Health

13 Festive Mocktail Recipes For Your Dry Christmas Season

Skip the liquor and keep your name on the nice list this year with these 13 festive mocktails.

By Renée Walton2 min read
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Shutterstock/Svetlana Khutornaia

With the most wonderful time of the year in full swing, there’s likely no shortage of boozy Christmas and New Years parties in the near future. But if you’re like many women who are taking a step back from alcohol, the prospect of being the only non-drinking party-goer might have you feeling a little left out. Whether you’re cutting back on drinking in order to improve your health, you’re pregnant (or trying), or you just want to take a night off from drinking, here are 13 festive beverages to get you in the Christmas spirit – without actually drinking spirits.

Cranberry Fizz

Cranberry is the fruit of the Christmas season, and this mocktail fully embraces its bright, tart flavor. And with no mashing, muddling, or shaking, it’s a super simple drink to whip up for your sober-curious friends. Top with a fresh sprig of rosemary for even more holiday ambiance.

White Sangria Mocktail

A seasonal sangria is always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe makes several drinks, so it’s perfect to make for you and your NA besties. Finish off with a splash of ginger beer for some holiday effervescence.    

Fancy and Festive Ice Cubes 

Boost your bar cart’s holiday aesthetic and take any drink to the next level with festive Christmasy ice cubes. Add to any juice or sparkling water for a super simple way to have a special drink without much effort.  

Mulled Pomegranate Cider 

A pot of this simmering on the stove is a surefire way to get your guests in the Christmas spirit. Top with a rosemary sprig for warm holiday fuzzies without a drop of alcohol. 

Luminary Glittery Sangria

Sometimes, the easiest way to enjoy a mocktail is with a zero-proof alcohol alternative. And this sangria mix features edible glitter, making it the perfect sparkly drink for a booze-free New Year’s Eve. 

Harvest Apple Spice Mocktail

The sweet, juicy taste of apples is the perfect way to bridge the gap between late autumn and Christmastime. This pitcher-friendly drink is so loaded up with cold weather flavors that you won’t even miss the alcohol. 

Holiday Fizz Mocktail

Featuring lime and mint, sipping on this drink might feel like you’re indulging in a freshly muddled mojito. Make it a new Christmas favorite by adding cranberry juice and garnishes.

Pumpkin Spice Espresso “Martini"

With pumpkin, cinnamon, espresso, and clove, this crowd-pleaser combines all of the most comforting flavors of the holiday season in one drink.

Five Minute Festive Punch

A Christmas punch is always a classic. Not to mention it’s the perfect reason to break out your punch bowl set (or thrift one!).

Cranberry Orange Digestif 

A festive mocktail that’s also gut-healthy? Sign us up! The holiday season is cranberry’s time to shine, and the addition of orange gives this drink all the classic Little Women Christmas vibes. 

Christmas Ornament Cranberry Mocktails 

This one is all about presentation. The recipe calls for just cranberry juice in the ornament, but you can adapt the recipe for just about any mocktail for an easy way to up your drink’s wow-factor. 

Tart Cherry Mocktail

End the night with this tart cherry mocktail. It contains natural melatonin and tryptophan to help you drift off to a restful sleep. Not to mention, its deep red color absolutely lends itself to Christmas festivities. Mix in fresh ginger for an extra boost of holiday flavor.

Holiday Pomegranate Mule

Smoking your glass with fresh rosemary gives this drink an undeniably Christmasy flavor that’s perfect for your holiday parties. Garnish with pomegranate seeds to make your drink look like an ornament-decked Christmas tree.

Crème Brûlée Christmas Mocktail

This crème brûlée mocktail is basically everyone’s favorite rich and custardy dessert in a martini glass. It involves a few more steps than other mocktails, but the classic torched sugar top makes it worth the extra few seconds of prep time.  

Candy Cane Wonderland

With its classic red-and-white swirl and unmistakably Christmasy taste, there’s no way we could leave a peppermint drink off the list. Adjust the coffee to half-and-half ratio according to your preference, and serve with a candy cane for stirring – practical and nostalgic. 

Closing Thoughts 

If you’re staying sober this Christmas and New Years season, there’s no reason for you to miss out on all the flavors of your favorite festive cocktails. With a few tweaks and minor adjustments, you can enjoy all the warm and fuzzy holiday feels while still steering clear of alcohol. Cheers! 

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