On a dark, cold evening, I walk into my home with cold hands, cold feet and cold nose. The whole family is ready to chase away the chill with something hot to drink. If I ask them what they want, there will be a chorus of, "Hot chocolate!" So I don't ask because they don't need the sugar, but what can I offer them instead? Spiced apple cider is also a popular choice -- and quite healthful if you buy fresh cider and add the spices yourself. Sugar isn't necessary, just the tasty seasonings of your choice, like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. But even then, sometimes you just want something different.

Try Hot Ginger Lemonade. Take 1 ounce of fresh squeezed lemon juice and a teaspoon of fresh-grated ginger; add 9 oz. hot (not boiling) water. It can be sweetened with your favorite sweetener; honey is especially soothing for a sore throat, and real maple syrup is delicious -- or use a low-calorie sweetener, like Splenda.

For the holidays, mix equal parts of fresh apple cider, fresh-squeezed orange juice and cranberry juice, and add spices to taste. Don't boil it, just heat until steaming and serve. This makes a delicious and healthful party punch. For variety, you can use a spicy holiday tea like chai instead of spices, then add rice milk. For a creamier texture, blend soft silken tofu with one of the juices before everything goes in the pot. When you add creamy stuff, be careful not to let the mixture come to a boil, or it may break into a curdled state -- not the most appetizing sight. Oh, and for the same reason, don't use cow's milk or cream -- the acid in the juices will definitely curdle real dairy products.

If you own an espresso maker, consider using a caffeine-free coffee substitute like Teecino and making a latte. It's delicious, non-stimulating and very comforting. Even if you don't own an espresso maker, you can brew Teecino in a tea ball, heat milk in a saucepan, and have nearly identical warm, soothing results. For those who need sweetness, a low-cal sugar substitute does very nicely.

When out and about, espresso calls from nearly every corner and it is tempting, but most of those places specialize in drinks that are diet disasters. However, they often have a nice selection of hot teas to choose from (really gourmet ones in many places), so you can still enjoy a soothing hot drink. Especially during the fall season, espresso shops offer hot apple cider - just leave out the diet-busting caramel. Try a steamer - frothy skim or soy milk and a shot of sugar-free flavor, like vanilla or raspberry. If you're a coffee fanatic, a latte isn't so bad if you forgo the whipped cream and have a sugar-free flavor. Remember to practice moderation, and if you're trying to lose weight, stick with the tea.

When the chill has crept into your bones, a hot drink dispels it quick as a wink. So don't get the hot chocolate blues. Seek variety and enjoy a healthy hot drink.