Festive drinks ranked: calories and sugar reveal which Christmas tipples do the most, and least, damage

As Christmas celebrations ramp up, a Daily Mail analysis of popular festive drinks finds that some beverages pack more calories and sugar than many drinkers realise, raising concerns about weight gain and dental health during the holidays. Health officials continue to urge adults to stay within 14 units of alcohol per week, but seasonal sipping habits can push people beyond that threshold.

Baileys, eggnog and mulled wine are cited as among the most calorie-dense options. A serving of Baileys contains roughly 10 grams of sugar and, because it is made with cream, its calories rise quickly, especially when added to hot chocolate. Some homemade versions can exceed 500 calories per serving, the nutritionists noted. Eggnog is another winter staple, high in calories, saturated fat and added sugars, with some recipes showing up to 43 grams of sugar per serving. The combination of cream, milk and eggs makes it energy-dense and easy to overconsume.

Mulled wine, a Christmas staple, is highlighted as particularly high in calories due to added sugar and the sugar already present in wine, with a warm preparation that can encourage larger portions. Sharan Verma, a nutritionist specializing in liver health, said the added sugars, on top of those naturally present in wine, can significantly increase both calorie and sugar intake. Alexa Mullane, a functional nutritional therapist, suggested that those who drink mulled wine could reduce the nutritional impact by making it at home, limiting added sugar and increasing spices such as cinnamon, which has been linked to blood sugar regulation.

Hot toddy — made with whisky, water, honey and lemon — sits mid-range in the rankings. It is lower in calories than mulled wine or eggnog, and the warming effect can be comforting in cold weather, but experts warn that the added sugars can negate any potential benefits and raise the overall calorie count. There are about 64 kilocalories per tablespoon of honey; at bars or Christmas markets, the drink is often sweetened further with garnishes that boost sugar and calories.

A Bloody Mary is another Christmas staple, and while relatively low in sugar, it can be high in salt when prepared in bars. Eating too much salt can contribute to bloating and raised blood pressure, so making a home version with lower-salt condiments can help keep the drink lighter overall.

Bucks Fizz, typically a mix of champagne or prosecco with orange juice, is often perceived as lighter due to the juice, but experts warn it can still be high in sugar and alcohol when poured generously. A simple version using prosecco or champagne with freshly squeezed fruit juice is described as the lightest, and lowest-calorie, option to indulge in this Christmas.

Wine, in general, remains a staple of the season. Red wine is often favored for its perceived health benefits, with some experts noting resveratrol may help protect blood vessels and reduce LDL cholesterol. However, sugar content varies: a typical red contains about 1.2 grams of sugar per glass, while white wine is around 1.4 grams; sweeter varieties can exceed 20 grams per serving. Overall, calories can add up quickly with generous pours.

Champagne, particularly brut styles, is among the lower-sugar and lower-calorie options, though it is easy to drink quickly and overindulge. Brut or extra brut varieties can contain up to 12 grams of sugar per litre, compared with up to 32 grams for sec. Clinicians note that champagne’s lighter profile and smaller serving sizes can aid moderation, but they caution that overconsumption remains a risk if drinks are pursued rapidly. Dentists have warned that Prosecco, in particular, may pose a higher risk for tooth decay due to its combination of acidity, sugar and frequency of exposure when consumed in social settings.

Clear spirits — gin, vodka and tequila — are often cited as the best Christmas party options when mixed with non-sugary mixers. A standard 25-millilitre measure of a clear spirit with soda water or a slimline mixer contains little to no added sugar and relatively few calories compared with many festive drinks. The main health consideration remains the alcohol itself, and benefits can quickly be lost if multiple servings are consumed.

The Daily Mail notes that the ranking reflects calories and sugar content, not a blanket endorsement of one drink over another. Nutritionists emphasise that even lower-sugar options can contribute to overall alcohol intake, and that adults should be mindful of both calories and the weekly limit on alcohol and added sugars. The analysis drew on guidance from UK dietitians and nutritionists and aims to help consumers make more informed holiday choices while enjoying seasonal traditions.

The topic has drawn attention to how cultural customs around Christmas drinking intersect with health guidance. While some beverages offer lighter profiles, many festive drinks combine ingredients that push calorie and sugar counts higher than anticipated. Health professionals reiterate that moderation remains key, and that opting for smaller servings, homemade recipes with reduced sugar and alcohol, and choosing drier wines or brut Champagnes can help people enjoy the season without compromising health goals.

Overall, the consensus from experts is clear: celebrate responsibly, be mindful of portion sizes, and consider the context of your entire diet and health objectives during the holidays. For many people, that means balancing tradition with practical choices that align with daily nutritional guidelines while still enjoying the festive atmosphere.