The holidays are a time for great food, fabulous company, and even better drinks. While creamy eggnog and sugary libations may not be the most calorie-friendly beverages of choice, there are plenty of crave-worthy drinks that won’t break the calorie bank. Sip on one of these 10 lighter holiday cocktails at your next holiday party!
1. CRANBERRY SAUCE BOURBON COCKTAIL | THE ROASTED ROOT
The holiday season is all about repurposing leftovers. Take those leftover cranberry sauce out of the fridge and transform it into a tasty bourbon beverage! If you prefer a smoothie beverage, try blending the mixture for more of a daiquiri texture. Recipe makes 1 serving.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 156; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 81mg; Sodium: 244mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 12g; Protein: 0g
2. EARL GRAY HOT TODDY | CALIFORNIA GIRL COOKS
This easy and totally customizable drink is a great one for crowds. Invite over a few good friends, and enjoy it from a big pitcher! It’s equally delicious with grated ginger and cinnamon. No lemons? Swap in fresh orange juice and your favorite flavor of tea. Recipe makes 1 serving.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 117; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 5mg; Carbohydrate: 20g; Dietary Fiber:0g; Sugar: 18g; Protein: 0g
3. APPLE SPICED MIMOSAS | THE HEALTHY MAVEN
This festive cocktail is perfect for a New Year’s get-together or a simple brunch with friends. It’s made with no-sugar-added apple juice so you won’t be bogged down with the same sugar rush you’d get from other holiday treats. Add a dash of nutmeg, and serve in champagne flutes for an extra festive flair! Nutrition calculated without the sugar rim. Recipe makes 4 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 113; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 11mg; Carbohydrate: 10g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 0g
4. CHAMPAGNE POMEGRANATE COCKTAIL | COOKING LIGHT
An addicting combination of bubbly champagne and sweet pomegranate juice is what makes this libation a crowd pleaser. As a nutritional bonus, it’s also packed with antioxidants! Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds or a pop of color. Recipe makes 8 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 125; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium:9mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 0g
5. SPICED HOT CIDER | EATING WELL
Cozy up with an adult version of the classic autumn drink! Apple cider packs an extra flavor kick when garnished with lots of cinnamon powder, cinnamon sticks and crisp apple slices. Recipe makes 6 servings at 3/4 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 155; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 42mg; Carbohydrate: 23g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 22g; Protein: 0g
6. GINGER GRAPEFRUIT COCKTAIL | DIETITIAN DEBBIE DISHES
This pretty-in-pink grapefruit cocktail is a warm and refreshing drink. Grapefruits reach their peak during the holiday season so take advantage by incorporating this zingy fruit into your wintry celebrations. For optimal flavor, use fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice rather than store-bought. Recipe makes 2 servings.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 143; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat:0 g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 13mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 60g
7. BLOOD ORANGE SANGRIA | COOKING LIGHT
Blood oranges come into season around December, so be sure to whip up this gorgeous cocktail over the holidays! If blood oranges aren’t available, e navel oranges will do in a pinch. Choose a good quality, fruity red wine for the best flavor. Recipe makes 16 servings at 1 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 157; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 7mg; Carbohydrate: 21g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 21g; Protein: 0g
8. POMEGRANATE SPITZERS | MAKING THYME FOR HEALTH
Healthy, fizzy, and delicious, this drink is as easy as combining soda water with bright pomegranate juice and a splash of lime. You can also experiment with replacing the soda water with champagne. Recipe makes 8 servings at 1 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 146; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 10mg; Carbohydrate: 21g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 16g; Protein: 0g
9. ROSEMARY POMEGRANATE MIMOSAS | FEASTING NOT FASTING
Looking for a fun and festive twist on the classic mimosa? Churn out this rosemary pomegranate version by combining fresh pomegranate juice, pomegranate seeds, fizzy champagne and aromatic rosemary. Freeze extra pomegranate rosemary ice cubes to spice up your water the next day! Recipe makes 8 servings
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 120; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 21mg; Carbohydrate: 16g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 12g; Protein: 1g
10. NOT SO NAUGHTY EGGNOG | MYFITNESSPAL’S ORIGINAL RECIPES
There’s no denying that eggnog is an irresistible addition to the holiday table. This recipe swaps out cream for low-fat milk, which not only cuts down on major fat and calories, but also doubles the protein content. Winning! Recipe makes 8 servings at 1/2 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 129; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 62mg; Sodium: 100mg; Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 13g; Protein: 5g
