When the holidays roll around with the scents of all the seasonal drinks in the air – Eggnog, Hot Buttered Rum, Christmas Punch – my eyes light up and I am ready for a glass (or three)!
We talked before about staying hydrated, which is still very important. It is totally fine to enjoy some holiday drinks, alcoholic or not, but we don’t want to gulp down a bunch of empty calories and sugar.
This tip will help you enjoy the flavors of your favorite holiday drinks without overindulging too much!
TIP #6 – SIP
Now any holiday beverage can be enjoyed with or without alcohol, but they are still most likely pretty high in calories and sugar, too.
If you are at an event with festive drinks, try to choose one with fewer calories. These will be the ones with less sweet mixers. Instead of guzzling it down, just SIP on it!
You could also consider adding some plain sparkling water to fruity cocktails or punches. You still get all the flavor with fewer calories and less sugar.
Makes sense, right?
I love eggnog but a healthier choice for me is a non-dairy version made with almond milk. It’s not nearly as thick as classic eggnog and not as sweet either.
You could even add plain almond milk to your standard eggnog, mixing about half and half, and still have a great-tasting drink with fewer calories. Add a dash of nutmeg on top and it’s really yummy!
If a creamy eggnog isn’t your style, try something like the light holiday spritzer below.
Crimson & Clover Spritz
Adapted from Goop, this light holiday cocktail has it all – warm spice, tart fruit juice, fizzy bubbles, and even a fanciful sugar rim.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 grapefruit wedge
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka (try Ketel One or Absolut)
- 2 ounces pomegranate juice
- 3/4 ounce fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce soda water (try LaCriox Pamplemousse)
- pomegranate seeds
Directions:
- Make your rimming sugar by mixing the coconut sugar and ground cloves. Spread onto a shallow plate.
- Wet the rim of your cocktail glass with the grapefruit wedge, then roll the rim in the sugar mixture.
- In a separate glass, combine the vodka, pomegranate juice, and grapefruit juice.
- Add ice to your glass then pour in the vodka and juice mixture, being careful of your sugared rim.
- Top with soda water and sprinkle some pomegranate seeds on top.
What is your favorite holiday drink to sip on? Let us know in the comments!
