Ring in the New Year with Healthier Cocktails

With alcohol flowing throughout the holiday season, it’s important to be mindful of how much you guzzle. Here are 10 delicious cocktails for less than 250 calories a serving.
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Photo by: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

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With alcohol flowing throughout the holiday season, it's important to be mindful of how much you guzzle. Here are 10 delicious cocktails for less than 250 calories a serving.

Guidelines for Alcohol

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that for adults who choose to drink, men should consume no more than two drinks per day and women should consume no more than one drink per day. (And no, saving up all your drinks to binge on at once isn't allowed!) One drink is defined as:

  • 12 fluid ounces of beer (1 standard bottle)
  • 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof liquor (like vodka or rum)
  • 5-fluid ounces of wine

Each drink serving provide 100 to 120 calories. Combine several shots of alcohol with sugary mixers and you could be looking at upwards of 500 calories a cocktail! Instead, use calorie-free mixers, fresh herbs and spices and use reasonably-sized glasses to moderate portions.

Cocktails To Try

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »

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