If you’ve walked past a coffee shop or bar in the last couple of weeks, the chances are you’ve probably smelt the delicious aromas of a gingerbread latte or a salted caramel hot chocolate wafting over to you. 

This tall gingerbread latte from Starbucks contains 21.5 grams of sugar, 215 calories and nearly 8 grams of saturated fat. So if you’re following a low-sugar diet, watching your calorie intake, or managing a health condition like diabetes, you might wonder whether it’s best to avoid Christmas-themed hot drinks and cocktails altogether.

The good news is, you don’t have to. With clever substitutions and sugar-free alternatives from The Skinny Food Co. you can experience all the seasonal warmth and cheer of Christmassy drinks, without the sugar or calories.

Read on for our guide to creating magical festive drinks that won’t ruin your diet plan.  

Low sugar festive drink ideas

Winter Wonderland Sparkler

This alcohol-free, virgin cocktail is ideal if you’re the designated driver, pregnant, avoiding alcohol, or just reducing your alcohol intake this Christmas. 

Just combine our zero-calorie, sugar-free vanilla syrup with some fresh lime juice and a splash of cranberry juice, and top with sparkling water. Add some frozen cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to create a drink that looks like Christmas in a glass!

Gingerbread Dream

Craving one of those delicious coffee-shop gingerbread lattes? This one’s for you. Combine The Skinny Food Co.’s Barista sugar-free gingerbread flavour syrup with cold almond milk and a dash of cinnamon. Serve it over ice and top with a light dusting of nutmeg for a refreshing drink that screams festive vibes. 

Cinnamon Apple Hot Toddy

Warm up with this low-sugar version of a festive favourite. Mix hot water with whisky, The Skinny Food Co.'s sugar-free salted caramel syrup, a squeeze of lemon, and a dash of cinnamon. We think this is the perfect nightcap for those chilly winter evenings!

Skinny Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Who says hot chocolate has to be loaded with sugar? Not us. For this guilt-free version, mix unsweetened cocoa powder with hot almond milk and our salted caramel syrup. To make it extra indulgent, add some light whipped cream and chocolate flakes and serve with one or two of our high-protein Chocaholic hazelnut pralines.

Spiced Chai Latte

Combine sugar-free, zero-calorie vanilla syrup with strong brewed chai tea and your choice of warm plant-based milk. If you want an extra festive kick, try adding a pinch of cardamom. 

How to Reduce the Sugar Content of Your Festive Drinks

• Choose sugar-free, zero-calorie syrups as your base to create endless flavour combinations. 
• Opt for plant-based milks to reduce the overall calories and fat in your festive hot drinks. 
• Add flavour without the calories by using fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, and thyme.
• Use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes to add natural sweetness to your festive cocktails and mocktails. 
• Swap soft drinks like lemonade for sparkling water to add festive fizz without the sugar content of traditional mixers. 
• Don’t forget to order a bottle of Skinny Sparkling Rose to your shopping basket - perfect for Christmas Day toasts and New Year’s Eve parties!

Ready to embrace the Christmas season with these better-for-you beverages? Shop The Skinny Food Co. today.