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Drinks / Cocktails

How many carbs in an old fashioned?

In moderation

In moderation. A 3 oz old fashioned has about 2–5 g of carbs, roughly 8 to 20% of a 25 g daily limit.

Share of a 25 g net-carb day (high end)20%

Where the carbs come from

A sugar cube or simple syrup, plus a cherry.

Ask for no sugar cube, or a dash of sweetener.

How to order it

Ask for no sugar and extra bitters, or a dash of sugar-free syrup, and skip the cherry.

Lower-carb orders

Dry martini
3 oz0–1 g
YesVodka soda with lime
8 oz0–1 g
YesGin and soda
8 oz0–1 g
Yes

Cocktails, lowest to highest

The spirit in a cocktail is rarely the problem. The carbs come from what it is mixed with: juice, tonic, ginger beer, sour mix, simple syrup and sweet liqueurs. Nearly every classic has a lower-carb way to order it.

Dry martini3 oz
0–1 gcarbsGin and soda8 oz
0–1 gcarbsGin and tonic (diet tonic)8 oz
0–1 gcarbsVodka soda with lime8 oz
0–1 gcarbsDirty martini3 oz
1–2 gcarbsKeto espresso martini4 oz
1–2 gcarbsManhattan3 oz
3–5 gcarbs
Old fashioned3 oz
2–5 gcarbs
Skinny margarita6 oz
4–7 gcarbsNegroni3 oz
5–8 gcarbsBloody Mary6 oz
5–10 gcarbsDaiquiri (classic)4 oz
6–10 gcarbsMimosa6 oz
6–10 gcarbsWhiskey sour (sour mix)4 oz
8–14 gcarbsAperol spritz6 oz
12–15 gcarbsMojito8 oz
10–15 gcarbsCosmopolitan4 oz
10–16 gcarbsGin and tonic (regular tonic)8 oz
14–18 gcarbsEspresso martini (with liqueur)4 oz
12–20 gcarbsMoscow mule8 oz
12–20 gcarbsMargarita (bar mix)8 oz
15–30 gcarbsLong Island iced tea8 oz
20–35 gcarbsPiña colada8 oz
30–45 gcarbs

At a glance

Serving3 oz
Carbs2–5 g
CategoryCocktails
VerdictIn moderation

Typical range for a standard pour. Carbs in drinks are mostly sugar, so net and total carbs are about the same.

The rule for cocktails

Spirit plus soda, a dry martini, or a classic made with fresh citrus and a sugar-free sweetener.

Add up your night

Carb ranges are approximate and vary by brand, recipe and pour. Alcohol can hit harder on a low-carb diet. Do not drink if pregnant or underage, and talk to your doctor about alcohol if you take medication or have diabetes. See our health disclaimer.

Quick answers

Is old fashioned keto?

In moderation. A 3 oz old fashioned has about 2–5 g of carbs, roughly 8 to 20% of a 25 g daily limit.

How many carbs are in old fashioned?

About 2–5 g per 3 oz. A sugar cube or simple syrup, plus a cherry. Brands, recipes and pours vary, so treat it as a range.

How do I order old fashioned on keto?

Ask for no sugar and extra bitters, or a dash of sugar-free syrup, and skip the cherry.

What is the lowest-carb cocktail?

Dry martini (0–1 g), Gin and soda (0–1 g), Gin and tonic (diet tonic) (0–1 g). Spirit plus soda, a dry martini, or a classic made with fresh citrus and a sugar-free sweetener.

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