It is the time of year that finds us gathering with loved ones and those we’ve been away from for long stretches of time.  So when the food is served and the cocktails mixed are we to give up our goals and over indulge? Stand in the corner saying “no thank” you over and over again, explaining that “no, nothing is wrong”? How about finding a happy medium and being the one to introduce your family and friends to a few Healthier options in your cocktail offerings? Below are a few Holiday Cocktails that offer unique taste without busting the empty calorie bank!

Pomegranate Punch

Ingredients

2.5 cups champagne (I caution against using Brut and opt for sweeter champagne)

1 cup pomegranate juice

1 cup lime flavored seltzer

¾ cup citrus flavored vodka

Lemon twists (as garnish)

Preparation
Combine champagne, juice, seltzer and vodka in a large bowl or pitcher…float thinly sliced lemon rounds for presentation.  Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon twist.

Holiday Sangria

Ingredients

½ bottle Pinot Noir

½ bottle Shiraz (AKA Syrah)

3-4 blood oranges (substitute navel if you cannot get blood)

8-10 large strawberries

Lime twists (as garnish)

Preparation
Combine wine in a pitcher with a handful of ice.  Slice oranges so that they will fit in serving glasses and add ½ of the slices to pitcher.  Slice strawberries and add ½ of the slices to pitcher.  Place 1 orange slice and 2-3 strawberry slices into a wine or rocks glass, pour and garnish with lime twist.

Cranberry Sparkler

Ingredients

2 cups champagne or sparkling white wine

1 cup reduced sugar (or light) cranberry juice

Juice of 1 lime

Fresh cranberries for garnish

Preparation
Pour champagne over cranberry juice in large punch bowl. Add lime juice and a couple handfuls of ice and cranberries.  Serve in rocks glass with 1-2 ice cubes

There are plenty of variations on these basic themes and if you experiment you will surely find a taste you love without all those extra calories! Have a suggestion? Post YOUR favorite Healthy Holiday Cocktail below!