The holidays are filled with parties and potlucks and can often feel like a burden on your health. While there’s really no getting around the fact that alcohol is added calories, you shouldn’t feel guilty for enjoying a few drinks over the holidays. If you’re looking to make your holiday cocktails a little bit healthier (and sustainable), take a look at some of my favorite drinks for the holidays that won’t make you feel like you need to restrict yourself to a diet by the time January 1 rolls around.

One thing to keep in mind when creating a healthy holiday cocktail is to keep things simple. Unless you’re adding water or herbs, the more you add to the drink the more likely you’re upping the calorie and sugar count.

I come from a small business family and I love nothing more than to support other small businesses, especially during the holiday season. I’ve added a “make it local” bit to each cocktail. If you live in the DC area, consider giving these local businesses a try over the holidays!

Photo by Dishing Up the Dirt.

Bourbon
Cranberry and Ginger Bourbon Smash

In the fall and winter, bourbon is definitely my go to drink of choice. Warms you from the inside out!

What makes it better?
Well, the name of the drink says it all. Cranberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. When making the simple syrup, I love to add the cranberries back into the drink or blend the syrup in a blender to keep all of the nutrients in the syrup from the cranberry fruit and skin. Moving along to the ginger, this world famous root can aid in soothing an upset or nauseous stomach (hello hangover remedy!) and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Make it Local:
Republic Restoratives Borough Bourbon - not only is this a small business but it’s women owned! #YGG

Grab a jar of local honey in your area -- supporting local business and sipping in a few health benefits while you’re at it.

Recipe:
(Makes 1 cup simple syrup)

• 1 cup good quality honey

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 3 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch chunks

• Favorite bourbon or whiskey to serve

• Club soda

• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Preparation

1. In a small saucepan bring the honey and water to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cranberries and ginger. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture has reduced by 1/3. Remove from heat and let the syrup steep for an additional 15 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve--saving the cranberries for garnish and the ginger for snacking (it's better than candy!)

2. Fill each cocktail glass with a little ice, an ounce of bourbon and 1-2 Tablespoons of the simple syrup. Top with soda water and serve.

Notes
Store extra simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks

Photo by Republic Restoratives.

Vodka
Moscow Mule

Like I said, keep it simple. This delicious winter cocktail has as few as four ingredients and warms you with a bite of spice from the ginger beer.

What makes it better?
It’s lower in sugar and made with simple ingredients. With this cocktail you can vary the amount of alcohol or sugar by adding less vodka or less ginger beer.

Make it Local:
Republic Restoratives Vodka
K&B Ginger Brew - They have a couple of variations of the Mule on their website!

Recipe:

• Ice cubes

• 1/4 cup vodka

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1/2 cup chilled ginger beer

• 1 lime wedge

Preparation:
Combine and serve

Rum
Mint Mojito

This drink will make you feel like you’re on a beach in the Caribbean. Who doesn’t want to feel all warm and fuzzy in the dead of winter!

What makes it better?
A mojito keeps things simple but beyond that, mint is a calming and soothing herb that can aid in digestion. After eating all the holiday treats, this drink may help you (and your stomach) feel less like a digestive trainwreck.

Make it local:
Cotton and Reed Rum
Grab some fruit (++ if it’s organic!) from your local farmer’s market to muddle into your drink. DC's Dupont Circle Farmer's Market is open year round.

Recipe:

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 lime

• 5 sprigs mint

• 1.5 ounces light rum

• Ice

• Soda water

Preparation:
Put the sugar in a tall glass, squeeze in the juice of 1/2 a lime, and toss in the squeezed lime shell. Add mint to the glass and muddle everything together. Finish by adding the rum and a handful of ice. Fill with chilled soda water and lightly stir. Enjoy immediately!

Photo by Dishing Up the Dirt.

Wine
Pear + Ginger-Sage Champagne Cocktails

What makes it better?
Besides the ginger, sage, and delicious fruit in the cocktail, this cocktail wins my approval for being healthy(ish) because you can dilute the amount of alcohol you’re drinking with water, soda water, or fruit. This is a nice refreshing cocktail that can take you through the evening.

Make it Local:
Maryland native Old Westminister Winery is woman-owned and practices sustainability. Their wines are only sold online and at the farm, so for more suggestions, head to H Street’s new natural wine bar, Dio.

Recipe:

• 1 cup honey

• 3 cups water

• 2 whole pears, peeled, cored and diced

• 1 large chunk of ginger, peeled and diced

• 20 fresh sage leaves + additional for garnish

• 1 bottle of your favorite champagne or sparkling wine

Preparation:

1. In a saucepan, combine the honey and water over medium heat and bring to a light boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the honey has dissolved completely. Add the pears, ginger and sage leaves. Simmer until the mixture has reduced by 1/3. About 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for an additional 10 minutes.

2. Strain the syrup into a large mason jar. Discard the ginger and sage leaves.

3. To assemble the drinks place a few pieces of the cooked pear into each glass followed by 1-2 Tablespoons of the simple syrup. Add the champagne and enjoy.

Notes
This makes more simple syrup than you'll need for 4 cocktails. Save extra simple syrup in the fridge and enjoy over ice cream or even in smoothies.

Photo by Hello Glow.

BONUS COCKTAIL: Vegan Eggnog Cocktail

HAIR-OF-THE-DOG: The Bloody Mary - Your Way

Looking to amp up a few of your own cocktails through the holiday season? Think about adding in kombucha or Switchel as the cocktail mixer. Speaking of...check out our fellow Union Kitchen gals over at Sip City to learn WTF Switchel is and why it’s the next big bev on the market.

Not into booze? This article from Mind Body Green has delicious, alcohol-free cocktails to get you through winter!

Cheers and Happy Holidays!