Beer is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. With nearly 10,000 breweries in the U.S. alone, it’s no secret that people across all demographics love their pilsners, lagers, porters, and pale ales. But it’s also not a secret that beer is high in calories and carbs.
The average beer has about 10-15 grams of carbs per pint. Yet there are many alcoholic beverages you can enjoy that don’t have any carbs at all. Whether you’re looking to get rid of your beer belly or trying to make healthier dietary choices, here are five low and no carb beer alternatives to consider the next time you drink.
Tequila
Pure tequila has zero carbs, but to enjoy a zero-carb tequila cocktail you must be mindful of the type of tequila you choose and what you mix it with. Experts agree that additive-free tequila is best and that the ideal way to enjoy it is to sip it neat. Adding mixers only masks the flavour of the spirit, while sipping it straight allows all those beautiful agave notes to come through.
If you prefer a refreshing mixed drink served over ice, stick to tequila cocktails that are made with natural, low-carb or zero-carb mixers. Try a Paloma made with blanco tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sparkling water. Or opt for the easy-to-make Ranch Water made with blanco, lime juice, and carbonated mineral water. Both are delicious!
Check out this article to learn more about additive-free tequila and why it’s always the best choice.
Gin
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a crisp gin and tonic on a hot day. On its own, gin has zero carbs. The problem is that tonic water has a lot. The good news is that you can make a low carb G&T just by using diet tonic water instead of regular tonic. Diet tonic water has zero carbs, so combining it with gin offers a delicious way to enjoy a carb-free cocktail.
Vodka
Like tequila and gin, vodka doesn’t have any carbs. But if you want to keep it that way, don’t drink it with sugary mixers. Cranberry juice, orange juice, energy drinks, and lemonades are all popular mixers for vodka, but they’re all notoriously high in carbs.
While you can cut back on the carbs by choosing sugar-free or diet versions of these mixers, keep in mind that even those aren’t entirely carb-free. If you want a zero-carb vodka drink, opt for a simple vodka and club soda or a Moscow Mule with a splash of fresh lime juice and sugar-free ginger beer.
Wine
Wine is definitely not carb-free. But compared to beer, it’s far lower in carbohydrates. Compared to spirits, it’s far lower in alcohol content. It can be a good alternative if you’re looking to get away from beer but don’t want to drink hard liquor. Making the switch from beer to wine can be tough for some people, especially considering how many different types of wine exist. This article gives a good overview of the different types of wine, how many carbs they usually have, and what foods they pair well with.
With wine you don’t have to worry about having zero-carb mixers on hand when you want to enjoy a drink at home. And when you order a drink out, you don’t have to worry that the bartender accidentally added a sweet or sugary mixer to your cocktail.
Hard Seltzers
If you love the unmistakable sound of popping open a beer can, hard seltzers may be a good alternative for you. With about 2-3g of carbohydrates per can, hard seltzers are much lower in carbs than beer, but they’re just as convenient and easy to enjoy.
Many people agree that drinking hard seltzer feels just like drinking flavoured water. That’s one of the reasons why they’re so popular, but it’s also one of the reasons why you should keep the carb count in mind. It’s easy to toss them back one after the other, so just remember that the more you consume, the more carbs you’re taking in.
In Conclusion
Beer is one of the worst alcoholic beverages to drink if you’re concerned about your waistline and want to lose or maintain a healthy weight. If you’re looking to cut back on your carb intake, consider sipping wine or enjoying a can of hard seltzer instead. If you’re looking for drinks with zero carbs, opt for pure spirits, such as tequila, vodka, and gin.
Just remember that not every gin, tequila, or vodka cocktail is a healthy option. Drinks that include sugary juices, sodas, syrups, or sweeteners can end up being higher in carbs than the beer you know and love. Regardless of what you like to drink, do so in moderation. Consuming alcohol responsibly is far more important than the type of alcohol you choose.
Image Credits: Tania Ford
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