Keep Your Spirits Bright: Healthier And Booze-Free Winter Cocktail Options

Holidays are a time of indulgence, and here at mindbodygreen we believe in finding the delicate balance between treat yo'self and fitness #goals. For most of us, that means taking advantage of these next couple weeks as a time to relax, reconnect with family and friends, and even bond with colleagues, while making sure that our beverage selections are healing, too.

Whether you're into booze or not, chances are you'll be confronted with egg nog, hot toddies, and bubbly galore during these celebratory times. And hey, sometimes you want to indulge in the classics! But you don't have to if that's just not your jam. For one, the sober social movement is trending, and as a result, so are non-alcoholic craft cocktails that aren't full of sugar. On the other hand, sometimes you actually choose booze, but you know a glass of egg nog, spiked cider, or champagne will leave you in a tapped-out downward sugar spiral.

Most commercial kombuchas today have minimal, trace amounts of alcohol in them and don't even require ID for purchase. But some home brews and stronger commercial brands are purposely keeping the booze levels higher. Having tried one such brand, Kombrewcha, the effects are subtle, but noticeable: it's quickly become a favorite easy weekday indulgence.

"Kombrewcha has naturally occurring alcohol as a result of the (tea) fermentation process already built in the product. At two percent alcohol by volume and four delicious flavors, plus the added bonus of live probiotics, organic acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants and the fact that we are only sixty-five calories and have four grams of sugar, Kombrewcha is truly a guilt free indulgence," says Kombrewcha co-founder Ariel Glazer. Whether you add it to a cocktail like the recipe below or drink it straight from the bottle, it's a delicious way to drink better.

Smoked Healthy Rosemary Moscow Mule

Pressed Juicery has released a seasonal spiced almond milk with the flavor profile of a warming winter drink. It's high in good fats and boasts a dash of cinnamon, both will help stabilize your blood sugar levels keeping spirits bright. With only 10 grams of sugar per serving, the spiced almond milk is a huge improvement on the classic egg nog, which often includes added sugar through chocolate and simple syrups.

Spiced Almond Milk "Egg Nog"

Before you dismiss this as crazy "pea milk," Ripple has created a beverage that's delicious and high in protein: two things that are not easy to come by in a plant-based milk. The Pajarete is a touch more indulgent than the others but calls for only the best ingredients—including mezcal which also made our wellness trends this year! So if you're craving something a little stronger, the pajarete is your best bet.

Ripple Pajarete

Based out of London, Seedlip's Ben Branson set out to distill herbal remedies sans the alcohol for the world's first non-alcoholic spirits. The product looks like something out of a perfumer or apothecary, with the main scent notes displayed on each bottle. The drink has no calories, no sugars or sweeteners, and it's recommended to serve it with tonic, just like a regular cocktail. It's worth mentioning that the packaging is one of the most beautifully designed beverages we've seen.