The holidays are always jam-packed with social events and entertaining. But sometimes certain cocktail recipes can wreak havoc on your waistline. Classics like eggnog, apple cider and anything made with cranberry juice are ones to really watch out for. Any kind of concentrate is going to be filled with tons of sugar, which will give you a nasty hangover the next day along with major bloating. Ick. If you’re looking to stay in your current skinny jeans, we suggest checking out a few of our favorite cocktails that are on the healthier side. From coconut eggnog to pomegranate sangria, you really can’t go wrong with these healthy holiday cocktail recipes. Cheers!
8 Healthy Holiday Cocktails to Make Right Now
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Pomegranate Mojito Cocktail
When we think of mojitos, we think of hot summer days. But Cooking LSL has a twist on the classic recipe that we're loving. First off, it uses simple syrup instead of brown sugar. Rum, lime juice and mint are still key ingredients, but to make it holiday appropriate, pomegranate seeds are added.
Image: Pinterest via Cooking LSL
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Skinny Apple Fizz
Apple cider found on the shelves at grocery stores is chock-full of sugar and will pack on the pounds in no time. To satisfy your apple cravings for the holidays, try this Skinny Apple Fizz from The Skinny Confidential. She notes to look for real apple juice (in the organic aisles), so just remember this when shopping. Add in Tito's Vodka, a splash of ginger beer, sparkling water and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice and you've got a skinny yet mouthwatering cocktail option!
Image: Pinterest via The Skinny Confidential
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Cranberry Ginger Cocktail
It wouldn't be the holidays without something cranberry in the mix. This Cranberry Ginger Cocktail from made with HAPPY is a great option, as it is created with pure cranberry juice (not to be confused with sugary cranberry concentrate). Other delicious additions include vodka, ginger beer, cranberries, Sweet'N Low and a lime slice. Say goodbye to nasty hangovers thanks to this healthy option!
Image: Pinterest via made with HAPPY
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Winter Sea Breeze Holiday Cocktail
The name Winter Sea Breeze is enough to make you want to check out this cocktail concoction from Catch My Party. She notes that it's "bright, bubbly, tangy, and crisp, plus the pomegranate seeds and sprig of mint give it a festive Christmas feel." With all of the other refreshing ingredients, like grapefruit juice, fizzy soda water and tonic syrup, we can't wait to try it out.
Image: Pinterest via Catch My Party
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Apple Cider Mimosas
We love mimosas all year long, no matter the occasion. But The Cookie Rookie has created a version with apple cider that sounds out of this world. And it's super easy. Add bubbly apple cider, an apple wedge for garnish and gold sprinkles to jazz it up. Christmas brunch just got that much better!
Image: Pinterest via The Cookie Rookie
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Coconut Milk Eggnog
Eggnog is full of calories. But if you're dying to serve it this season, check out Back to Her Roots' dairy-free version. The stars of the drink are fresh egg yolks and yummy coconut milk (which is super hydrating). This recipe will serve your milk-free and raw-diet friends as well as everyone else. Add a splash of rum or bourbon and you'll be all set.
Image: Pinterest via Back to Her Roots
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Pomegranate and Rosemary White Sangria
If you're a fan of sangria, this seasonal recipe will not disappoint. Bakeaholic Mama adds rosemary and pomegranate to dry white wine to make it festive. Other ingredients include simple syrup, lemon, orange and triple sec. It's a fun twist on a summer favorite and you can make it in big batches for parties, too.
Image: Pinterest via Bakeaholic Mama
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Balsam Gin Sparkler
West Elm approached Beth Kirby of Local Milk to create a delicious holiday cocktail that tasted like Christmas. The result? A "piney, sweet, tart" drink with actual balsam fir with a taste reminiscent of the season. The recipe entails gin, cranberry juice, balsam syrup and sparkling water, so it's actually on the lighter side. Note: When searching for pine tree needles for the syrup, make sure the tree hasn't been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Other than that, you're all set with a tasty cocktail that will definitely impress the crowd.
