Delicious and Healthy Holiday Beverages

Nothing beats turkey, ham, stuffing, cranberries and candied yams.

But as good as holiday food is, nothing tastes like the holidays more than holiday drinks. For example, I love eggnog–if they sold it all year, I would be drinking it in July. And how about hot cocoa? Nothing tastes better on a crisp winter night.

But flavor is only half the story. Unfortunately, those tasty holiday drinks also pack loads of calories. So, in order to enjoy the best of both worlds this holiday season, I’m sharing recipes for holiday drinks that are both delicious and healthy.

Why buy the hot cocoa, eggnog and cranberry juice when you can make it yourself and cut a few calories at the same time?

Nutritious ‘Nog

 Like I said before, if I could, I would probably drink eggnog year-round.  The problem is, one cup of eggnog has about fifty percent more calories than Coca-Cola. Wow! With so many calories maybe a cup a year is a better idea.

Here’s a homemade eggnog recipe that is low in calories (and because its homemade, can be enjoyed anytime.)

Hint: Be careful to separate the yolks when adding the eggs.

Guiltless Hot Chocolate

I love hot chocolate. Not only does it taste wonderful on a crisp fall or winter night, no drink brings holiday cheer like a frothing cup of hot cocoa. Here is a recipe that is not only delicious…you won’t have to worry too much about extra calories.

Hint: Almond milk gives the hot chocolate a hint of nut and provides less calories than dairy milk.

Cranberry Christmas Cider

Cranberry juice and apple cider are wonderful drinks by themselves. However, by combining both, this delicious holiday drink provides plenty of taste and is a healthy option for your next holiday party.

Cranberry Christmas Cider

• 1 64 oz. bottle 100% apple juice
• 12 oz. bag fresh cranberries
• Couple cinnamon sticks
• Two cups of organic, unsweetened cranberry juice

1.Pour the apple juice into the slow cooker. Add the fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks. 2. Set on high for 4 hours. 3. Strain the cranberries and cinnamon sticks before serving. 5.  Serve warm, straight of out the slow cooker.

Find a printable version of the recipe here.

Hint: Slow cooking the recipe with cinnamon sticks gives the drink a splash of cinnamon that complements the fruitiness of the cranberries and apple cider.

The great thing about these recipes is that they taste wonderful, but they are also a healthier alternative to the traditional versions. Every Christmas I have a holiday party with my friends, and one of my favorite things is planning the tasty holiday drinks.  I think I will try these recipes out and see how many of my friends notice the difference.

What  healthy holiday beverages will you be serving this holiday season?