5 Warm and Cozy Diabetic Winter Drinks

During a time when sugary treats are found at every turn, steering clear of carbohydrate-rich cocktails becomes even more important for people managing diabetes this holiday season. As is the case any time you drink alcohol, watch your consumption - even low-sugar beverages can disrupt your hormone levels and interfere with insulin control.

But if you're in the mood to celebrate and get merry, try one of these diabetes-friendly, festive concoctions:

1. Adult Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Healthwise makes a delicious low-carb and low-sugar hot chocolate beverage. Add the powdered packet to hot water or low-fat milk and include a bit of peppermint schnapps for a cozy beverage.

2. Hot Buttered Rum

A traditional holiday favorite, you can make an easy batch of hot buttered rum but replace brown sugar with SPLENDA's brown sugar blend. You could also swap the butter with margarine to reduce overall calories and fat. For a traditional hot buttered rum recipe, you can adapt this one from the Food Network's Emeril Lagasse.

3. Mulled Wine

Traditional mulled wine usually includes sugar, but you can replace it with a sugar substitute to create this warm drink. Try SPLENDA's recipe that includes the flavors of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

4. Spiced Apple Cider

Alpine Spiced Apple Cider is a sugar-free instant drink mix. Add it to hot water for a non-alcoholic beverage and include some cinnamon (which studies suggest can help to lower blood sugar). If you want to lower your carbohydrate intake with this drink (each packet contains about 20 carbohydrates), use half a packet instead of the whole thing.

5. Hot Cranberry Toddy

Hot toddies are synonymous with winter, and this holiday-friendly version can be made with sugar-free cranberry juice. You can make a hot toddy alcoholic, with bourbon or rum, or stick to just juices and spices.

Source: Web MD
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