Some sweetener, bitters and whiskey make this Low Carb Old Fashioned Cocktail, it's really that easy. I swapped the sugar for a low carb sweetener to make this low carb and diabetic friendly.
When you enjoy whiskey but may not want to drink it straight up, this is the best way to dress it up and make it a little easier to imbibe.
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🥘 Ingredient notes
Simply made with whiskey, erythritol and bitters, this cocktail is a classic twist on the original.
- Whiskey: bourbon whiskey is the main ingredients here so choose wisely. I used a Jim Beam White Label Bourbon for this cocktail. Some other great options are Four Roses Single Barrel, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey or Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey.
- Erythritol: dissolving erythritol with some warm water helps make this a smooth cocktail. We don't want to see the sugar at the bottom of the tumbler so dissolving it makes it just right.
- Bitters: The Angostura website defines bitters as it "adds a layer of complexity, intensifies the flavor of other ingredients, counteracts the harshness of acidic contents and decreases the harshness of spirits." I used their aromatic bitters for this cocktail recipe.
👨🏻🍳 Steps by step instructions
How to make a Low Carb Old Fashioned Cocktail
STEP 1: Pour warm water in the tumbler and stir with the erythritol until dissolved or use my Low Carb Simple Syrup recipe as an alternative.
STEP 2: Next add 3 dashes of bitters, ice and the whiskey
STEP 3: as a garnish you can add an orange wedge and a cherry (both optional)
🍴 More low carb recipes
- Low Carb Negroni
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- Low Carb Strawberry Pound Cake
- Low Carb Korean BBQ Short Ribs
- Low Carb Jalapeno Burgers
⏲️ Tips and serving suggestions
- Amount of alcohol: this recipe calls for 2 oz of whiskey you may want to try the first one with 1 oz of whiskey and then add more if needed.
- Variations: although the purists may not agree there are many twists on the old fashioned cocktail. You can add hot water to it and make it a warm winter drink. Or how about adding coffee to it and get some caffeine in at the same time? How about a whiskey smash where you can add a low carb simple syrup, lemons and shake it over ice. The options are endless, here is a website I found that has several twists on the Old Fashioned.
- Serving: cocktails like this often go well with something salty like salted almonds or pecans. If having a meal this would go well with a steak, chicken wings or pork chops. A wedge salad with blue cheese dressing would also go nicely with this drink. Here are some of my recipes that would go well with an Old Fashioned:
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
- Keto Air Fryer Devilled Eggs
- Low Carb Panzanella Salad
💭 Frequently asked questions
Like the traditional cocktail this drink tastes rich, silky and smooth. In essence it tastes like whiskey with some add sweetness and aromatics.
According to Wikepedia "The Pendennis Club, a gentlemen's club founded in 1881 in Louisville, Kentucky, claims the old fashioned cocktail was invented there.
Each serving contains roughly 2g of carbs.
Everyone has an opinion on this. However, for myself I can drink in moderation and continue to manage my blood sugars. If you are trying to lose weight alcohol can stall your progress. Having a couple of low carb drinks for myself don't usually spike my blood sugars. I suggest you check your blood sugars in order to see how it affects you as everyone is different. I use a Fora 6 Connect Blood Glucose monitor (use IHACKEDDIABETES10 for 10% off) to check my blood sugars.
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Please comment, rate or review my recipe below!
Recipe Card
Low Carb Old Fashioned Cocktail
Instructional Recipe Video
Instructions
- In a tumbler stir together the warm water and erythritol until dissolved. Alternatively you can use a ¼ oz of my simple syrup recipe (see recipe in the notes).
- add 3 dashes of bitters, ice and the whiskey. Mix and enjoy.
- (optional) garnish with orange wedge or peel and a cherry
- (Refer to the video instructions below if further clarification is needed)
Notes
- Amount of alcohol: this recipe calls for 2 oz of whiskey you may want to try the first one with 1 oz of whiskey and then add more if desired.
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Kayla DiMaggio says
This makes me want to start my weekend early!
Audrey says
This was a great low carb drink.
Oscar Chimenti says
Even non whiskey drinkers enjoy this cocktail. Love the combo with the sweetener.