SHREVEPORT, La - As the holiday season approaches, many are preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations filled with delicious food and festive drinks. This year, why not rethink your typical cocktail routine and try some creative mocktails -- alcohol-free alternatives that are both tasty and festive.
Alcohol is a known carcinogen and can contribute to long-term health issues, including cancer. In addition, alcoholic beverages can add anywhere from 100 to 300 extra calories per drink, which we don't need during the holiday season. If you're looking to cut back on alcohol consumption but still enjoy flavorful, celebratory drinks. Here are a few festive favorites: Thanksgiving Punch This refreshing punch is a perfect option for Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving Day itself. Courtney recommends making it ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. The base of this punch includes cinnamon sticks, fresh cranberries, and a burst of orange juice and apple cider. The apple cider is the star of the show, providing a warm, tangy kick with every sip. Use zero-sugar ginger ale to reduce added sugars and create a lighter option for holiday gatherings. Pomegranate Lime Fizz For those who love a good fizzy drink, the Pomegranate Lime Fizz is a crowd-pleaser. Made with 100% pomegranate juice (no added sugars), this drink is naturally sweet with a slightly tart edge. A splash of lime-flavored prebiotic soda gives it a refreshing, effervescent bite. Add a spritz of fresh lime juice for an extra kick. Cranberry Ginger Kombucha Combining the flavors of ginger and cranberry, this drink is a nod to the festive flavors of the season while also being a gut-friendly option. Courtney uses kombucha, a fermented tea full of probiotics, to create a flavorful base with its signature ginger zing. To balance the taste, she adds zero-sugar cranberry juice, creating a vibrant red drink perfect for holiday parties. Kombucha lovers will appreciate the probiotic benefits, which promote gut health, while those new to kombucha can enjoy the refreshing and unique ginger flavor. Garnish Ideas and Tips Courtney suggests garnishing these mocktails with festive touches like fresh cranberries, a twist of lemon, or a cinnamon stick. Not only do these garnishes enhance the flavor, but they also make the drinks look extra special for holiday gatherings. If you have a question or topic you'd like Courtney to cover on her next segment of "Courtney's Kitchen," send an email to [email protected]. Cheers to a healthier, happier holiday season!
Courtney is a dietitian and nutritionist in Shreveport/Bossier. With her private practice, Courtney Butts Nutrition LLC, she helps individuals through one-on-one nutrition counseling with her insurance-accepted and self-pay services. She enjoys helping individuals with medical nutrition therapy that helps improve lab values and chronic disease outcomes, as well as decreasing medications through implementing changes to diet. To learn more about how you can work with Courtney, please visit this link.