One of my favorite things about the holiday season is all of the yummy drinks such as eggnog, pumpkin beer and hot wassail. We all know that these drinks tend to me high in calories which can really add up since they go down so smooth! So how can we indulge in some holiday cheer without feeling guilty? By making a few minor adjustments we can save ourselves hundreds of calories which we can put toward more important things...like seconds of grandma's sweet potato casserole or auntie's homemade pumpkin pie.

Eggnog is notorious for it's high-calorie and high-fat content because its usually made with eggs, lots of sugar, and heavy whipping cream. If that's your thing, go for it! I would rather not drink my meal...but I still want a creamy and savory eggnog that's reminiscent of the classic!

After many recipe fails I finally crafted one that is spot on to the texture and flavor of the full-fat variety. Did I mention it is nearly effortless and vegan?! Just blend all of the ingredients and chill before serving. No cooking required!!

Guiltless Eggnog Recipe (Printable PDF Version)

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 14 oz coconut milk (1 can)
• 1 ½ cups water
• 3.4 oz vanilla instant pudding mix (1 small package) or the sugar-free variety
• 2 tbs agave nectar or honey
• 1 tbs vanilla extract
• 1 tsp rum extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg

Directions:

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend well. Chill before serving. Garnish with more cinnamon or nutmeg and enjoy!

Calories:

1 serving has 199 calories. A shot of brandy would bump it up slightly to 255 calories. However, if you use the sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, it would only have 134 calories per serving; 190 with brandy. Compare this to a traditional eggnog recipe that contains upwards of 400 calories! Now, you can indulge in some holiday cheer without feeling guilty.

Want more healthy twist ideas that you can make to your favorite classic combinations? Check out this post on Holiday Cocktails with a Healthy Twist.

Here's a throwback post to December 2013 that is still relevant today and reflective of how I feel each and every day. Developing An Attitude of Gratitude.