Holiday gatherings often come with tempting treats and festive drinks, which can add up in calories and carbs quickly. But if you’re watching your intake, you don’t have to skip out on seasonal sips! Here are three low-carbohydrate, low-calorie holiday cocktails that let you celebrate without derailing your health goals.
1. Skinny Cranberry Vodka Spritzer
This refreshing cocktail combines festive cranberry flavors with a splash of soda, making it a light and easy choice for holiday celebrations. With fresh cranberries and a hint of lime, it brings a holiday twist without the high sugar content found in many festive drinks.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz vodka (approx. 96 calories)
- 1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice (approx. 5 calories)
- 3 oz sparkling water or club soda (0 calories)
- Fresh cranberries and a lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add the vodka and cranberry juice.
- Top with sparkling water or club soda.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
Calories: Approx. 101 per serving
Carbs: ~2-3 grams
This drink is crisp, low in carbs, and festive—a perfect go-to for holiday gatherings.
Skinny Cranberry Lime Spritzer (Mocktail Version)
Ingredients:
- 1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice (approx. 5 calories)
- 3 oz sparkling water or club soda (0 calories)
- Fresh cranberries and a lime wedge for garnish
- Optional: 0.5 oz lime juice or a splash of zero-calorie cranberry-flavored sparkling water for extra zest
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add the cranberry juice.
- Top with sparkling water or club soda.
- Optional: Add lime juice or a splash of flavored sparkling water for extra tanginess.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
Calories: Approx. 5 per serving
Carbs: ~1 gram
2. Light Spiced Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a winter classic, full of warm spices and deep red wine flavors. To keep it low-calorie and low-carb, opt for a lightened version using a dry red wine and sugar-free sweetener. This cozy drink is ideal for a relaxed holiday evening by the fireplace.
Ingredients:
- 5 oz dry red wine (approx. 120 calories)
- ½ cup water (0 calories)
- 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, 1 star anise
- A few strips of orange zest
- 1-2 packets of stevia or monk fruit sweetener
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine water, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and orange zest.
- Bring to a simmer and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the red wine and sweetener, then gently heat until warm (avoid boiling).
- Pour into a mug and enjoy!
Calories: Approx. 120 per serving
Carbs: ~4 grams (depending on wine)
This lighter mulled wine offers all the cozy flavors of the traditional drink without added sugar or carbs, making it a festive and flavorful choice.
Light Spiced Mulled "Wine" (Mocktail Version)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pomegranate or cranberry juice (unsweetened, approx. 20-25 calories)
- ½ cup water (0 calories)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 star anise
- A few strips of orange zest
- 1-2 packets of stevia or monk fruit sweetener
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the water, pomegranate or cranberry juice, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and orange zest.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let steep for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the sweetener to taste.
- Remove from heat, strain the liquid if desired, and pour into a mug.
- Garnish with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Calories: Approx. 20-25 per servingCarbs: ~5-6 grams
3. Sparkling Gin and Pomegranate Cocktail
Pomegranate is a winter fruit that adds a burst of color and flavor to holiday cocktails. This sparkling gin and pomegranate cocktail is not only refreshing but also keeps the calories and carbs low by using diet tonic or sparkling water.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin (approx. 97 calories)
- 1 oz unsweetened pomegranate juice (approx. 10 calories)
- 3 oz diet tonic water or sparkling water (0 calories)
- Pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add gin and pomegranate juice.
- Top with diet tonic water or sparkling water.
- Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a sprig of rosemary.
Calories: Approx. 107 per serving
Carbs: ~3-4 grams
Sparkling Pomegranate Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 oz unsweetened pomegranate juice (approx. 10 calories)
- 3 oz sparkling water or diet tonic water (0 calories)
- Pomegranate seeds and a rosemary sprig for garnish
- Optional: 0.5 oz fresh lemon or lime juice for an extra zesty kick
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add the pomegranate juice.
- Top with sparkling water or diet tonic water.
- Optional: Stir in lemon or lime juice for added depth.
- Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a sprig of rosemary.
Calories: Approx. 10 per serving
Carbs: ~2-3 grams
This cocktail is refreshing, slightly tart, and perfect for holiday toasts!
Conclusion: Cheers to Low-Carb, Low-Calorie Holiday Celebrations
These three low-carb, low-calorie holiday drinks let you join in the festivities without sacrificing your health goals. With options like a Skinny Cranberry Vodka Spritzer, Light Spiced Mulled Wine, and Sparkling Gin and Pomegranate Cocktail - or their mocktail versions, you can enjoy a drink (or two!) and stay mindful of your intake. Cheers to a healthy, happy holiday season!
