As a bartender, I have seen it all. From the classics to the most innovative concoctions, I have mixed countless drinks in my career.
And while I love creating new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients, I have noticed a growing trend among my customers: they are looking for low sugar options.
It's no secret that excessive sugar consumption can lead to a variety of health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
And while enjoying a cocktail or two is a part of many people's social lives, it's important to be mindful of what we're putting into our bodies.
That's why I've decided to put together a list of the best low sugar bourbon cocktail recipes. Bourbon is a classic spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries, and it's no wonder why.
It's smooth, flavorful, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But many bourbon cocktails are loaded with sugar, which can take away from the spirit's natural taste.
In this blog post, I'll be sharing some of my favorite low sugar bourbon cocktail recipes that are not only delicious but also better for you.
These recipes are perfect for those who want to enjoy a cocktail without the guilt or the sugar crash. So, let's raise a glass to health and happiness, and enjoy some delicious low sugar bourbon cocktails together.
1. Keto Bourbon Peach Smash
The Keto Bourbon Peach Smash is a refreshing and low-carb cocktail perfect for summer. Made with only four ingredients – fresh lemon, sprigs of mint, Torani Puremade Zero Sugar Peach Syrup, and bourbon – this cocktail is packed with flavor and has only 1.1g net carbs and 132 calories.
The use of Torani Puremade Zero Sugar Peach Syrup as a substitute for simple syrup adds sweetness without any calories or carbs. The combination of bourbon, sweet peach, and tart lemon makes for a deliciously balanced cocktail, perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. If you're looking for a low-sugar bourbon cocktail that won't derail your diet, the Keto Bourbon Peach Smash is definitely worth a try.
2. Vanilla Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Vanilla Old Fashioned Cocktail is a low-carb twist on the classic bourbon cocktail. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious drink without the added sugar. The recipe uses sugar-free vanilla syrup instead of simple syrup, making it a great option for those on a ketogenic diet. The vanilla flavor is delicate and adds a nice touch to the cocktail.
The drink is made with high-quality bourbon, which gives it a rich and smooth taste with notes of caramel and vanilla. The addition of club soda gives it a little fizz and smooths out the alcohol. This low-carb cocktail is perfect for those who want to indulge in a delicious drink without the added sugar.
3. Low Carb Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash
The Low Carb Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash is a refreshing and low sugar cocktail that is perfect for summer. Made with fresh strawberries, basil, and bourbon, it's a great alternative to high sugar cocktails.
The combination of sweet strawberries and bold bourbon creates a perfect balance of flavors. If you're looking for a delicious and refreshing low sugar bourbon cocktail, this is definitely worth a try.
4. Three Wisemen Shot
The Three Wisemen Shot is one of the most potent whiskey shots out there, made with equal parts of Jim Beam Bourbon, Jack Daniels Whiskey, and Johnnie Walker Scotch. This no-frills cocktail is perfect for those looking for a serious drink without any added sugars or carbs. It's a 100% whiskey shot that is also keto-friendly.
While the origin of the cocktail is unknown, it's clear that this was the creation of a creative bartender looking to switch up the spirits. There are also some interesting variations of the cocktail that are worth trying out. Overall, if you're a whiskey lover looking for a strong and low sugar cocktail, the Three Wisemen Shot is definitely worth a try.
5. Bourbon Apple Smash Cocktail
The Bourbon Apple Smash Cocktail is a perfect fall drink that combines the flavors of apple pie and bourbon. This cocktail is made with hard apple cider, bourbon, honey crisp apple, a little lemon, warming spices, and sugar-free maple syrup. The drink is topped with dry hard apple cider and garnished with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, thyme sprigs, or edible flowers.
The cocktail is easy to make and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. It is a perfect drink to cozy up with during the autumn season. The Bourbon Apple Smash Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of fall and wants to enjoy a low sugar bourbon cocktail.
6. Keto Whiskey Sour
The Keto Whiskey Sour is a low-sugar bourbon cocktail that is perfect for those who are health-conscious and following a ketogenic lifestyle. Made with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar-free syrup, and egg white, this cocktail has a rich and creamy texture that is sure to impress.
The addition of egg white creates a foamy top that gives the drink a classy appearance. With just 1g of net carbs and 152 calories per drink, the Keto Whiskey Sour is a guilt-free indulgence that can be enjoyed without worry. If you're looking for a delicious and low-sugar bourbon cocktail, the Keto Whiskey Sour is definitely worth a try.
7. Sugar Free Raspberry Mint Julep
The Sugar Free Raspberry Mint Julep is a refreshing twist on the classic bourbon cocktail. Made with fresh raspberries, mint, and bourbon whiskey, it is sweetened with sugar-free simple syrup made with allulose sweetener.
The addition of bitters balances out the sweetness of the raspberries. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to indulge in a delicious cocktail without the guilt of consuming excess sugar.
8. Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
The Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect autumn drink for bourbon lovers. It has a beautiful apple-like hue and a warm flavor of spiced cider and fresh apples. This Low Sugar Bourbon Cocktail is served cold and has an optional edible gold glitter that adds a lovely touch to the drink.
The cocktail is garnished with fresh apple slices that make it look even more tempting. It is an ideal drink for fall gatherings or when the weather starts to cool down. The Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
9. Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect drink for those looking for a low sugar option. This seasonal cocktail is well-balanced, with just the right amount of tartness and fruitiness. It is made with fresh ingredients and is easy to make.
The drink is not overly sweet, making it a great option for those who prefer their cocktails on the less sweet side. It is perfect for chilly fall or winter evenings, and is ideal during the holidays. The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and low sugar bourbon cocktail option.
10. Cranberry Sauce Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Sauce Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect way to repurpose leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving. It is a simple yet delicious cocktail with only three ingredients: cranberry sauce, bourbon, and ginger beer. The homemade cranberry sauce gives it a fresh and tangy flavor, while the ginger beer adds a spicy kick.
The best part is that it is lower in added sweetener, making it a healthier option for those watching their sugar intake. This cocktail is perfect for entertaining guests during the holidays or any time you have leftover cranberry sauce. If you're looking for a festive and easy-to-make cocktail, the Cranberry Sauce Bourbon Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
11. Maple Old Fashioned
The Maple Old Fashioned is a perfect example of how to make a classic cocktail with a twist. This seasonal variation on the traditional bourbon cocktail is a perfect balance of bitterness, spice, and maple flavor. The recipe swaps sugar or simple syrup for real maple syrup, making it a low sugar option that's perfect for those who want a healthier cocktail.
The drink is well-balanced and has a festive feel that's perfect for fall dinner parties, holidays, or cozy nights by the fire. The cocktail is easy to make, and it takes just 5 minutes to prepare. If you're looking for a refined sugar-free cocktail that's both delicious and healthy, the Maple Old Fashioned is a must-try.
12. Traditional Mint Julep
The Traditional Mint Julep is a classic bourbon cocktail with a refreshing and minty taste. It's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or while watching the Kentucky Derby.
This recipe uses coconut palm sugar in the simple syrup, which is a great alternative for those trying to lower their fructose consumption. It's a healthier twist to the recipe, making it a great option for those who want to indulge without the guilt.
13. Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch
Looking for a low sugar bourbon cocktail recipe that's perfect for summer? Look no further than the Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch. This delicious cocktail is bursting with fresh cherry flavor and a hint of lime, all balanced out by the smooth taste of bourbon.
What's more, it's made with healthy ingredients like cherries, apples, and limes, making it a great choice for those looking to cut back on sugar. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or just looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot day, the Kentucky Slim Cherry Punch is sure to hit the spot.
14. Keto Old Fashioned
The Keto Old Fashioned is a low sugar bourbon cocktail that is perfect for those on a keto diet. This classic cocktail has been given a low carb twist by using stevia instead of sugar. The drink is made with high-quality whiskey, orange bitters, Angostura bitters, and a brown sugar replacement syrup.
The addition of an orange peel gives it a tangy and bitter flavor that balances out the sweetness. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to enjoy a classic drink without going over their carb limit. If you're a whiskey lover, you'll definitely want to give this low carb version a try.
15. Bourbon Bramble Sugar Free Keto Cocktail
The Bourbon Bramble Sugar Free Keto Cocktail is a refreshing and delicious summer drink that is perfect for those who are looking for a low sugar option. This cocktail is made with blackberry liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and bourbon, which gives it a sweet and tangy flavor. It is also topped with diet ginger beer for an extra kick.
What makes this cocktail unique is that it is keto-friendly, with only 3 net carbs per drink. This means that you can enjoy this cocktail guilt-free, without worrying about your sugar intake. If you're looking for a low sugar bourbon cocktail that is both delicious and healthy, the Bourbon Bramble Sugar Free Keto Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
16. Gin Rickey
If you're looking for a refreshing and low-sugar cocktail, the Gin Rickey is definitely worth trying. This classic drink is made with gin, soda water, and lime, and has a light and citrusy flavor that's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
Unlike many other cocktails, the Gin Rickey doesn't contain any added sugar or heavy liquors, so you can enjoy the natural flavors of the ingredients without any guilt. Plus, with only around 140-150 calories per serving, it's a great option if you're watching your calorie intake. Whether you're a gin lover or just looking for a new cocktail to try, the Gin Rickey is definitely worth adding to your list.
17. Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a classic cocktail that has been around for centuries. This Low Sugar Bourbon Cocktail recipe uses diet Ginger Ale, which gives it a unique Midwestern twist.
The combination of warm ginger ale, bourbon, and lemon juice creates a soothing and comforting drink that's perfect for a cozy night in. It's easy to make and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
18. Classic Old Fashioned
The Classic Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that has been enjoyed for over two centuries. It is a simple yet elegant concoction of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water.
The drink is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of whiskey, as it is the primary ingredient. The Classic Old Fashioned is a must-try for anyone who loves whiskey or classic cocktails.
19. Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash
The Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash is a refreshing and low sugar cocktail that perfectly captures the flavors of summer. The combination of fresh strawberries, mint, and bourbon creates a deliciously balanced drink that's not too sweet or too boozy. The cocktail is easy to make and perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
Its light and fizzy texture makes it a great option for those looking for a low sugar alternative to traditional cocktails. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or lounging by the pool, the Strawberry Mint Bourbon Smash is a must-try cocktail that will leave you wanting more.
20. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic bourbon cocktail that has been a staple at the Kentucky Derby since 1875. Made with fresh mint and bourbon, this refreshing cocktail is perfect for a hot summer day or a special occasion. This particular recipe is low in sugar, making it a great option for those who are watching their sugar intake.
The result is a delicious and refreshing drink that is both keto-friendly and lower in calories. Whether you're a fan of Woodford Reserve or prefer Maker's Mark, this cocktail can be made with the bourbon of your choice.
21. Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash
The Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for those who are looking for a low sugar option. This cocktail is made with juicy strawberries, fresh basil, and a splash of lemon juice, which are muddled together with a touch of simple syrup and bourbon.
The result is a delicious and balanced drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening. The use of seasonal fruits and herbs makes this cocktail a great way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Overall, the Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash is a must-try for anyone who loves a good bourbon cocktail.
22. Sugar Free Eggnog
Looking for a low sugar cocktail option this holiday season? Look no further than the Sugar Free Eggnog. Made with free range organic eggs, almond milk, heavy cream, and allulose sweetener, this keto-friendly version of the classic holiday drink is both creamy and delicious.
You can add your choice of whiskey, rum, brandy, or cognac to give it that extra kick, or leave it out for a non-alcoholic version. With a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, this cocktail is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit without the added sugar. Trust us, this Sugar Free Eggnog recipe is one you'll want to add to your holiday cocktail rotation.
