While you may not be attending your regular round of non-stop holiday parties this year due to Covid-19, there will still be some opportunities to celebrate the season in other ways. Whether at home or with friends in a small, socially-distant gathering, a staple at holiday celebrations is a festive cocktail-like egg nog, mulled wine, or a hot toddy.
We are all aware of the extra calories that rich holiday desserts, dips, and other treats have, but it’s easy to get carried away in the spirit of the season when it comes to drinking those special holiday cocktails. The extra calories and sugar in these delicious drinks can quickly sneak up on you and add extra calories resulting in unwanted weight gain. And you’ll definitely want to avoid any additional holiday weight gain this year after possibly packing on extra pounds during quarantine!
Enjoy a festive drink with these lighter versions of favorite holiday cocktails and sip and toast to a new and better 2021 guilt-free.
Egg Nog
Nothing feels more like Christmas than a rich, creamy cup of egg nog. But with its heavy cream, sugar, and alcohol, it can come in at a whopping 340 calories per cup with around 21 grams of fat.
You can enjoy a lighter version of this classic drink by buying the light version of egg nog at the grocery store or, if you make your own, by using skim milk instead of heavy cream, reducing the amount of eggs, and using less sugar or a sugar substitute. Find a low-fat eggnog recipe here. Opt for white rum or bourbon and reduce the amount of alcohol per cup to reduce calories even more.
Hot Apple Cider
On a cold night, hot buttered rum apple cider can warm you up quickly, but this drink is not exactly heart-healthy or light in calories. For a lighter version, try this apple cider recipe instead.
Pomegranate Rosemary Martini
A healthy twist on the traditional martini, this cocktail combines antioxidant-rich and seasonal pomegranate juice garnished with rosemary. Plus, the bright red color looks super festive for your holiday table!
Hot Toddy
This classic cold-weather drink can easily be made with fewer calories but still with the same cinnamon and pumpkin spice taste. For a healthier hot toddy for the holidays, or anytime you feel a cold coming on, try this lighter hot toddy recipe.
Spiced Mulled Wine
This version of traditional winter mulled wine keeps the ingredients simple, which cuts down on calories. Make a whole batch in just 20 minutes and serve it warm.
Vanilla Champagne Sparkler
Ring in the New Year with this light, flavorful take on classic champagne that blends vanilla, fig, and cinnamon for a festive toast.
Cheers!