Festive and Fun Holiday Cocktails and Appetizers

With the New Year right around the corner and everyone’s minds focused on their waist-trimming resolutions, we’ve compiled a list of festive, fun cocktails and appetizers for your New Year’s Eve party that won’t add another notch to your belt.

Oven Baked Zucchini Chips

Oven baked zucchini chips will keep your carb cravings at bay. With nutty parmesan and a mix of seasonings, these light and airy “chips” are portable and easy to eat with a cocktail in hand.

Zucchini
Zucchinis are a perfect go-to when substituting out carbs. Zucchini chips are a great way to curb your carb cravings. (Shutterstock)

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip

This skinny buffalo chicken dip will be the star of your party. By making simple changes, like using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, you’ll retain the flavor but lose the calories. Pair it with veggies instead of crackers or chips and you’ve got a low-calorie treat that tastes every bit as decadent as you would hope.

Greek Layer Dip

The classic Mediterranean flavors in this dip will complement any holiday party. Using heart-healthy hummus and olives, fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumber, and low-fat feta, no one will be wishing for a high-calorie version. Adding fresh herbs like parsley and dill will send this dip over the edge. Serve with sliced veggies or toasted pita bread.

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Mediterranean flavors like olives, feta, and tomatoes make this dip over-the-top flavorful. (Shutterstock)

Cranberry Ginger Spice Sparkling Holiday Cocktail

Cranberries are a must-have on any holiday table, but cranberry juice is filled with sugar and can overload your cocktail with sweetness. This Cranberry Ginger Spice Sparkling Holiday Cocktail will give you the tart cranberry flavor without too much added sugar. The classic combination of rosemary and cranberries will be sure to put some excitement in your holiday party.

Cranberries
Cranberries and rosemary are the ultimate holiday cocktail combination. (Shutterstock.)

Blueberry Mint Fizz

Blueberries may make you think of summer, but combining them with mint and club soda turns them into a festive fruit cocktail for the season. Agave syrup to taste lets you control how the calories in your cocktail, and with the sweet and light flavors of the mint and blueberries, you most likely won’t be reaching for it.

Peppermint Mocha White Russian

It’s hard to think of a flavor more festive to the season than peppermint. Peppermint cocktails tend to be both full of fat and sugar, but this toned down Peppermint Mocha White Russian has some easy swaps (Cool Whip for whipped cream) that leave you with all the flavor and none of the guilt.

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Peppermint and cold weather are two peas in pod and will warm up you up on New Year’s Eve. (Shutterstock.)