Refreshing Julep Cocktails

I love any reason to throw a party. With the Kentucky Derby coming up, it’s the perfect excuse to gather friends, family, or neighbors for a little celebration! If you’ve ever thrown a Derby Day party, then you know you need two things: mint juleps and fancy hats. Juleps have been a Kentucky favorite for many, many years. It was even declared the official Derby drink in 1938, so this popular cocktail has been around for ages! Since we like to put our own twist on things, we've created two thirst-quenching julep recipes that are equally delicious and perfect for any Derby party. As always, we tried to make them a little healthier than usual, too. Scroll down for the full ingredients and instructions! Lemon Basil Julep Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: -- minutes Makes: 1 serving Ingredients 5 basil leaves 1 teaspoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon agave 2 ounces bourbon 2 ounces Lemon LaCroix Crushed ice to your liking Directions Muddle the basil with the lemon juice in a lowball glass. Add crushed ice, if desired. Pour in agave and bourbon, then gently stir. Top with Lemon Lacroix. Give it another gentle stir. Sip responsibly! ------------ Cran-Ras Mint Julep Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: -- minutes Makes: 1 serving Ingredients 5 mint leaves 8 raspberries Splash of cranberry juice 2 ounces bourbon 2 ounces Coconut LaCroix Crushed ice to your liking Directions Muddle the basil with the lemon juice in a lowball glass. Add crushed ice, if desired. Pour in bourbon and gently stir. Add a splash of cranberry juice, then top with Coconut LaCroix. Give it another gentle stir. Sip responsibly!

When it comes to the holidays, I'm all about tradition—especially my family's tradition to try ethnic food! For Christmas Eve, we always skipped the ham and turkey in favor of kimchi, curry, and gnocchi. I loved trying new foods and learning about what people ate in others countries. You might still want your Christmas ham, but this year, my challenge for you is to try an ethnic holiday beverage! These are lighter, healthier versions, but many are still high in calories, so enjoy a glass...but maybe just one. Happy Holidays! Ponche Navideno This Mexican Christmas Punch is sweet and loaded with fruit and cinnamon. The fruit used can vary, depending on what you have available, so don’t be afraid to use what you have. Wassail Punch The aroma alone of this holiday British classic is sure to put everyone in a cheerful spirit. Hungarian Hot Chocolate This hot chocolate has unique spices, like cloves and paprika helps bring out the richness of the chocolate. Anijsmelk The warmth of milk and honey, and the soothing taste of anise seeds make this old-fashioned Dutch drink perfect for late winter nights. Ginger Beer African Ginger Beer is much stronger than ginger ale. The fiery, spicy kick ginger adds is a sure to warm you up. Cola De Mono Toast friends and family with this creamy, Chilean drink. With a hint of coffee and cloves, this drink is an excellent way to enjoy the holidays! Glogg This non-alcoholic version of the Swedish Holiday drink is a delicious, hot, spiced punch that’s sure to warm you up and put you in a cheerful mood. Sahlab Served warm or cold, this Egyptian drink is amazing! It’s thick and creamy and has a divine vanilla flavor. Plus, the recipe is so simple! Cioccolata Calda Italian hot chocolate is the perfect indulgence to enjoy this holiday season. So thick you may need a spoon! Hot Toddy This non-alcoholic twist on the traditional Scottish drink has all the flavor without the calories. Hot toddys not only warm you up on a cold day, but the honey and lemon help sooth sore throats, making the perfect drink for you to try this winter! Sorrel Punch Holidays in the Caribbean wouldn’t be the same without Sorrel Punch! With exotic spices and dried sorrel, it tastes a little bitter, but unique. If you can’t find sorrel at your store, it might be sold under the names hibiscus or Jamaica Flowers. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Infusing hot chocolate with peppermint gives it an instant holiday twist. You may want to double or triple this recipe if you’re serving for a larger crowd. SujeongGwa SuJeongGwa, or Korean Cinnamon Punch, can be enjoyed hot or cold. It’s sweet, and the cinnamon gives a warm feeling, even if you enjoy it cold. Egg Nog This low-fat eggnog recipe is still rich and creamy, bringing back all your favorite holiday memories without all the calories. Be sure to garnish with nutmeg just before you enjoy this decadent Canadian drink. French Hot Chocolate With just a hint of coffee, this hot chocolate is rich and flavorful—perfect for any true chocolate lover. Sbiten When the weather turns cold, it’s time to cozy up next to a delicious, warm drink! This Russian spicy honey drink is even soothing for your throat during cold season. Sweet Spanish Hot Chocolate If you’ve never tasted anything but hot chocolate made from store-bought envelopes, you’re about to have your tastebuds tingled with this stovetop, sweet, Spanish hot chocolate. Gluhwein This spiced punch drink has holiday flavors in every sip. So come in from the snow and warm up with a steaming mug of Germany's favorite Gluhwein! Tablea Tsokolate This Filipino drink is made with chocolate wedges that are melted to give you a mug of rich hot chocolate that can be enjoyed on any chilly night. Canelazo A steaming mug of this non-alcoholic Ecuadorian Canelazo will keep you warm and festive this winter! Conquito If you like frothy, cold drinks, you’ll enjoy this refreshing, creamy Puerto Rican Coquito. With the heavy flavor of rum spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, one serving may not be enough!