With the holiday season in full swing, beverages from warm and fragrant drinks to festive cocktails become a staple in every home, bringing a sense of comfort and cheer.

Here are the best and worst holiday drinks for you, ranked from best to worst, so you can make an informed decision that can balance indulgence with health.

1. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is a refreshing and naturally calorie-free beverage that’s made up of the peppermint herb. Peppermint’s roots can be traced back to ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt, where it was used to treat digestive problems. Today, peppermint is not only used to address digestive issues but also headaches, the common cold, and sinus infections.

Available in tea bags or loose leaves, peppermint tea can be enjoyed hot or cold.

2. Sugar-free hot apple cider

Sugar-free hot apple cider can be a healthy addition to your holiday drink list if you prefer a low-calorie sweet beverage. It contains no added sugar and just 10 calories per serving.

You can easily find sugar-free apple cider drink mix packets to mix with hot water or make your own homemade version with only natural sugars.

Prefer cold apple cider without spices? Sparkling apple cider is a non-alcoholic and low-calorie alternative compared to other drinks on this list.

3. Mulled wine

A classic holiday beverage, mulled wine blends the richness of wine with the cozy warm flavors of the season. For those who enjoy a glass of wine, mulled wine offers the beneficial plant compounds found in wine and spices. To make mulled wine at home, combine wine with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, add orange slices and a touch of sweetener, simmer for 20 to 30 minutes and strain into mugs.

4. Hot chocolate

Hot chocolate can be considered a moderate choice among holiday beverages. It can be a source of antioxidants and nutrients, particularly when made with dark chocolate and milk.

However, hot chocolate can also be high in sugar and calories, especially when prepared with sweetened chocolate blends and added toppings like whipped cream and marshmallows. For healthier hot chocolate, make it with unsweetened cocoa powder with a high cocoa content. Use low-fat or skim milk or unflavored plant-based milk, a little sweetener, and limit or avoid sugary toppings.

5. Eggnog

A classic holiday drink, eggnog is made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. Sometimes alcohol like rum or brandy is added for a little kick. This combination provides a rich source of fats and carbohydrates, contributing to a high calorie and sugar content.

To lighten up eggnog, replace whole milk with low-fat or skim milk or lower calorie plant-based milk. Omit the heavy cream or use fat-free half-and-half. Reduce the amount of sugar or use no-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract.

6. Coffee shop holiday drinks

While holiday drinks from coffee shops like Starbucks and Dutch Bros offer enticing flavors and festive cheer, these beverages can be a calorie and sugar bomb if not carefully customized and consumed in moderation.

To make coffee shop holiday drinks healthier, firstly opt for smaller sizes. Ask for one pump of syrup (as opposed to the standard three to four) and choose non-fat or lower-fat milk alternatives. Avoid whipped cream, sprinkles, and other sugary toppings that add extra calories and sugar.

(Health delivers relevant information in clear, jargon-free language that puts health into context in peoples’ lives. Online at www.health.com.)

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