'Tis the Season For Toasting: 10 Low-Cal Holiday Cocktails

POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

For a lot of us, it wouldn't be the holidays without a seasonally inspired cocktail. Thing is, most of these drinks are heavy on fat and sugar — not good if you're trying to stick to a healthy eating plan. Instead of sitting out on the holiday cheer, make one of these diet-friendly, low-calorie holiday cocktails. Each recipe is either a light version of a traditional favorite or a new recipe rooted in the familiar flavors of the season.

Light Eggnog
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

Light Eggnog

Traditional eggnog is brimming with calories: a one-cup serving has 343 calories and 21 grams of sugar. Before denying yourself this holiday favorite, try this light eggnog cocktail recipe from Bethenny Frankel, which only contains 148 calories.

Rosemary Pear Sparkler
Flickr user Durham Spirits Company

Rosemary Pear Sparkler

Pears are abundant right now, and a rosemary pear sparkler is a great way to utilize your farmers market stash of the fruit. This recipe is refreshing and light and turns up the wow factor of an already festive glass of sparkling wine.

Mulled Wine
POPSUGAR Photography | Mark Popovich

Mulled Wine

Start holiday festivities with a big batch of mulled wine. Served warm, it has all the spices associated with the holidays but with zero fat. Added bonus for the heart-healthy benefits of red wine.

Hot Apple-Cider Rum
Flickr user Brown Eyed Baker

Hot Apple-Cider Rum

Hot buttered rum is a favorite this time of year, but a recipe based around butter isn't always the best choice when you're trying to be heart healthy. Try this recipe for spiked apple cider instead. While the fresh juice ups the calorie count, it still proves to be a much healthier alternative to hot buttered rum.

Pomegranate Rosemary Martini
Flickr user kristi sauer

Pomegranate Rosemary Martini

Toast to your health with this antioxidant-rich pomegranate rosemary martini. Nutritionist Cynthia Sass created this healthy twist on the martini, and we love that it's garnished with the antioxidant-rich herb rosemary, not to mention the seeds of the pomegranate.

Fall Affair
Flickr user Stew

Fall Affair

The Fall Affair cocktail is only 125 calories and contains no added sugar — thanks in large part to the inclusion of low-calorie Voli vodka. With the flavors of apple and cinnamon mingling in the drink, it's definitely a recipe to have on hand during any upcoming holiday parties!

Pear Ginger Rum Runner Cocktail
Flickr user LockKeepers

Pear Ginger Rum Runner Cocktail

Raise your glass to Autumn with our seasonally flavored rum runner. Boasting flavors of pear and antioxidant-rich ginger, this variation of the classic cocktail from nutritionist Cynthia Sass will warm you up while celebrating the tastes of Fall and Winter.

Hot Toddy
Flickr user Bekathwia

Hot Toddy

The cold weather is not going away anytime soon and neither is the temptation of an Irish coffee. Since all that whipped cream can add up, make this hot toddy recipe instead — one drink contains about 150 calories.

Blood Orange French 75
Flickr user s_ripperton

Blood Orange French 75

Nothing says celebration like a little bubbly! This recipe for a blood orange French 75 can be made in big batches, making it a perfect party drink. It also doesn't hurt that one glass is under 100 calories.

Classic Cosmopolitan
Flickr user Roderick Eime

Classic Cosmopolitan

Made famous by the Sex and the City girls, a low-cal classic cosmopolitan is an excellent drink to serve during the holidays — after all, one of the main ingredients is seasonal cranberries. The pear essence cosmopolitan turns things up a notch with the addition of in-season fruit anjou pears.