What can diabetics drink at Christmas?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the CDC, over 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, making safe holiday drinking a crucial topic. Fortunately, there are many delicious and festive options for what can diabetics drink at Christmas without spiking blood sugar, from spiced mocktails to smart alcoholic choices.

Quick Summary

A guide to safe Christmas drink options for diabetics, featuring tasty low-sugar mocktails, light alcoholic alternatives, and tips for managing blood glucose during the holidays.

Key Points

Non-alcoholic alternatives: Opt for sparkling water with lime, unsweetened teas, or homemade sugar-free punches over sugary sodas.
Choose wisely: Stick to dry wines, light beers, or distilled spirits paired with zero-calorie mixers like diet tonic or soda water.
Eat first: Never consume alcohol on an empty stomach, as it can significantly increase the risk of low blood sugar.
Monitor levels: Keep a close watch on your blood sugar levels, especially when trying new beverages or consuming alcohol.
DIY control: Create your own festive drinks, like mulled wine using sugar substitutes and unsweetened juices, for total control over ingredients.

Enjoying Non-Alcoholic Festive Drinks

One of the safest and easiest ways to control your blood sugar during the holidays is to stick to non-alcoholic beverages. This doesn't mean you're limited to water; a bit of creativity can produce flavorful, festive drinks that are completely sugar-free.

Refreshing Mocktails and Spritzers

Sparkling water is a blank canvas for creating delicious drinks. Instead of using sugary sodas, consider these options:

Cranberry Lime Spritzer: Mix no-sugar-added cranberry juice with lime seltzer or club soda and garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wedge.
Ginger Ale Yule Mule: Create a holiday-themed mule using diet ginger ale, lime juice, mint, and some festive garnishes.
Spiced Apple Cider: Simmer unsweetened apple juice with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise for a warm, fragrant treat. Use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to taste.
Mint Hot Chocolate: For a classic holiday favorite, use unsweetened almond or coconut milk, a few squares of dark chocolate, and a sugar-free sweetener. Add a hint of peppermint extract for that festive twist.

Making Smart Alcoholic Choices

For those who choose to enjoy alcohol, moderation and smart choices are key to managing diabetes. Distilled spirits are naturally sugar and carb-free, but it's the mixers that can cause problems.

Low-Carb Alcoholic Drinks

Distilled Spirits: Enjoy gin, vodka, whiskey, or tequila served neat, on the rocks, or with sugar-free mixers.
Dry Wines: Opt for dry red or white wines, such as merlot or pinot grigio, as they contain less sugar than sweet wines.
Light Beer: Some light beers are brewed to have significantly fewer carbohydrates than regular versions, with some containing as few as 2 grams per serving.
Brut Champagne: This extra-dry sparkling wine is a low-sugar choice for toasting the season.

Important Drinking Guidelines

When consuming alcohol, remember to never drink on an empty stomach. Alcohol can impair your liver's ability to regulate blood sugar, potentially leading to hypoglycemia. Always monitor your blood sugar closely and have a plan for managing any lows.

Comparison of Holiday Drinks


Drink Type	High-Sugar Version	Diabetic-Friendly Alternative	Reason
Hot Chocolate	Premixed packet with added sugar	Unsweetened cocoa powder with almond milk and stevia	Avoids processed sugar, uses low-carb milk.
Eggnog	Traditional recipe with cream and sugar	Skim milk or almond milk, egg substitute, and a sugar substitute	Reduces calories and sugar intake significantly.
Punch	Cranberry juice cocktail with ginger ale	No-sugar-added cranberry juice and diet ginger ale	Eliminates high-fructose corn syrup and added sugars.
Mulled Wine	Red wine simmered with added sweeteners	Dry red wine simmered with spices and a sugar-free sweetener	Maintains flavor profile while removing excess sugar.
Cocktail	Mixed drink with juice and soda	Distilled spirit with diet tonic or diet cola	Prevents blood sugar spikes from sugary mixers.

Staying in Control During Christmas Festivities

Beyond just choosing the right drinks, staying in control during holiday gatherings requires a proactive mindset. Don't skip meals to save up for a big dinner, as this can affect your blood sugar levels. Consider making your own festive drinks to bring to parties, ensuring you have safe, enjoyable options readily available. Staying physically active can also help manage blood sugar, so consider a winter walk or engaging in festive activities. Making informed decisions allows for a joyful and healthy holiday season.

Conclusion: Enjoy a Safe and Merry Holiday

Navigating Christmas drinks with diabetes doesn't have to be a challenge. By opting for sugar-free mocktails, choosing low-carb alcoholic options, and practicing moderation, you can fully participate in the festive cheer without compromising your health. Armed with these simple strategies, you can raise a glass and celebrate the season responsibly and happily. For more resources on managing diabetes during the holidays, you can visit a site like the American Diabetes Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but with caution and moderation. Opt for low-sugar alcoholic beverages like dry wine, light beer, or distilled spirits mixed with sugar-free mixers. Never drink on an empty stomach and monitor your blood sugar closely.

Excellent choices include diet tonic water, soda water, diet soda, and sugar-free flavored seltzers. These mixers prevent the high sugar intake associated with regular sodas and juices.

Not necessarily. While many mocktails are lower in sugar, some recipes may still use high-sugar juices or syrups. Always check the ingredients and opt for homemade versions using unsweetened juices or sugar substitutes.

Light beer is generally a better option than regular beer, as it contains significantly fewer carbohydrates. However, you should still consume it in moderation and account for the carbs in your daily plan.

Yes. Recipes for diabetic-friendly eggnog typically use skim or unsweetened almond milk, egg substitutes, and low-carb sweeteners like Splenda or stevia to create a delicious and safe holiday treat.

Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, especially for those on insulin or certain medications. It can also interfere with your liver's ability to produce glucose, so it's vital to drink with food.

Avoid using fruit juices, as even 100% fruit juice can significantly increase blood sugar levels due to its natural sugar content. Use a small amount of juice as flavoring, or opt for sugar-free alternatives instead.