Top Zero Carb Alcohols and Drink Mixers

My husband has been on a low carb diet and went down several clothing sizes, as well as dropping lots of weight. At first, he didn't think he could enjoy alcohol any more.

But he quickly learned that zero carb alcoholic drinks and cocktails could be included in his plan; although it took some experimentation to find ingredients that were truly zero carb. If you want to be prepared to whip up some tasty zero carb drinks this summer, you'll find some of our favorite recipes and ingredients here.

Zero carb cocktails and alcoholic drinks - start with a game plan

If you have the right ingredients in your low carb pantry or behind the bar, you can often create Atkins or South Beach friendly drinks in minutes. We always make sure to have Torani sugar free syrups on hand. They come in a range of flavors, from peach to hazelnut.

You can find more info at the Torani website, found here. Splenda and Realemon juice are also staples, as is Bigelow Pomegranate Pizzazz tea and other types of herb teas (be sure to check the label but most tea has zero carbs). Sugar free Jello can be another helpful flavoring ingredient.

If you happen to like colas, be sure to add some Diet Coke to your zero carb supply list. I'll include info about how to mix no carb alcoholic drinks with diet colas, too.

Zero carb alcoholic drinks- try some proven recipes for cocktails and mixers but don't be afraid to experiment

We started with some proven recipes we'd gotten from family, friends and books but all of our favorite zero carb drinks were the result of experiments. In one case, a helpful bartender gave us some high carb recipes and we used our own supplies to create zero carb versions.

My advice? Simply trust your taste buds and have fun. Now, on to the recipes for zero carb cocktails and mixers!

Our favorite zero carb Pomegrante Lemon Pizazz Cocktail

This makes at least a pitcher full of zero carb punch or mixer and is versatile. If you want it to be kid friendly, just leave out the alcohol or add your favorite vodka or rum in individual glasses. We always keep this mixture in our refrigerator. To make it you'll need these ingredients:
12 ounces of Splenda
12 ounces of Realemon juice
1 and 1/2 quart of water and
12 bags of Bigelow Pomegranate Pizazz Herb Tea
Rum or Vodka or no carb alcohol of choice

Microwave or boil the herb tea bags for 10 minutes (alternately, you could boil the mixture on top of a stove). Let steep for four hours to get maximum flavor. Mix with all ingredients (except alcohol) in pitcher or other container. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour into an 8 ounce glass and add a shot or two of your favorite zero carb alcohol (we like vodka). This makes the perfect no carb summer cocktail!

Zero Carb Long Island Iced Tea with a Twist

Granted, this isn't a traditional Long Island Iced Tea recipe but it still packs quite a whallop - even though it is a zero carb alcoholic drink. The twist? We like to use Dr. Pepper to add a unique flavor and we also omit the sour mix that is a part of some Long Island recipes. I'd suggest staying at home after drinking this one because it is high in alcohol, even if low carb.

Take 1/4 ounce (or to taste) of each of these zero carb alcohols: tequila, gin, rum, vodka, triple sec. Now, add a bit of Dr. Pepper and a touch of Splenda if you'd like some extra sweetness. Top off with a lemon twist and enjoy.

Iced coffee is a great zero carb alcoholic drink starter and great way to use up extra coffee

If you like coffee-flavored drinks, use any fresh brewed coffee as a base. Pour over ice, mix in some vodka or rum and add Torani Hazelnut Sugar Free Syrup to taste. This is the perfect drink for sipping on the deck or while reading a book in your favorite chair.

Zero carb alcohol and Sugar Free Orange Jello is a natural mixer with Diet Coke

For the basic drink, mix an ounce of your favorite zero carb alcohol with Diet Coke (we like rum for the alcohol kicker). Then, add some powdered Sugar Free Orange Jello and mix to taste. You can try other flavors of Jello, as well as the Torani Sugar Free syrups.

In the winter, you might add sugar free gingerbread - truly delectable. Again, don't be afraid to experiment and use our suggestions only as starters. If you think Diet Coke and orange flavoring isn't a natural, just give it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised, as we were.

Use sugar free peach syrup mixed with vodka to create a zero carb alcohol lemonade

This one couldn't be simpler. Mix Realemon with water to the strength desired and then add Torani Sugar Free Peach syrup and vodka to taste. We do add Splenda but you might prefer the unsweetened version. Not only will you have a zero carb alcohol lemonade but the lack of sugar will keep any bees away (if you opt to sip this outside).