This holiday season remember that drinks count—they are virtually empty liquid calories that add up quickly.

I’m really not the scrooge (meaning I’m not trying to take away from your holiday fun but want to remind you of what’s healthier) when I suggest you pay attention to mindless drinking and remember that alcohol calories do sneak up on you.

Toast the season with sparkling water and a twist of lime and you’ll start the New Year leaner and healthier. Or… try a lighter version of a classic cocktail…the 5-0 cosmo!

Holiday 5-0 Cosmo

Toast the holidays with this light version of the traditional Cosmopolitan vodka cocktail for just a fraction of the calories and all the taste!

Ingredients:

½ ounce raspberry vodka

3 ounces sugar-free diet cranberry juice drink

Squeeze of lime

Directions:

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Strain mixture into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with lime twist.

Yield: 1 cocktail

• calories: 50,
• fat: 0 g,
• cholesterol: 0 mg,
• sodium: 1 mg,
• carbohydrates: 3 g,
• fiber: 0 g,
• sugar: 0.5 g,
• protein: 0 g.