As the festive season approaches, it’s easy to focus on the indulgent dishes that grace our tables, but let’s not overlook the calorific pitfalls lurking in our holiday drinks. Often, these beverages—from spiked concoctions to sugary hot drinks—are more than just a treat; they can be a hidden source of unhealthy ingredients that impact not just our waistlines but overall health, caution experts.

One significant concern with these seasonal sips is their effect on dental health. Warm and sweetened drinks are particularly damaging as they coat the enamel in sugar-laden syrups that stick around longer than cold beverages. This lingering sugar heightens the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion, providing a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria in the mouth. But the damage doesn’t stop there. The sugar, fat, and alcohol content in these drinks can cause blood glucose spikes, lead to inflammation, contribute to weight gain, and increase cholesterol levels, setting the stage for a host of health issues.

Adrienne Benjamin, a Gut Health Nutritionist at ProVen Biotics, points to Baileys Irish Cream and Baileys Hot Chocolate as some of the most calorie-rich options at holiday gatherings. She warns that the combination of high sugar, cream, and fat in these drinks can mitigate the immediate effects of alcohol but also elevate the calorie content to an alarming 500 per serving.

Benjamin advises moderation: “While festive drinks can be a delightful part of holiday celebrations, it’s important to be cautious with creamy or sugary choices as they are high in calories. Opting for lighter cocktails or alternating with non-alcoholic beverages can allow you to enjoy the festivities without blowing your calorie budget. And don’t forget, alcohol can affect your gut regardless of its caloric content.”

At the top of the calorie-heavy drink list is the classic eggnog, especially when spiked with rum or bourbon, followed closely by white Russian cocktails, snowballs, and spicy margaritas.

Yusra Aydin, a Registered Dietitian and Head of Nutrition at Vivere, emphasizes that the consequences of indulging in these festive drinks go beyond calorie concerns. “Your gut can feel the impact,” she notes. Implementing a few simple strategies focused on the festive season can help you savor these treats while maintaining support for your microbiome.

“Alcoholic drinks like mulled wine, spiced cider, and eggnog can irritate the digestive system and contribute to dehydration. Alternate these with sparkling water infused with festive flavours, such as orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise.

“Remember to sip water throughout the day, and consider adding an extra glass of water for every alcoholic drink to stay hydrated and support your digestive system.”

Nutritionist Jenna Hope offered additional festive alternatives to The Telegraph, showing how revellers can reduce their sugar consumption whilst keeping the celebrations alive. One of the easiest switches involves preparing homemade eggnog.

A typical serving of shop-bought eggnog contains at least 35 grams of sugar, but crafting your own version gives you control over the sweetness levels. That said, the cream and fat content still means this remains a high-calorie indulgence.

Hope also suggested swapping mulled wine for a lighter red such as pinot noir, or opting for sherry if you fancy something with a touch more sweetness. She highlighted that these tipples typically come in smaller servings, making it simpler to monitor your intake.

For anyone seeking a healthier spin on the traditional Baileys Hot Chocolate, Hope has a personal favourite – a smoothie-style cocktail combining Baileys, banana and peanut butter, blended with ice.

Another simple trick to cut down on sugar is choosing champagne over prosecco, she noted: “At this time of year, it’s much better to spend more on better wine and drink less overall.”