The most traditional drinks for the holidays are eggnog, apple cider, and hot cocoa. Eggnog is traditionally made with milk, sugar, raw eggs, spices, and sometimes nutmeg. You can also add cream to make a thicker and richer drink. Some modern eggnog recipes contain gelatin, which accommodates vegetarians. The most common toppings are whipped cream, cinnamon, vanilla ice cream, or shaved chocolate curls. The only problem with eggnog is, it is really high in calories, fat grams, saturated fat grams, and sugar. A four ounce cup of eggnog is approximately 410 calories, 14 grams of fat, 26 grams of saturated fat, and 48 grams of sugar. These are high numbers of fats and sugars!

Apple cider has been a part of holidays and celebrations for quite sometime. It is popular for fall holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. It can be served chilled or hot. To make your own apple cider you will need around three to four apples, cider yeast or wine yeast, a fermenting jar, and a good place between 60-70 degrees. Leave the cider in that place about two to three weeks, but remember, the longer cider sits, it becomes more fermented. A four ounce cup of apple cider is approximately 120 calories, 0.3 gram of fat, and about 30 grams of sugar. It’s relatively healthier than eggnog, but watch out for the high sugar intake.

Hot cocoa has been around for quite some time, but wasn’t put on to the holiday list until the 19th century. It dates back to 1400 AD when the Mayans first created this beverage for their ruler Montezuma. He was known to drink about 20 cups per day, and put spices in his drink, such as chili peppers. To make your own hot cocoa, you will need hot cocoa mix with milk or water. Some additional things you can put in your hot cocoa are marshmallows, whipped cream, or even a piece of chocolate. A four ounce cup of hot cocoa is approximately 190 calories, 5.5 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, and 27 grams of sugar. As much of a tasty drink as hot cocoa is, refrain from large amounts because of high sugar and fat content.

Apple cider is the healthiest out of the selections because it is low in fat and sugar. Holiday drinks are a tasty way to stay warm during the holidays and get in the spirit.