CHEF'S CORNER: HEALTHY HOLIDAY DRINKS

HOLIDAY SPIRITS

POMEGRANATE CHAMPAGNE PUNCH

* 2 cups champagne

* 1 cup pomegranate juice

* 1 cup seltzer

* 1/2 cup citrus vodka

* Lemon twists, for garnish

Combine champagne, pomegranate juice, seltzer and vodka. Serve over ice with a twist of lemon.

Per serving: 128 calories; 0 g fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 7 g carbs; 0 g protein; 0 g fiber; 5 mg sodium; 72 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Antioxidants.

MONKEYLADA

Low-calorie version of pina-colada.

* 2 very ripe bananas

* 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, plus 4 wedges for garnish

* 1 cup pineapple juice

* 1/2 cup "lite" coconut milk, (see Tip)

* 3 cups ice cubes

* 6 ounces (3/4 cup) light rum

Puree bananas, diced pineapple, pineapple juice, coconut milk and ice in a blender. Stir in rum. Garnish with pineapple.

Per serving: 228 calories; 2 g fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 28 g carbs; 2 g protein; 2 g fiber; 12 mg sodium; 339 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (52% daily value).

WHISPERING WREATH

* 1 cup sugar

* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, plus 10 for garnish

* 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves

* 4 cups water

* 10 dashes bitters

* 12 ounces dark rum (1 1/2 cups)

* 2 tablespoons butter

Mash sugar and herbs together. Add water and bitters; bring to a simmer over, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Stir in rum. Cook for 1 minute. Add butter, stir until it melts. Strain into a pitcher. Let stand 10 minutes. Garnish each drink with a mint leaf.

Per serving: 178 calories; 2 g fat; 6 mg cholesterol; 20 g carbohydrates; 0 g protein; 0 g fiber; 4 mg sodium; 3 mg potassium.