The majority of my clients enjoy bubbly drinks or cocktails on the regular — especially around the holidays. Believe it or not, these can be enjoyed wisely without guilt and without gain, but it takes some strategy.
So, I rounded up some tips regarding cocktails, as well as some amazing recipes for mocktails, from my fabulous RD-colleagues, in case you decide to indulge. 
Sparkling Cranberry Lime Rosemary Mocktail
“Mocktails are seriously underrated. Whether you’re abstaining from alcohol or choose to forego the strong cocktails for the evening, mocktails are a super fun option and they can make you feel like the life of the party! And the options for mocktails have drastically improved over the years! I mean, we’ve come a long way with all of the great sparkling water options that are available on the market.”
–Beautiful Eats and Things
TIP 1
“I lessen the calorie load and alcohol content by also making a spritzer with carbonated water. Additionally, I am a huge believer in the alternate rule! After each boozy beverage, have a glass of water. And lastly, don’t keep topping off that wine glass. It’s so easy to lose track of how much you have consumed! Pour a glass (5 ounces). Enjoy. Follow wine with a glass of water. Oh and for mimosas or other champagne cocktails, I go VERY light on the mixers. Saves calories and lets you enjoy that champagne taste.”
-Caroline Susie
TIP 2
“I usually enjoy one cocktail. I know that more doesn’t taste better, it’s just more. But that ONE sure does taste good! Then will have a sparking water such as La Croix. I appreciate when hostess has a non-alcoholic option.”
–Judy Barbe
Tropical Green Tea Sangria Mocktail
“I’m not the biggest drinker, so I created this green tea sangria recipe that’s suitable for kids and adults alike! You can easily stir up a batch of this easy sangria recipe for a crowd.”
–Amy Gorin
TIP 3
“Don’t show up to a party on an empty stomach. If you’re hungry and thirsty upon arrival, it’s easy to get tipsy quicker than planned, even if you do moderate your alcohol intake at the party. Have a small protein and fiber-rich snack about 1-2 hours before the event to put something in your stomach (apple with peanut butter).
Also, when you’re at the party, make sure to swap out a few rounds for water or seltzer, especially when you’re talking and catching up with friends. It’s easy for beverages to go down quicker when we’re chatting up a storm, so alternating non-alcoholic beverages will be a power move.”
–Mandy Enright
Sparkling Pomegranate Margarita Mocktail
“Adding pomegranate juice to your margarita is fabulous and you will like it. Why? First because it adds such a gorgeous pinkish-red hue to it. Beyond that, it provides a delightful hit of bitterness and sweetness, which is perfectly accentuated when paired with fresh lime juice.”
–Sarah Haas
TIP 4
“I like to have flavored, sparkling water available. And if I know I want to have more than one drink I will make them half strength if possible (easier with mixed drinks). I will normally do 1/2 shot spirit, mostly seltzer/club soda, and a splash of regular juice or soda. Or I sign up to be DD! Easy excuse :).”
–Erin Burke
TIP 5
“Creating a plan before you arrive is a simple but strategic way to enjoy alcohol in moderation. You might decide to have a cocktail during the social hour and a glass of wine with dinner. By deciding in advance, and telling your partner or a friend, you can pace yourself while still enjoying your beverage of choice!”
–Jennifer Hunt
Let’s be #strategicnotsorry!
For info about how to do that in the New Year, jump into my 10-day pop-up Facebook group here to learn about how to jumpstart your metabolism. (I’ll share within the group what role alcohol plays in your metabolism, and give you a 10-day step-by-step plan to start the new year off with your metabolism revving!). Woohoo!
TIP 6
“When you arrive to a holiday party, drink water before having a cocktail. Chances are you are dehydrated, so you would drink the cocktail too fast if you start with it. By drinking water first, you hydrate and slow down your drinking, making your alcoholic beverage last longer.”
–Kristi Coughlin
Enjoy your holiday weekend, keeping moderation in mind, and savoring each sip mindfully…but only if it’s worth the indulgence.
BONUS: Jump into my 10-day pop-up Facebook group here to learn about how to jumpstart your metabolism (and I’ll explain how metabolism is affected by alcohol, too: no judgement, just facts). The tidbits will be zipped to you starting tomorrow! Happy New Year!
