The holidays are here, and that means you’ll be drinking more alcohol. While drinking is fun, it can also lead to unintentional weight gain. And the calories in some cocktails can really add up — take pina
Fear not — you can still drink and keep your weight in check. Here are seven awesome and guiltless holiday cocktails that’ll enable you to drink and have fun without worrying too much about gaining weight:
1. Cocoa Nog
This holiday drink only has 86 calories per serving. To make cocoa nog, you’ll need six tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, four cups of low-fat eggnog divided, one pint rum, and one pint brandy. Whisk together the cocoa powder and a third cup of eggnog until smooth. Then whisk in the remaining eggnog. Lastly, add the rum and brandy.
2. Ginger Snap
This fruit and ginger fusion is low in calories, but high in taste. To make it, you’ll need two ounces of peach Ciroc, one piece of fresh ginger, four sage leaves, one ounce of fresh lemon juice, and two ounces of soda water. Place the ginger and sage in a mixing tin, muddle, and then add the lemon juice and Ciroc. Fill the mixing tin with ice, and shake again. Then strain the mixture into a glass and top with soda water.
3. Spiced Hot Wine
This seasonal drink is sure to keep you warm and cozy during cold winter nights. You’ll need one bottle of red wine, one orange, one-fourth cup of brandy, one-fourth cup of sugar, eight cloves, and two cinnamon sticks. First slice up the orange. In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients, bringing to a simmer. Let simmer for 15 minutes, and then serve warm.
4. Rosemary Gin
This is a unique twist on a classic gin drink that’s sure to wow everyone at your holiday party while remaining low calorie. You’ll need three sprigs of rosemary, one small juiced lemon, one teaspoon of honey, 1.5 ounces of gin, and three ounces club soda. In a glass, muddle the rosemary, lemon juice, and honey. Then fill the glass with ice. Pour in the gin and top with club soda.
5. Apple Cider Moscow Mule
This cocktail is a fun holiday spin on the traditional Moscow mule without any added calories. To make, you’ll need two ounces of ginger-flavored vodka, two ounces of apple cider, one small lime wedge that’s juiced, a bottle of Jamaican ginger beer, and a dash of cinnamon. Add the vodka, apple cider, and lime juice to a large mug. Then fill the mug with ice, sprinkling cinnamon over the ice. Top the drink off with ginger beer, and stir until combined.
6. Baileys Hot Chocolate
This winter classic will satisfy your sweet tooth, and it contains less than 140 calories per serving. To make it, you’ll need hot water, a packet of diet hot chocolate mix, and Baileys Irish cream. Mix the hot chocolate packet in one cup of hot water, and then add an ounce of Baileys Irish cream.
7. Fruity White Sangria
This cocktail is as festive as the holidays, and contains less than 100 calories per serving. You’ll need 12 ounces of mango juice, 12 ounces of pineapple juice, one liter of seltzer water, one bottle of Chardonnay, half a pineapple, two oranges, and some ice. First, slice up the pineapple and oranges. Pour all ingredients into a serving pitcher. Then add ice, stir until blended, and refrigerate.
Big on taste, low in calories
Celebrating the holidays doesn’t mean you have to over-indulge in
References
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“20 Low-Calorie Holiday Cocktail Recipes,” Shape, December 2, 2015.
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“Christmas Cocktails,” Cooking Light, November 15, 2012.
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“‘Tis the Season for Toasting: 10 Low-Cal Holiday Cocktails,” POPSUGAR, December 23, 2016.
