Winter. The season of questionable sweaters, crisp air, and that comforting warmth of hot chocolate and eggnog. You know the vibe, and let’s not forget that trusty, slightly chipped mug with the perfect handle that’s seen more winter nights than we can count. Whether it’s coffee, tea, or one of these beloved seasonal drinks, doesn’t it make everything just feel better?

But have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually in that drink? I know, I know. Nobody wants to ruin the magic of a perfect winter moment but stick with me here, we’re about to get into the good, the bad, and the truths about your favorite winter beverages. Grab your mug, maybe a blanket, and let’s get into it… starting with hot chocolate.

Just the thought of it makes you feel like a kid again, it’s like a hug in a mug, right? Remember those little packets with the powdered mix? Just tear it open, dump it in a cup, add hot water or milk and suddenly it smells like snow days and lazy afternoons with the best of cartoons, but let’s be real, it’s mostly sugar. That’s not the worst thing you could drink, but it’s kind of like eating a candy bar for breakfast.

Not that I’m judging, sometimes you just need that candy bar, but let’s not fool ourselves into thinking it’s health food. Here’s what I saw in the store and I encourage you to look too: one brand had 37–38 grams per cup, another 59… and remember to add both the sugar AND the carbs together when you read that label (because simple carbs are instant sugar, people), and that’s your true number of grams of sugar in the serving.

Now, if you’re going for real hot chocolate, the kind made with actual cacao or dark chocolate – that’s a whole different story. The brand of pure cacao I use is only 3 grams per tablespoon and mixed with milk or cream of your choice, it’s rich, velvety, and packed with flavonoids. These little compounds are like nature’s way of saying, “Here, let me help you with your heart, brain, and/or blood pressure issues,” so when you’re sipping the real deal, your body’s practically giving you a high-five …. as long as it’s not an everyday thing, moderation, right?

Pop Quiz: Did you know hot chocolate started as a drink for warriors? The Aztecs mixed cacao with chili peppers for a bold, fiery brew with no sugar, no marshmallows at all – this was a drink to fuel battles, not bedtime. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to your cocoa. It’s spicy, it’s bold, and even though it might not make you a warrior, you’ll at least feel a little more prepared to battle the chaos of holiday shopping.

And now for a fun twist you might not have known: Did you know that cocoa has cannabinoids? Yep, that’s right! Cocoa naturally contains a little something called anandamide, a compound that interacts with the endocannabinoid system kind of like like the cannabinoids in marijuana or hemp. It’s not the same, but it’s more like your cocoa is giving your brain a little mood-boosting, feel-good nudge instead of a buzz, so while you’re sipping your cozy cup of cocoa, you might just be getting a little “natural feel-good” without any of the side effects. This means your hot chocolate is practically a brain booster, who knew this holiday drink could double as a wellness treat?

And now we have eggnog. Let me just say that if hot chocolate is the nostalgic comfort drink, eggnog is the unapologetic diva of the holiday season. It’s rich, it’s creamy and indulgent, and it knows it. Eggnog doesn’t try to be anything it’s not: cream, sugar, eggs, nutmeg – dessert in a glass and it struts into winter like it owns the season. If holiday drinks were in a beauty pageant, eggnog would glide away with the crown, leaving a trail of glittering whipped cream in its wake.

Here’s the thing about eggnog though, like so many holiday traditions it’s had a bit of a makeover over the years, and not for the better. If you’re grabbing a carton off the shelf, it’s probably more fillers and additives than the creamy, homemade eggnog you’re remembering. In fact, a lot of commercial eggnog is now loaded with fillers, artificial flavors, and a chemical cocktail that doesn’t exactly scream “holiday cheer.”

When you see a list of ingredients that reads like a textbook, you have to wonder, how did we go from homemade festive yumminess to this processed….stuff? And don’t even get me started on the fact that commercial eggnog can sometimes be more about “filler” than actual “eggnog.” It’s basically a cup full of sweetened dairy (or non-dairy alternatives) and stabilizers, with just enough nutmeg to make you think you’re drinking something special. Sneaky or what?

If you want the real deal instead, eggnog made the old-school way where it’s rich with real eggs, cream, and real will pack a punch in the nutritional department thanks to it’s being high in vitamin A, surprise! So while you’re indulging, at least you can feel a little better knowing you’re helping your vision, skin, and immune system. No promises though, that one glass of eggnog will not give you 20/20 vision or anything like that but hey, we’ll take what we can get!

In moderation, eggnog actually has a few redeeming qualities. It’s got protein from the eggs as well as vitamin D from the milk or cream, and if you’re lucky enough to get a homemade version, those fresh ingredients are worth the splurge! Let’s not kid ourselves though, eggnog is dessert in a glass and that’s just fine if you pour yourself a small glass, dust it with extra nutmeg and enjoy the creamy goodness slowly without guilt. It’s the holidays! Go ahead, indulge a little! Just don’t get carried away. Remember, it’s a drink – not a meal.

Now, let’s talk about how to make your hot chocolate a little smarter. You want to skip the packets and go for real cacao or dark chocolate, you can add a little honey, maple syrup, or vanilla and maybe sprinkle in some cinnamon or chili powder. It’s like throwing a party in your favorite mug, minus the bad hangover and for the eggnog lovers out there, I’m not telling you to ditch it. Uh-uh! Just savor it. Like I said, pour yourself a small glass, sprinkle that nutmeg and drink it slowly. This is a time of year for little indulgences, so let yourself enjoy the season without stressing about the calories. Here’s an easy one, modify it to your needs:

Bottom line? Holidays are about joy, not perfection. Whether it’s a rich, homemade cup of hot chocolate or a cheeky glass of eggnog, the key is to enjoy the moment, so next time you’re curled up with that trusty mug, don’t sweat the sugar or calories. Instead, drink it slowly, savor the flavors, and embrace the season. The holidays are short so make sure to enjoy every sip! Cheers!

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