3 low-carb cocktail recipes for those who want to master the keto diet

The keto—or ketogenic—diet continues to rise in popularity.

Google searches for the diet plan have quadrupled from 2016-2017 as more and more people pledge to eat more healthy fats and less carbohydrates in order to force the body to burn fat.

But can you indulge in your favorite cocktails while still being low-carb?

Kyndra Holley, author of “Craveable Keto,” says you can. And in fact, in her new book—”Keto Happy Hour“—Holley shares recipes for 50+ low-carb craft cocktails.

For those who haven’t picked up a copy of the book yet, Holley, who also runs the blog peaceloveandlowcarb.com, gave us a sneak peak of some of the recipes.

Here are three cocktails you can make right now that won’t throw your diet off-track:

1. Strawberry Margarita Gummy Worms

Makes 24 gummies.

Ingredients:

• 10 hulled strawberries, fresh or frozen
• 2 ounces silver tequila
• 3 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin collagen protein
• 2 tablespoons powdered erythritol
• 1½ ounces fresh lime juice

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Standard-sized silicone gummy worm mold with 24 wells

1. Combine the strawberries and tequila in a blender and pulse until smooth.

2. Pour the strawberry-and- tequila mixture into a medium saucepan and set over low heat. Add the gelatin, erythritol, and lime juice and whisk to dissolve the gelatin and combine the ingredients. Continue to heat for about 10 minutes, whisking frequently, until the mixture becomes pourable. It will start out very thick but will become thinner and smoother as it heats.

3. Transfer the mixture to a measuring cup or a bowl with a pour spout.

4. Quickly pour the mixture into the gummy worm mold and transfer to the refrigerator.

5. Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes, until set. Pop the gummy worms out of the mold and enjoy! Store
leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.

2. Mixed Berry Prosecco Slushie

Makes one drink.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup frozen mixed berries
• ½ ounce vodka
• 4 ounces prosecco
• ½ ounce fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup crushed ice
• Lime wheel, for garnish

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. Pour into a 16-ounce glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

TIP: If you prefer a sweeter drink, try adding a little powdered erythritol.

RELATED: This Prosecco Van comes to you!

3. Dill Pickle Martini

Makes one drink.

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces vodka
• ¼ teaspoon dry vermouth (optional; see note)
• 1½ ounces dill pickle juice

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, vermouth (if using), and pickle juice. Cap and shake vigorously.

2. Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cornichon or a dill pickle spear and any other fun keto-friendly pickled vegetables you have on hand.

TIP: If you prefer gin martinis, this drink is delicious made with gin. And if you really love pickles, consider making this with pickle-flavored vodka.

Other Ways To Eat Low-Carb

If you’re interested in low-carb foods to go along with your keto-inspired drink, you can pick up Holley’s “Craveable Keto” book on Amazon. You should also check out “cloud bread,” which is not only low-carb, but also gluten-free. You can even use the bread as a base for pizza!

Check out some inspiration from Instagram user @monikalianette_rn:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba9tHxND8i5/?utm_source=ig_embed

Do you have any low-carb cocktail recommendations?