The holiday season is known for its delicious seasonal drinks, also known as holiday beverages. Although it's perfectly acceptable to indulge in these festive drinks, it's important to not overdo it as it can hinder your health and fitness aspirations. However, there is a silver lining as making simple adjustments can transform a rich holiday drink into a healthier option.
Tips for Creating Healthier Holiday Drinks
To maintain a healthy lifestyle during the holiday season, it is important to find a balance between indulging in your favorite drinks and making conscious decisions to prioritize your health. This can help you stay on track with your health goals without missing out on the holiday festivities.
Having balance during the holiday season allows for the enjoyment of traditional holiday beverages in moderation without the burden of guilt. However, for those seeking a healthier alternative, consider these three recommendations curated by dietitians.
Instead of using cane sugar, try using honey, dates, or agave nectar as sweeteners. These alternatives have a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, resulting in smaller spikes in blood sugar levels.
Opt for sparkling water as a base for holiday cocktails and mocktails. These fizzy drinks can greatly reduce the amount of added sugar found in most fruit juices and sodas.
If you're treating yourself to hot chocolate or a festive coffee drink, consider opting for light whip cream or requesting it to be omitted. You may be surprised at the number of calories you can save by skipping the whip cream.
Let's raise a glass to the festive season with these six nutritious holiday beverages.
6 Healthier Holiday Drink Ideas
Simple Holiday Eggnog
Savor a more nutritious rendition of eggnog that contains reduced amounts of sugar and fat, all while still indulging in a luxurious and creamy taste.
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients:
2 cups of unsweetened milk of choice
4 large eggs
1/4 cup raw honey
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional)
Directions:
Whisk the egg yolks, honey, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over low heat. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, usually for about 5 minutes. Be cautious not to overheat and curdle the eggs. Remove from heat and let it cool.
In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over low-medium heat until hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally. Alternatively, microwave it for approximately 2 minutes.
Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture while constantly whisking to combine. This will temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
Return the mixture to the stove and cook over low heat. Stir continuously until it thickens slightly, which should take 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
After removing from heat, add vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice and stir.
For a creamier eggnog, mix in Greek yogurt and whisk until smooth.
Allow the eggnog to cool before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for a few hours until cold.
Serve over ice and garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Nourishing Holiday Cocoa Drink
During winter activities, hot cocoa is an ideal option to keep yourself warm. Enjoy this quick and nutritious take on the traditional hot cocoa recipe.
Serves: 2 people
Ingredients:
2 cups of your choice of unsweetened milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
1 tablespoon mini marshmallows
Directions:
Combine the unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan and whisk together.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking until the mixture is fully combined.
Heat the mixture over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes hot (but not boiling), which should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
Taste the hot cocoa and adjust the level of sweetness by adding more maple syrup if necessary.
Once the hot cocoa is well mixed and hot, remove it from the heat.
Pour the hot cocoa into mugs and top with mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Peppermint Latte with a Festive Twist
A refreshing peppermint latte is a delightful variation of a popular coffee drink, without the added sugar and calories commonly found in other coffee brands.
Serves: 1 person
Ingredients:
1 cup of unsweetened non-dairy milk
1 shot of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
1/4 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract
1 tablespoon of raw honey
Optional toppings: crushed sugar-free peppermint candies or a sprinkle of cocoa powder
Directions:
To start, you can either brew a shot of espresso or prepare a cup of coffee using your preferred method.
Next, heat the milk in a small saucepan over low-medium heat until it reaches a hot temperature, but not to the point of boiling.
Remember to stir occasionally. In your coffee mug, mix together the hot espresso or coffee with honey and pure peppermint extract.
Adjust the amount of sweetness and peppermint flavor to your personal preference.
Slowly pour the hot milk into the mug with the coffee mixture and stir until well combined. Alternatively, you can use a frother for a smoother consistency.
For an added touch, you can top your beverage with crushed sugar-free peppermint candies or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Green Tea with a Peppermint Twist for the Holidays
Green tea infused with peppermint is not just a relaxing and invigorating beverage, but it also offers the potential health advantages of green tea, including antioxidants, along with the calming properties of peppermint.
Serves: 1 person
Ingredients:
1 bag of green tea or 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves
1 bag of peppermint tea or 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves
Boiling water
Optional: Raw honey or sweetener to taste
Directions:
Begin by boiling water and allowing it to cool for a minute or two. The optimal temperature for brewing green tea is approximately 175°F.
Take a teacup and place either a green tea bag or some loose green tea leaves inside.
Next, add a peppermint tea bag or loose peppermint leaves to the same cup.
Once the water has reached the desired temperature, carefully pour it over the tea bags or leaves.
Cover the cup with a saucer or small plate and let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes.
After the steeping process, remove the tea bags or strain out the tea leaves.
For some added sweetness, you can mix in honey or your preferred sweetener to taste.
Give the tea a good stir and savor your delicious peppermint green tea.
Healthier Winter Holiday Sangria
Sangria is a tasty and refreshing drink that is perfect for the holiday season. Not only is it delicious, but it can also be made in a healthier way. Give your festive occasions a healthy and fruity twist by trying this version.
Serves: 6 to 8 people
Ingredients:
1 bottle of dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup honey
1 cup sparkling water
1 sliced apple
1 sliced orange
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1 cinnamon stick
A few sprigs of fresh rosemary
Ice
Directions:
Combine the wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and honey in a large pitcher. Thoroughly mix the liquids and sweeten the sangria.
Place the apple and orange slices, fresh cranberries, and cinnamon stick in the pitcher. Gently stir to incorporate.
Chill the sangria for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to combine. For even more depth of flavor, you can prepare it the night before.
Just before serving, add sparkling water or club soda to the pitcher for a light carbonation. Stir gently.
Serve the holiday sangria over ice in glasses. For a festive touch, garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Non-Alcoholic Apple Cranberry Spritzer
The Cranberry Apple Spritzer is a delightful non-alcoholic mocktail perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. It is an ideal option for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages at corporate gatherings.
Number of servings: 1
Ingredients:
1 cup of cranberry juice without any added sugar
1 cup of apple juice without any added sugar
Half a cup of sparkling water or club soda
Quarter cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon of honey
Fresh apple slices and cranberries for decoration
Ice cubes
Optional fresh mint leaves for garnish
Directions:
Combine unsweetened cranberry juice, unsweetened apple juice, fresh lemon juice, and honey in a pitcher. Mix well to blend the flavors and sweetness.
Add ice cubes to glasses.
Evenly distribute the cranberry and apple juice mixture into the glasses.
Add a refreshing fizz to each glass by topping it off with sparkling water or club soda.
For added garnish, include slices of fresh apple, a few cranberries, and a sprig of fresh mint in each glass.
Gently stir to combine the flavors, and serve the Cranberry Apple Spritzer mocktail immediately.