Healthy and cocktails in the same sentence? Say it IS so! Not only can these drinks get you in the holiday spirit, yule feel great after you try these healthier twist on some your favorite holiday cocktails. (Forgive the pun… I just couldn’t resist.)

5 Healthier Holiday Cocktails

1. Spiked Hot Cider

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon unfiltered apple juice or apple cider
• 1 large orange, cut into ¼-inch slices
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4 star anise
• 1 Tbsp whole cloves
• 1 Tbsp whole allspice
• 1-inch ginger root, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups spiced rum
• Orange slices, apple slices, spices for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Add apple juice/cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, allspice, and ginger to a large pot or, better yet, a crockpot.
2. Bring mixture to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
3. Add rum (or your spirit of choice) to the apple cider mixture.
4. Remove fruit and spices from the pot. (Optional)
5. Pour into mugs and enjoy!

Chef Note: This healthier holiday cocktails recipe yields 16 regular-sized mugs.

Chef Note: As mentioned, I prefer to simmer this on low in my crockpot. Not only does it allow my guests to serve themselves, but I don’t have to be mindful of the stove and heating and reheating throughout a gathering.

Spiked Hot Cider Nutrition Facts:
16 servings

• Calories: 175
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 0.1 g

2. Coconut Cooler

This is probably the most difficult of the healthier holiday cocktails to make because it requires one extra step, but this extra step is essential to its delightful flavor profile and aromatics.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 lime wedge
• 2 Tbsp granulated stevia (or sugar)
• dash kosher salt
• 3 oz rum (choose a white rum)
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• Ice
• 3 oz coconut rum
• 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 cups coconut milk
• Fresh mint leaves and pomegranate for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Muddle mint leaves, lime wedge, sweetener, and salt together.
2. Add rum, coconut water, and ice cubes to a cocktail shaker and add muddles ingredients.
3. Shake for roughly 15 seconds.
4. Add coconut rum, fresh lime juice, and coconut milk.
5. Stir to combine.
6. Garnish with fresh mint and pomegranate seeds. (Optional)

Chef Note: This recipe yields 4 regular highball glasses.

Chef Note: You can also splurge with regular sugar for this recipe instead of stevia, as it tends to muddle better. There is something about the aromatics of sugar, fresh lime, and fresh mint that awakens my senses, but the stevia version is also yummy without the added calories.

Coconut Cooler Nutrition Facts (made with stevia):
4 servings

• Calories: 116
• Total Fat: 2.3 g
• Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.25 g
• Protein: 0.2 g

3. Cranberry Cosmopolitan

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cranberry liqueur
• 1/4 cup Cointreau
• 2 Tbsp lime juice

Directions:

1. Toss everything into a shaker.
2. Add ice to chill.
3. Strain into a martini glass.
4. Top with a fresh cranberry or two. (Optional)

Chef Note: This recipe yields 2 regular martini glass servings.

Cranberry Martini Nutrition Facts:
2 servings

• Calories: 312
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Total Carbohydrate: 35.5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

4. Blood Orange Sangria

This is probably the easiest and most popular of these healthier holiday cocktails for a party. The beauty of this is that you can add any wine or brandy you have on hand and seasonal fruits you enjoy. Once I’m out of sangria, I find it enjoyable to snack on the fruit that has been soaking in the beverage. SO delicious!

Directions:

• 1 bottle of Pinot Noir
• 1 bottle of Beaujolias
• The flesh of blood oranges
• Sliced fruit

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients and stir until combined.
2. Refrigerate for 3 – 4 hours before serving.
3. Enjoy!

Blood Orange Sangria Nutrition Facts:
10 servings

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 0 g
• Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 0.2 g

5. Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond milk
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg

Directions:

1. Toss all ingredients into a blender (or NutriBullet®) and blend until well incorporated.
2. Heat over a stovetop on medium heat for 10 – 15 minutes (until it starts to thicken), stirring regularly.
3. Pour into glasses and enjoy, or place in the fridge to cool for several hours or overnight.

For the kicked-up version, add:

• 1 oz spiced rum
• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon for garnish
• Cinnamon stick (optional)

Chef Note: This recipe yields 4 servings.

Eggnog Nutrition Facts:
4 servings

• Calories: 118
• Total Fat: 1.4 g
• Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
• Fiber: 0.75 g
• Protein: 3.3 g

Kicked Up Eggnog Nutrition Facts:
4 servings

• Calories: 173
• Total Fat: 1.4 g
• Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
• Fiber: 0.75 g
• Protein: 3.4 g

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