Zero-Sugar, Keto-Friendly Hot Drinks That Actually Taste Good

If you’ve ever followed a keto or low-carb lifestyle, you’ll know the struggle: trying to find a cosy, indulgent hot drink that doesn’t wreck your blood sugar—or taste like disappointment.

Good news: you don’t have to choose between flavour and function anymore. Whether you’re dodging sugar for health reasons, embracing keto for metabolic benefits, or simply looking to cut back on carbs, there are delicious, warming drinks that hit the spot and keep your macros in check.

In this blog, we’ll:

• Compare the best keto-approved sweeteners: steviol glycosides (stevia), erythritol, and monk fruit

• Unpack how they affect your blood sugar

• Share a luxurious Red Velvet Beetroot Hot Chocolate recipe

• Offer a printable Keto Hot Drinks Cheat Sheet to keep in your kitchen

🍬 Sweeteners That Make the Cut (and Taste Good)

1. Steviol Glycosides (Stevia)

Extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, steviol glycosides are intensely sweet (200–300x sweeter than sugar), yet completely free from calories and carbs. They’ve got a glycaemic index (GI) of zero, meaning they won’t spike your blood sugar.

Pros:
✅ Naturally derived
✅ Excellent for keto
✅ Widely available in liquid, powder, and tablet form

Cons:
❌ Can have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste
❌ Some products are mixed with less keto-friendly fillers

Tip: Choose high-purity stevia extract or blends with erythritol for smoother flavour.

2. Erythritol

This sugar alcohol behaves very differently to sugar. It’s about 70% as sweet as sugar but has virtually no effect on glucose or insulin levels. Most of it is excreted unchanged by the body.

Pros:
✅ Sugar-like taste and mouthfeel
✅ Doesn’t raise blood sugar
✅ Perfect for baking and hot drinks

Cons:
❌ Can cause bloating in large amounts
❌ Slight cooling effect on the tongue

Tip: Ideal for hot chocolate, lattes, and keto-friendly syrups.

3. Monk Fruit Sweetener

Derived from the monk fruit (Luo Han Guo), this sweetener is zero-calorie, GI 0, and 150–200x sweeter than sugar. It’s fast becoming a favourite in the low-carb world.

Pros:
✅ Clean, fruity sweetness
✅ Minimal aftertaste
✅ Great for mixing into hot drinks

Cons:
❌ Often blended with other sweeteners (check labels!)
❌ Slightly harder to find in the UK market

Tip: Look for pure monk fruit extract or blends with erythritol or stevia.

🍫 Red Velvet Beetroot Hot Chocolate (Keto Recipe)

This one’s for the velvet-lovers. The earthy sweetness of beetroot pairs beautifully with rich cocoa for a naturally vibrant, blood-sugar-safe treat.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

• 250ml unsweetened almond or coconut milk

• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (optional for richness)

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp cooked beetroot purée (adds colour + antioxidants)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

• 1–2 tsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (to taste)

• Optional: coconut whipped cream or sugar-free chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Warm the milk and cream in a saucepan until steaming (don’t boil).

2. Whisk in cocoa, beetroot purée, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

3. Stir in sweetener of choice and adjust to taste.

4. Pour into mugs and top with your favourite keto-friendly cream.

Optional twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger or cardamom for a spiced velvet variation!

🧠 Why It’s Keto-Friendly

✔️ No refined sugar
✔️ Natural sweeteners with zero glycaemic impact
✔️ Healthy fats from cream and nut milk
✔️ Beetroot adds antioxidants and colour—without overloading on carbs

Here’s your printable guide for quick reference in the kitchen:

💡 Final Sip

Zero-sugar, keto-friendly drinks don’t have to be bland. With the right sweeteners, a little creativity, and a good-quality cocoa or spice blend, you can enjoy café-level indulgence without breaking your carb budget.

✨ Want more low-carb inspiration? Follow us on Instagram and check out our Spice Realm keto latte blends — including our bestselling Red Velvet Beetroot Hot Chocolate with monk fruit and erythritol.