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So what's up with eggnog?
Eggnog finds its roots in the Old World, and is said to have come to America through the British. What was originally basically a recipe for any punch made with milk and wine (or sherry) translated to the colonies in the form of a holiday drink made with rum instead of wine. In early Americana days, rum was referred to as "grog," making the drink's name "Egg and Grog." Eventually this turned to "Egg 'n Grog" and then into what was lazily coined as "Eggnog."

Today adaptations abound, and include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variations, but mainly all feature some sort of combination of eggs, sugar, milk or cream, and nutmeg, cinnamon or vanilla flavorings. Rum, whiskey, or brandy are commonly added, too.
So what's up with eggnog?

But however you make it, whatever your Aunte Mae's secret recipe includes, or any way you slice it—or shall we say, stir it—eggnog is loaded with calories. Even if it's made with lower-fat milks or creams (which, in reality, it usually isn't), just one cup of the decadent drink yields anywhere from 200-450 calories, and that's not including the liquor, which can add up to 100 calories more per cup!

So before you ladle up a second helping of the frothy drink, you might want to think twice and make sure you really—REALLY—like it. In other words, use your noggin before you go a groggin'!

How about Hot Toddies or all those steamy holiday ciders?
While the song entices us to "come a wassailing," it's a good idea to first go check out what's in those warm punches that can smell so good on a chilly night. This time of year, heated drinks fit the bill, but it's hard to know exactly what's in the punch bowl, although one thing's almost for certain: sugar. Whether it's a mulled wine concoction, wassail, or a Hot Toddy, it's the sugar that makes it so sip-able by the fireside.

A European fixture, mulled wines and wassails have also become an American winter favorite. A kind of catch-all for any warmed holiday punch, most versions call for some mixture of red and/or white wine, orange or other citrus fruit peels, and spices like cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Then, most mixtures are sweetened with plenty of sugar and simmered for hours to develop rich flavor. And if that's not enough, most recipes also call for some kind of spirit—rum, bourbon, whiskey—in addition to the wine. One German version even tops it all off with champagne!

Traditional wassail which features baked apples in spiced ale, has evolved into the Hot Toddy and Hot Buttered Rum drinks we know today. Basically, any warm drink with water, spirits (bourbon, rum, whiskey), spices and sugar can be considered a "toddy," and most are usually garnished with a lemon slice. Hot Buttered Rums are similar—rum, sugar and hot water—but carry, of all things, a pat of butter floating on top!

While all of these drinks may warm our hearts and noses, these seasonal punches can pack quite a calorie punch, long before the second cup.

Ok then, how about Bailey's?
Yum—now here's a year-round favorite, chilled on the rocks or mixed into a warm cup of coffee. It's sweet and smooth, and maybe the best liquid equivalent to any good old comfort food. Straight out of the bottle, it's tagged as "an Irish spirit that blends fresh dairy cream, Irish whiskey (triple-distilled Irish pot still whiskey (scotch whisky is normally double-distilled)), and natural flavors." Each 1.5 oz. serving rings in at about 146 calories—not too bad if you can stop at just one!

Is wine a better choice?
If you're pining for wine, like all other drinks, just be sure to know what you're getting. Starting from grapes, winemakers add yeast that oxygenates and creates alcohol—that's the process of fermentation. While there are occasionally additional flavorings used in the process, almost all calories in wine come from the alcohol, so if you're concerned about calories, be sure to check the alcohol content percentage of what you're drinking.

In general, most average 5 oz. glasses of wine contain about 100 calories. The "light" wines you may find nowadays generally come in around 80 calories per glass. For a less caloric wine option that's particularly festive at parties, try asking the bartender to mix your favorite wine with some club soda or diet sprite for a cool, bubbly wine spritzer.

So how about non-alcoholic options?
As a rule, non-alcoholic versions of any kind of beverage are a smarter choice because they're less caloric than their spirited counterparts. The trick, though, is not to get lulled into thinking that they're in any way calorie-free. Whether it's wassail, a daiquiri or a Coors Cutter beer, non-alcoholic does not mean non-caloric. You may still be able to drive home after having a few non-alchoholic drinks, but pulling on tomorrow's jeans may not be any easier after too many of them! Take a look at the Drink-O-Meter to learn how many calories are in your favorite virgin drink.

Now what's the difference between sparkling mineral water, seltzer, club soda, ginger ale and tonic?
Ok, here's the deal on these mixers.

Sparkling mineral waters and seltzers (like Perrier or Canada Dry seltzer) are basically water with carbon dioxide. They have no calories, and offer fizz and a bit of a bite to your drink.

Club soda is fizzy like seltzer water, but not quite as harsh because makers add potassium bicarbonates and sulfates, which makes the soda not "burn" as much as seltzers. Club soda has no calories, either.

Ginger ale and tonic water are different. They're actually carbonated beverages containing water, sugar, carbon dioxide and quinine, plus various flavorings. Like soda, they come in both regular and diet versions: 4 oz. regular ginger ale or tonic = 125 calories; 4 oz. diet ginger ale or tonic = 0 calories.

And how much is too much?
Regardless of what type of drink you're enjoying, it's always a good idea to stay in control. Too much of any good thing—no matter how darn tasty the eggnog is this year—just doesn't do a body good. But if you're going with alcoholic drinks, here are some rules of thumb:

Amount considered as one drink:
12 oz. of beer
5 oz. of wine
1.5 oz. distilled spirits, 80 proof

Standard guidelines for intake:
Women: no more than 1 drink a day
Men: no more than 2 drinks a day

If you're like many who find it's hard to stay in control when you're out, try these tips for keeping your edge:

• Double-up the mixer in your hard drinks, or add water to dilute them.


• Have a glass of water or diet soda with lemon between alcoholic drinks to space them out.


• Drink slowly and set down your drink between sips—don't hold it in your hand all night.


• Eat the ice.


• Head outdoors or to the bathroom instead of to the bar for a breather.


• Dance more.


• Pronounce yourself the designated driver—at most bars, the soda is free for this person

Holiday time is great, and it's fun to celebrate. Just be sure to watch your drinks as well as what you're eating. That way, the next time you're out, you'll be just a little less likely—and maybe a little less equipped—to belly up to the bar!