Tonic:
- Gin Selection: 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.
- Ice or No 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.
- Lime Variety: While you can use any kind of lime you’d like, our personal favorite is is a Key lime.
Top Hat Provisions: Elevating Your Drink Experience
Top Hat Provisions is a specialty beverage company focused on high-quality, handcrafted cocktail and mocktail mixers, syrups & concentrates for bars, restaurants, and individuals looking to elevate their drink experiences. We prioritize natural and organic ingredients in every Top Hat product. You’ll find cold pressed juices, organic and natural sweeteners, and organic botanicals and extracts that enhance flavors without overpowering.
Key Features of Top Hat Provisions:
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Yes, all our mixers are 100% vegan and gluten-free.
- Shelf Life: No! Once opened, we recommend refrigerating our mixers and consuming them within four weeks for the freshest flavor.
- Ordering Process: Browse our selection, add items to your cart, and proceed to checkout. Mst orders are processed within 1-2 business days. Shipping times vary depending on your location, but typically, orders arrive within 5-7 business days.
- Wholesale Options: Absolutely! We love partnering with bars, restaurants, and retailers. For bulk or wholesale pricing, please click on our B2B section or reach out to our sales team via Contact Us page.
- Return Policy: If you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, we accept returns on unopened bottles within 30 days of delivery. Please contact our customer service team to initiate a return, and we’ll work with you to ensure a smooth process.
- Damaged Items: We’re sorry for any inconvenience!
- Opened Bottles: If you opened a bottle and you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, we accept returns on ANY product that is not 100% satisfactory within 30 days of delivery. Please contact our customer service team to initiate a return, and we’ll work with you to ensure a smooth process.
- Custom Blends: Yes, we offer custom blends and private labeling for partners who want to create a unique product.
- Sustainability: we’re committed to sustainable practices, using recyclable packaging and sourcing ingredients from responsible suppliers.
- Community Involvement: Yes, we believe in giving back! We partner with local organizations to support initiatives in sustainability, community development, and social responsibility.
- Customer Support: we’re here to help!
Top Hat Provisions Mixers: Versatile for Cocktails and Mocktails
Yes! Our mixers are perfect for alcohol free cocktails and mocktails. For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, combine our mixer with soda water or sparkling water over ice. Just add Soda! Great for home Soda Makers! Our mixers are crafted to make bartending easy and delicious! We have many different categories of mixers, syrups & concentrates with different mixing ratios for each. Please refer to the RECIPES section for guidance for each product on how to make drinks for each product type. Typically our Ready to Mix products are designed to pour over ice with or without your choice of the optional addition of spirit or alcohol free spirit alternative. Typically our Craft Syrups & Concentrates are designed to be diluted with soda water or still water at the ratio of 1 part Top Hat to 4 parts water or 1 part Top Hat to 5 parts soda water depending on the product, but if you choose to add spirit or alcohol free spirit alternative, you will need less water or less soda water to dilute our syrup or concentrate. We do sell a few coffee concentrates that are designed to be diluted 1 part concentrate to 7 parts water, but if you are adding spirit or alcohol free spirit alternative, that liquid counts as water - so be very careful with preparing drinks those two extra highly concentrated coffee products.
Conclusion: Enjoying Gin and Tonic Responsibly on Keto
Gin and tonic is a deliciously refreshing highball drink consisting of gin and tonic water. ‘Tis the season to be drinking (if you’re that way inclined) and Gin & Tonic is one of Britain’s favourite tipples. Gin is fine from a keto point of view (as long as you don’t go for one with lots of added sugar), but finding the right low-carb tonic water can be a minefield! Especially as not all light or diet tonics are actually carb-free! By making informed choices about tonic water and practicing moderation, you can savor the delightful taste of a gin and tonic while staying true to your ketogenic lifestyle. Remember to explore different gin brands, experiment with keto-friendly tonic water alternatives, and perhaps even try your hand at making your own low-carb tonic. Cheers to a refreshing and guilt-free keto gin and tonic experience!