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Give Your Holiday Cocktails a Healthy Twist

Holiday cocktails are a festive treat, but they can also pack a surprising calorie punch. By making a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy your favorite drinks with far fewer calories:

  • Instead of Sprite (148 calories), mix with club soda (0 calories): Calories saved: 148.
  • Swap Vodka and Tonic (221 calories) for Vodka and Water with Lemon (98 calories): Calories saved: 123.
  • Choose a White Wine Spritzer (wine + club soda, 121 calories) over Sweet Dessert Wine (330 calories): Calories saved: 209.
  • Replace a Mimosa (145 calories) with Blood-Orange Juice + Champagne (105 calories): Calories saved: 40.
  • Trade Brandy and Traditional Eggnog (478 calories) for Brandy and Skinny Homemade Eggnog (273 calories): Calories saved: 205.

Skinny Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Enjoy the creamy indulgence of eggnog without the extra calories by making this lightened-up version at home.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/4 cup sugar or sugar substitute of choice
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: 1-2 ounces of brandy or rum

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk the eggs, egg whites, and sugar until well combined. Gradually add the almond milk while whisking continuously.
  2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (do not boil). This should take about 8–10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Let cool to room temperature.
  4. For a chilled version, refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  5. When serving, garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and add brandy or rum if desired.

This lighter eggnog is just as festive but much easier on the waistline—perfect for enjoying a healthier holiday season!

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University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.