I love the holidays, but when it comes to holiday drinks, most aren’t even remotely healthy. I found some great recipes for some of my holiday favorites and trimmed back the calories and the added sugars in these recipes so you can enjoy your favorite holiday flavors without the guilt. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Healthy Versions of Holiday Drinks:
1. Holiday EggNog
Try this lighter version of eggnog that’s all-natural, all vegan, and all yum.
Total Time: 9 hrs. 15 min.
Prep Time: 9 hrs. 15 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
4 cups raw almonds
Filtered water for soaking almonds
8 cups filtered water
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup raw almond butter
1½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 tsp. rum extract (or to taste)**
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. ground nutmeg
1 dash ground cloves
Preparation:
1. Soak almonds overnight in water.
2. Rinse and drain soaked almonds.
3. Place soaked almonds and 6 cups of filtered water in blender or food processor (may need to do in 2 batches). Blend on highest speed for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Strain milk through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth; discard solids.*
5. Place almond milk back into blender; add almond butter, extracts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
6. Blend for 30 seconds; pour into large pitcher with cover.
7. Cover and refrigerate until cold.
Tips:
1. *Solids can be dried out in the oven at a low temperature (225° F) and used as almond flour in baking recipes.
2. **You can hold off on the rum extract if you think the kids won’t like it, and then add a few drops to your individual glass of eggnog.
3. Vegan eggnog can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
2. Peppermint Mocha Chiller
Get the flavor of chocolate and peppermint with this yummy Shakeology recipe made with brewed coffee.
Total Time: 5 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
½ cup brewed coffee, chilled
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
½ tsp. pure peppermint extract
1 cup ice
Preparation:
1. Place coffee, almond milk, Shakeology, extract, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
3. Vanilla Eggnog Shakeology
Eggnog is delicious, but also loaded with fat. Try this healthier version that will still have you feeling festive.
Total Time: 5 min.
Prep Time: 5 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
½ cup nonfat milk
½ cup water
1 tsp. rum extract
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup ice
Preparation:
1. Place milk, water, extract, Shakeology, nutmeg, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.