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Top 10 Least Caloric Holiday Drinks
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Holiday imbibing
During the holiday season, an alcoholic beverage is a natural accompaniment to a festive meal or cocktail party. The extra calories in wine, cocktails and beer are not something we may think about. Here are ten beverages that are comparatively low in calories. Photo: Getty Images
Wine Spritzer
A wine spritzer is a refreshing cocktail that you can enjoy without the burden of too many calories. Mix two ounces of wine with six ounces of seltzer. Want to make it healthier? Add two ounces of cranberry or pomegranate juice and decrease the amount of seltzer. This cocktail contains 40 calories. Photo: Getty Images
Pomegranate Martini
This recipe for this cocktail bares little resemblance to the classic martini but there are only 64 calories per drink compared to 160 calories in the traditional version. Mix 1/2 ounce pomegranate-flavored vodka, one ounce of concentrated lemonade, the 365 Whole Foods product is recommended, and 1 1/2 ounces of Whole Foods Pomegranate Italian soda. Photo: Getty Images
Low-Fat Eggnog
Choosing a low-fat eggnog, either purchased or homemade, will cut the calorie count dramatically. There are a variety of available recipes but all use artificial sweeteners which have no calories, non-fat milk and vanilla extract. Some recipes call for egg substitutes while others include a fresh egg. Photo: Getty Images
Rum and Diet Coke
The calories in any cocktail come from the alcohol and the mixers. A rum and coke has 240 calories, but by using diet coke, you drop the calories in your drink to about 110 calories. Since diet soda has zero calories, rum is the only source of calories in this cocktail. Photo: Getty Images
Cosmopolitan
This cocktail, if made with 1/2 ounce of Triple Sec, 3/4 ounce of vodka, one ounce of a cranberry juice cocktail drink and 1/2 ounce of lime juice, has about 120 calories. You can control the number of calories in a alcoholic beverage by remembering this general rule- the higher the proof, the higher the calories. Photo: Getty Images
A Glass of Wine
The color, flavor and smoothness of a wine depends on the variety of the grapes, soil, climate and fermentation process. Of all varieties, white wine has the least number of calories. Six ounces of a white wine has 120 calories while a similar serving of a red wine or rose has 128 calories. In general, sweet wines, such as a Riesling or dessert wines, have 270 calories per six ounce serving. Photo: Getty Images
Hot Cocoa
One way to enjoy hot cocoa with less calories is to make your own mix. This easy recipe allows you to control the amount of added sugar. In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup or a one quart size envelope of non-fat dry milk,1/2 cup cocoa powder, preferably a dark or Dutch processed cocoa, 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Store in a snap-top jar or plastic container with a lid. When ready to serve, add 3 tablespoons of the cocoa mix to 8 ounces of boiling water and mix well. The original recipe calls for 3/4 cup sugar, but by using a good quality cocoa, I have decreased the amount of sugar and no one is the wiser. Photo: Getty Images
Beer
Beer, a brew of malted barley, hops and yeast, has a good amount of carbohydrates and calories per ounce. The amount of calories in 12 ounces of beer varies, depending on the brew, from 95 calories for light beer to 220 calories for stout. Photo: Getty Images
Hot Apple Cider
A mug of hot apple cider this holiday season and all winter long is a healthy option if you are concerned about extra calories. Apple cider has about 175 calories per 12 ounce serving. Gently warm the apple cider and add spices, like cinnamon, if you desire. Photo: Getty Images
Mulled Wine
It is the sugar that is simmered with the wine and spices that packs on the calories in this seasonal drink. Just five ounces of mulled wine delivers about 175 calories. If you are watching your weight, just limit yourself to one drink. Sources WastedCalories.com: Calories in Wine Spritzers Calories in Beer Spark Recipes.com: Calories in Cosmopolitan Recipe for Pomegranate Martini Cooks.com: Recipes-Low Fat Eggnog Rillara News.com: Low Fat Holiday Drink Advice for Weight Watchers Article by Maryann Gromisch Photo: Getty Images
Add a Comment1 Comments
Alcohol in general halts fat burning but from time to time most of us will imbibe. These are great ideas for reducing the overall caloric and carbohydrate hit.
January 15, 2012 - 8:03amThis Comment