Preparing a Healthier Punch for the Holidays
By Brandi Goodman
Punch is commonly served at holiday gatherings. It's a simple, sugary drink that tastes festive. Many people serve it in the beginning of the event with everyone standing around the punch bowl conversing. Most of these punch recipes are way too full of sugar and calories and should not be served. Prepare a healthier punch for the holidays to make it more beneficial for everyone. You'll still get to enjoy this Christmas tradition but with an emphasis on health.
Cranberry Christmas Punch
Use 100 percent cranberry juice in this recipe. Cranberries and their juice are both ideal for fighting off infection and boosting the immune system. Add apple cider, cranberries, oranges, and diet ginger ale and you have yourself a festive punch that's fit for Christmas.
Apple Pie Punch
Apple pie is a typical Christmas offering. An apple pie punch however is not usually on the menu. Create this unique concoction and get all your guests talking. Apple cider, ginger ale, pear nectar, and sliced apples make up this drink. You can serve it cold in a tall glass or heat all the ingredients together on the stove top and serve it hot from a mug.
Fruit Sparklers
Sparkling water can help add some sizzle to your drink. Make fruit sparklers as a festive and fruity choice that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Choose your favorite juice from the list of either grape, cranberry, or pomegranate. Make sure they're low-calorie options. Add some sparkling water to the mix and top it with the fruit that matches your juice choice. Cranberries and raspberries especially look great adorning this drink mix.
Sparkling Pear Punch
Pears work just as well as apples for punch. Pear juice, lemon juice, and ginger ale are all you need for the drink concoction. Add in a fresh pear slice for better presentation. The drink isn't sweet enough for some. Skip the sugar and add some organic honey or Stevia for enhanced flavor.
Pomegranate Pineapple Christmas Punch
Another Christmas punch option that's easy to make is the pomegranate pineapple version. You'll get a blend of flavors and a burst of Christmas colors. The punch is red with pomegranate cranberry juice, pineapple juice, almond extract, and ginger ale swirled together. Add in fresh cranberries and limes for extra red and green color that decorates your table.
Your holiday punch can be made healthier with a few tweaks. Skip the store-bought soda, juice, and sherbet and opt for a homemade concoction that actually provides some nutritional benefit. Real fruit should be used.
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