10 Waist Slimming Cocktails For Holiday Parties
During the holidays, those concerned about watching their weight typically avoid eating heavily at parties, but the real dark ops terrorizing your diet isn't that bowl of mashed potatoes or the decorated cookies. It's the pretty cocktails with festive names that you have to keep a close eye on.
Here's why: A can of tonic water has the same 140 calories as the regular soda, and once you start adding in fruit juices, liqueurs, and other tempting ingredients, you can end up with a six-ounce cocktail that contains a whopping 300 calories or more. Not only are the extra calories an issue, but the sugar content in these drinks adds up quickly and will contribute to rapid weight gain.
Not to worry. Whether you're the one hosting a party or you are just attending one, we've found some fun drinks that offer flavor, festivity, and fun without all the guilt. While there is a bit of a holiday theme, we've also included a few classics that you can add to your entertaining repertoire for year-round slim sipping as well.
Bluegrass Cocktail
Blueberry and lime make a perfect flavor pairing for any occasion. Those who want a bit of sweetness in their drinks will enjoy the fresh blueberries and blueberry syrup, while the zesty lime notes keep the drink from being too sweet.
Candy Cane Martini
This holiday drink tastes as good as it looks and is versatile enough to serve in a variety of glass styles. It's got just the right amount mint to make it Christmasy, but isn't overly sweet like an actual candy cane. To reduce the calorie count for this cocktail, use less cream or none at all.
Cranberry Apple Cider Punch
For a refreshing, festive treat, nothing beats cranberry. It goes perfectly with apple and is in keeping with the season's flavors and hint of Christmas. Plus, this recipe makes enough for 12 or more, so you don't have to spend all your time with a cocktail shaker in your hand.
Cuban Hot Coffee
If you aren't in the mood for a cold mojito, but want to put a little Latin spice in your drink, try this coffee drink made with gold rum and crème de cacao. It will warm you up right down to your toes. Most of the time, crème de cacao wouldn't be considered "slimming," but in this recipe, it's the only thing that's high in calorie.
Raspberry Shooters
Rather than indulge in the enticing raspberry-filled cookies and chocolates, skip the dessert table and try a few shots of these raspberry shooters. The tart raspberry flavor and vodka punch will make you forget about chocolate for awhile.
Rum and Coke
Sometimes there just isn't anything better than a tried and true standby, like rum and Coke, which is an all-time favorite that's easy to make. To make it a low-calorie cocktail, just replace the regular Coke with Diet Coke. You'll get fewer calories without losing any of the flavor.
Shiso Slim Cocktail
If you're like us, you just can't have enough of the zest in a cocktail, especially at heavy hors d'oeuvres holiday parties. This elegant cocktail is called the Shiso Slim and its blend of lemon vodka and grapefruit makes the drink zesty but balanced with the floral hints from St. Germain liqueur.
Sparkling Mistletoe
This drink is sure to put you in a holiday mood with its red and green color scheme. Who knows; you may just be inspired to plant a holiday kiss on the person closest to you. We're sure the strawberry notes are sure to please even the biggest Scrooge.
The Tomato Basil Martini
If you adore Bloody Marys, you will love this earthy, spicy, Tomato Basil Martini alternative. It is in keeping with the red and green holiday color scheme. Plus, it is rich in flavor with the tang of tomato and the slightly minty flavor of the basil.
The Watermelon Fizz Cocktail
For a mix of sweet and savory, this Watermelon Fizz is a bit of Feliz Navidad in a glass. It's perfect to pair with Mexican-inspired foods and blends a bit of tequila with honey, cilantro, and watermelon. Is that José Feliciano I hear in the background?