The time for holiday beverages is officially upon us, but many drinks we consider holiday-specific are actually just designed for cold weather; mulled wine , hot toddies and hot chocolate can (and should) be enjoyed throughout the winter season. But theres one beverage thats inextricably linked to the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, to the point where its actually really difficult to find in stores or restaurants once the new year arrives. Thats right, were talking about eggnog .

Also known as milk punch, eggnog includes cream, egg yolks and spices blended together to make a rich, luxurious and December-perfect treat. However, all of these ingredients, while delicious, combine to create a less-than-diet-friendly end product.

If you want to get your nog on without blowing your caloric budget for the day, it helps to consider healthier alternatives that dont sacrifice flavor. We consulted bartenders, beverage directors and chefs to collect their favorite health-conscious eggnog variations, and were bringing you our nine favorite picks.