Forget falling off your nutrition plan over the holidays. It’s possible to indulge responsibly on boozy libations or mocktails and still make your nutrition coach proud. We’ve put together a list of our favorite holiday cocktails with a healthy twist that won’t veer (too) far from your nutrition plan.
Rosemary Gin Fizz
Both classic holiday flavors, gin and rosemary can be paired for a refreshing and healthy spin on a Gin Fizz. Rosemary is known for its aromatic essence and can help ease stress, improve digestion and is packed with anti-inflammatory compounds – all must-need health benefits during the holiday season. See original recipe here.
Ingredients
- 3 one-inch sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 small lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- 3 ounces club soda
Directions
- Muddle rosemary, lemon juice and honey.
- Fill the glass with ice, then pour in the gin and top with club soda.
- Swirl with spoon.
Skinny Moscow Mule
Traditional Moscow Mules can come packed with sugar from sweetened ginger beer. Not this one. This recipe uses blended fresh ginger root and a natural, low-glycemic sugar substitute to lighten the load. See original recipe here.
Ingredients
- 110 grams ginger root
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons stevia
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 2 sprigs of mint
- Half a lime, cut into wedges
Directions
- In a blender, combine the water and ginger root (no need to peel) and blend until the ginger has completely pureed. Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth into a saucepan Alternatively, you can use a clean dishcloth or coffee filter.
- Put the saucepan on high heat on the stove and add in the stevia and lemon juice. Boil the mixture for approximately 10 minutes until the liquid has reduced to half. Take it off the heat and allow it to cool.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the cooled ginger liquid with sparkling water and vodka and shake to combine. Pour drink into two glasses or copper mugs with ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.
Pomegranate Mojito
Whether you’re on a Caribbean vacation over the holidays or at home cozied up by the fire, a Mojito is always the answer. Shape Magazine’s lower-sugar version uses stevia and adds powerhouse antioxidant-rich superfood pomegranates for a unique take on the classic. See original recipe here.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup light pomegranate juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 ounce rum
- 1/4 teaspoon Stevia or sugar
- 1/2 cup champagne
- Pomegranate seeds
Directions
- In a glass, add pomegranate juice, lime juice, rum, and sugar. Mix well.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and top it off with champagne and pomegranate seeds.
Bourbon Honey Hot Toddy
Bourbon, honey, lemon and cinnamon. Simple but powerful flavors you can leave simmering on the stove all day. Especially soothing for those feeling under the weather, honey is packed with medicinal properties to help alleviate symptoms of winter colds and is a natural source of sweetness. See original recipe here.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup hot water
- 6 tablespoons bourbon or Apple Bourbon (see below for recipe)
- 2 3×1/2′ strips lemon peel
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Directions
- Stir honey and water in a 2-cup measuring cup until honey dissolves. Add bourbon (or better yet, Apple Bourbon, in which case you’ll use 1 Tbsp. honey). Divide between 2 Toddy glasses. Twist a strip of lemon peel over each drink, then add to glass. Stir each with a cinnamon stick and serve.
- To make Apple Bourbon, combine a 750-ml bottle of bourbon, 4 cored, sliced Fuji apples, and 4 cinnamon sticks in a pitcher. Cover; chill for 3 days. Strain and sip of use in recipe above.
Simple Vegan Eggnog
The holidays are not complete without eggnog. Truly a polarizing flavor for some, but essential in ringing in the spirit of the season. This version takes a bit more effort than pouring from a carton, but uses healthy, whole-foods ingredients like cashews and is natural sweetened with maple syrup. It can be served booze-free or with a splash of bourbon for the adults in the room. See original recipe here.
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can coconut or nut milk
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
- Soak the cashews overnight or for at least 1 hour.
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Served chilled.
Do you have a healthy recipe to share? Send your ideas to shay@compositionid.com and be featured on our blog!
