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Best and Worst Drink Choices at Holiday Parties

For college upperclassmen, especially those in high profiled company internships programs, holiday parties can be a little stressful. Often times students are wondering what to wear, how much to drink, is it okay to even drink at all and most commonly, should they even bother going? The answer is yes, of course you should go. Holiday parties can be fun and great networking opportunities, but you should definitely be conscious of your alcohol consumption.
Obviously, you should never overindulge with alcohol, or drink irresponsibly, but you should also consider the calories you’re ingesting along with that cocktail.
Here is a list of the best and worst cocktail choices for the calorie-conscious that are typically served at holiday parties to give you a better idea of just what those drinks will set you back.

Best Drinks:

  • Champagne (sparkling wine): about 80 calories for a 4-ounce serving. In this case, a little of the bubbly can prove best, just be mindful of those champagnes infused with fruity syrups, especially grenadine.
  • Apple Cider (non-alcoholic): about 116 calories for an 8-ounce serving. Whether you are the designated driver or want to mix your own drink, don’t forget to account for your non-alcoholic beverage calories, too.
  • Pomegranate Martini: about 164 calories for a 4.5-ounce serving. Make sure your martini is made with real pomegranate juice, not sugary, calorie-filled juice cocktail, which should only be about 40 calories per 2 ounces, keeping the calorie count pretty low.

Worst:

  • Chocolate Martini: about 342 calories for a 4.5-ounce serving. Don’t let the clear coloring fool you, a chocolate martini may not look like a candy bar, even if it tastes like one, but the calories are consistent with sweet delights, so if you’re calorie conscience, steer clear.
  • Eggnog: about 343 calories for an 8-ounce serving. Most students are not shocked to find out that the ingredients of eggnog are sugar, eggs and cream, but what they might be surprised to find is that those ingredients contribute to almost 19 grams of fat per glass.
  • Mulled Wine: about 235 calories for a 4-ounce serving. Unless you’re a young wine connoisseur, many students often mistake mulled wine for it’s healthier cousin red wine, but it’s not the case, with this warm served wine that is typically infused with cinnamon sticks and sugar canes.

So, now that you’re a little bit more knowledgeable about your beverage options and the choices you have, enjoy the holiday season and your parties!
Please drink responsibly.
Via Glamour Magazine