This Christmas, some will stick to beer or G&T sprinkled with fruits, whilst others strictly choose champagne served in a chilled glass. There are classic mulled wine enthusiasts, adventurous egg nog and cocktail mixers, or the families that have all the above or no thing at all.
Bearing this in mind, online personal trainers Nuyoo.co wanted to investigate British boozy Christmas habits by conducting a survey concerning 2,012 respondents of various ages over the age of 18.
The leading results were:
- Champagne (32%) voted the UK’s favourite Christmas tipple, with liquors coming second (18%) and whisky and wine coming in joint third (14%).
- 41% of Brits will start drinking ‘mid-morning’, 23% at lunch and 14% before 9am.
- Mum and Dad named “family member most likely to get drunk” at Christmas, amassing 46% of the vote, followed by Uncle (14%), Auntie (5%) and Nan (5%).
- 32% claim liquors make them feel the guiltiest, followed by whisky (18%) and cocktails and punch (14%).
- 77% say they aren’t influenced by fitness fads at Christmas time, but 23% are.
- 82% of Brits use the excuse: “I’ll just have one more, it is Christmas after all”.
Teeth whitening brand, White Glo recently brought us the news that some drinks are bad news for our teeth (here’s looking at you dark rum and sugar-laden coke). While others are better, such as G&T or Spanish sparkling wine, Cava, which has a PH level between three and four and is therefore low in acidity.
Oh, and if you’re looking for a kiss under the mistletoe – it’s advised you miss – out the vodka. Vodka will dry out the mouth and make your breath smell. Nice.
To help those affected by tipple – guilt this festive season, Nuyoo.co has devised the list ‘12 sips of Christmas’ a complimentary list of 12 holiday cocktails that are just that little bit healthier, lighter and easier on the waistline. Here are four classics:
Healthy Spiced Egg Nog
Yes, you can indulge in a Christmas classic entirely guilt-free. Combine high – quality vodka, with ground cinnamon and three ounces of low – fat egg nog, for all the flavour and creaminess in under 200 calories.
Gingered Cider Hot Toddy
Warm cider infused with tea (go decaf if it’s close to bedtime) and a shot of rum or bourbon. Ginger and honey can help you to recover from a cold, and alcohol can aid a restless sleep, so try it out if you’re suffering from winter’s chill.
Red Wine Hot Chocolate
The humble hot chocolate has had its make – over for the festive season, in this decadent treat with a healthy twist. Make it with skim med milk, one cup of red wine and a few dark chocolate chunks. Yes, chocolate should be consumed in moderation but the higher the cocoa content the better for your health.
Mulled Wine
Keep your calorie count down by making your cocktail recipe simple – a short ingredient list is the trick. For a seasonally spiced beverage sure to keep you cosy, mix together red wine, a little brandy and honey, sliced orange, cloves and a cinnamon stick or two. Perfect for the family to enjoy over Christmas lunch.
