Keto Cold Brew Cocoa Tonic
This drink is not a sweet iced coffee but a dry cold brew tonic made with cocoa nibs, vanilla and a pinch of salt. The nibs steep overnight in cold water and release their roasted aromas without needing any sugar or milk. Topped with sugar-free tonic, the result is a dry, almost cocktail-like keto drink.
Key facts at a glance
- 10 minutes active prep, 12 hours of steeping.
- Approx. 1 g net carbs per glass.
- Vegan, alcohol-free and ideal as a coffee-break drink.
- Bitter rather than sweet thanks to the cocoa nibs, perfect served over ice.
Ingredients
One glass works as a cold coffee-break drink or as a bitter snack substitute.
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cocoa nibs | - | |||
| cold water | - | |||
| vanilla extract | approx. ½ tsp | |||
| approx. ½ tsp | ||||
| salt | - | |||
| sugar-free tonic water | - | |||
| ice cubes | - | |||
Preparation
-
Set up the cold brew
approx. 10 minutes35 g cocoa nibs 450 ml cold water 2.5 ml vanilla extract approx. ½ tsp 1 pinch salt 450 ml sugar-free tonic water Coarsely crush the cocoa nibs and add them to a jar with the water, vanilla and salt.
-
Let it steep
12 hoursChill the mixture for 12 hours, then strain it finely.
-
Build the tonic
approx. 2 minutesPour the cocoa cold brew over ice and top up with sugar-free tonic.
You did it! Enjoy every delicious bite.
Which tips help with the keto cold brew cocoa tonic?
- Crush the cocoa nibs coarsely so they release more flavor.
- Do not steep for more than 18 hours, otherwise the extract turns bitter.
- Strain finely so no nib particles end up in the glass.
- Only pour in the tonic right before serving.
- A small pinch of salt is important because it rounds out the cocoa and vanilla.
Why this tonic fits a keto diet
The cocoa nibs release flavor but are not eaten whole. That keeps the carbs in the finished drink very low. Sugar-free tonic replaces classic soda, while vanilla and salt amplify the sweetness and roasted notes without adding any carbs.
How do I serve and vary the cold brew tonic?
Serve in a tall glass with plenty of ice. For a stronger coffee note, add 30 ml of cold espresso. For a dessert-style version, whip 1 tbsp of coconut cream and float it on top as a thin foam.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per glass | Keto context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 3 kcal | approx. 7 kcal | A very light drink as long as sugar-free tonic is used. |
| A very light drink as long as sugar-free tonic is used. | |||
| Fat | approx. 0.1 g | approx. 0.2 g | Only traces from the cocoa extract. |
| Only traces from the cocoa extract. | |||
| Net carbs | approx. 0.4 g | approx. 1 g | Low; the nibs are strained out. |
| Low; the nibs are strained out. | |||
| Sugar | 0 g | 0 g | No added sugar. |
| No added sugar. | |||
| Protein | approx. 0.1 g | approx. 0.2 g | Not a protein source. |
| Not a protein source. | |||
| Salt | approx. 0.05 g | approx. 0.1 g | A small amount of salt for flavor and electrolytes. |
| A small amount of salt for flavor and electrolytes. | |||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Are cocoa nibs keto?
Yes, in small amounts. They contain fiber and fat but also some carbs. In this recipe they are only used to infuse the water and are then strained out, so the drink stays very low in net carbs.
Can I use regular tonic water?
No, classic tonic usually contains a lot of sugar. For keto it has to be explicitly sugar-free.