10 Mocktails To Make Over The Holidays
Drinking during the holiday season can be a lot of fun but sometimes it can turn into a little more than you asked for. From hangovers to headaches to blackouts, and everything in between, there are plenty of reasons to skip the alcohol at your next holiday party. And let’s be honest, sometimes you just want all the flavorful goodness of a holiday cocktail without the liquor! Rather than mix up your go-to vodka cocktail this winter, create a mocktail that everyone can enjoy! Hot apple pie punch, cinnamon orange sangria, and raspberry rhubarb mojitos are just a few no-alcohol holiday drinks to choose from this season. If you want more easy and festive mocktail ideas, check out this list of 10 mocktails to make over the holidays this year!
1. Cran-Apple Cider
This mocktail combines two of the most popular fruits during the holiday season! The flavors of cranberries, apples, and a hint of rosemary make for a delicious and easy mocktail everyone can and will enjoy! To make, start by running a lemon wedge along the rim of a shot glass. Pour out a thin layer of sugar onto a flat plate. Dip the rim of the glass in the sugar to make a sugar-rimmed glass. Next, pour 1/3 cup apple cider, 1/3 cup cranberry juice cocktail, and 1/3 cup ginger ale into the glass and stir with a spoon until combined. Drop a few frozen cranberries and place a thinly cut apple slice into the mocktail. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary and enjoy!
2. Classic Eggnog
This made-from-scratch non-alcoholic eggnog recipe is the perfect way to embrace the holiday season! Made with fresh eggs, heavy cream, and spices, these warm and sweet flavors come together to make a delicious and creamy drink the whole family can sip on. To make, start by adding 2 cups milk, 2 cups heavy cream, 6 egg yolks, 2/3 cups raw honey, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon to a blender and blend until smooth. Next, pour the mixture into a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of whole cloves, and cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not simmer or boil, just heat until the eggnog is hot. It should become thick and frothy. Once the eggnog has thickened, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Strain out the cloves and pour eggnog into an airtight container. Allow the eggnog to cool in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Makes 4 servings.
3. Hot Apple Pie Punch
Warm up this winter with this sweet and buttery non-alcoholic apple pie punch! Served hot, the combination of spices, apple cider, and brown sugar will be a hit with everyone! To make, start by combining 4 ounces softened unsalted butter, 2/3 cups light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves until well blended. Next, heat 6 cups apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat. While apple cider is heating, run a lemon wedge along the rim of 6 mugs. Then dip the rims into a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Drop 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter and spice mixture into each mug. Pour the hot apple cider over the butter and spice mixture and each mug and whisk until blended. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon! Enjoy!
4. Cider And Thyme Tonic
This holiday mocktail is super simple and the perfect non-alcoholic drink for the holiday season. To create this mocktail, first, make the thyme simple syrup. To make this, put 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 to 3 sprigs of fresh thyme in a saucepan over low heat and cook until sugar dissolves. Simmer an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat, remove thyme sprigs, and let cool completely. Next, add 1 1/2 cups apple cider, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup thyme simple syrup to a pitcher and stir until well-combined. Fill 4 glasses halfway with ice. Divide the cider mixture among the 4 glasses. Top each with tonic water, garnish with a sprig of thyme, and drink up! Cheers!
5. Pomegranate Spritzer
This refreshing yet festive mocktail is perfect at any time of day! The soda water paired with pomegranate juice and apple cider makes for a refreshing holiday drink in the morning or a sweet and tangy drink to sip on after dinner. To make, combine 2 cups apple cider, 1/2 cup pomegranate juice, and 1 1/4 cup soda water in a pitcher. Stir well until combined. Next, drop a handful of pomegranate seeds into 4 tall glasses. Divide the mocktail mix evenly among the 4 glasses, pouring over the pomegranate seeds. Next, cut lime wedges and add the juice of 2 lime wedges to each glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
6. Cinnamon Orange Sangria
This non-alcoholic cinnamon and orange sangria is not only easy to make, but it’s also full of holiday-inspired flavors. Cinnamon, apple, cranberry, and orange are combined to make a delicious and sweet holiday sangria that even the kids can enjoy! To make, add 1 peeled and thinly sliced apple, the juice of 1 lemon, the juice of 1 orange, 1 orange cut into sections, 3/4 cup thawed cranberry-grape juice frozen concentrate, and a pinch of cinnamon into a pitcher. Stir well. Let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour, up to 12 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, add 3 cups seltzer water to the pitcher. Stir until combined with the fruit mixture. Pour into wine glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with an orange wedge and cinnamon stick. Makes 4 servings!
7. Ginger Basil Grapefruit Mimosa
This alcohol-free mimosa is the perfect holiday brunch mocktail! A play on a classic mimosa, this drink combines fresh basil, grapefruit, and ginger soda to make a sweet and refreshing festive mocktail. To make, start by making basil simple syrup. To make, heat 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Once sugar is dissolved, add 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil. Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the basil and let the mixture cool completely. To make the mocktail, add the juice of 1 whole grapefruit, 3 12-ounce cans of ginger soda, and 1/4 cup of the basil simple syrup into a pitcher filled with ice. Stir until combined. Pour mock mimosa mixture into champagne glasses and garnish with a grapefruit wedge. Cheers!
8. Apple Cider Martini
This sweet and tart appletini is not only easy to make, but it’s also the perfect way to enjoy a great cocktail without the booze. To make, start by running a lemon wedge along the rim of a chilled martini glass. Dip the rim in sugar. Another way to rim the glass is to lightly drizzle caramel sauce around the edge. Next, add 2 ounces apple juice, 1/2 ounce simple syrup, and 1/4 ounce lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain the mocktail into the prepared martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick! Makes 1 serving.
9. Spiced Cranberry And Rosemary
After giving this sweet, tart, and slightly spicy mocktail a try, you’ll be craving it all season long! Made on the stove but served cold, this festive and unique non-alcoholic drink is just what you need when you’re looking for a holiday-inspired drink without the booze. After all, this time of year you don’t need alcohol to have fun! To make, start by making the cranberry and rosemary syrup. To do this, add 2 cups water, 1 cup fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup raw honey, 2 tablespoons Fire Cider Original, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Strain out the rosemary and cranberries and let the mixture cool completely. Fill 4 small glasses with ice. Add 1/2 cup of the spiced cranberry and rosemary syrup and 1 cup lime seltzer to each glass. Mix, garnish with fresh cranberries, and enjoy!
10. Raspberry Rhubarb Mojito
While this mocktail may seem summer-inspired, the simplicity of it is just what you need during the busy holiday season. And on those bitter cold days, this mocktail is a great way to bring summer vibes into your kitchen. Not only is it easy to whip up, but the ruby and green garnishes also give it a super festive look! To make, add a small handful of mint leaves, the juice of 1 lime, and 1/4 cup of Raspberry, Rhubarb & Orange Blossom Robinsons Fruit Cordial to a tall glass. Stir the ingredients together, muddling the mint leaves while you do this. Next, add ice to the glass, about halfway full. Top the mocktail off with soda water. Garnish with raspberries and a slice of lime.
