When you’re in the heart of the holiday season, a sure route to finding refreshment through its never-ending happenings is having that perfect drink in your hands. While holiday cocktails and hot cocoa are absolutely enjoyable, you should also never underestimate the power of a good mocktail.Â
With the growing trend of those of us hoping to cut back on things like added sugars, liver stressors, or simply one too many alcoholic beverages at holiday parties, mocktails emerge shining with possibility. Of course, they’re also a great choice for non-drinkers or if you’re pregnant. What’s more, mocktails are often so desirable because they can contain fun flavor pairings, but without interrupting your quality of sleep or inducing a dreaded hangover.Â
Meanwhile, if it’s a mocktail’s quality or creativity you’re skeptical about, cast your doubts away because we’ve done the research to discover holiday mocktail recipes that range from warming with winter spices to sparkling with juicy fruits and festive colors. Keep reading to check out 16 holiday mocktail recipes to spark good cheer this holiday season.
16 of the Best Holiday Mocktail Recipes
1. Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine
This recipe is a great way to create the magic of mulled wine with a twist, simply by replacing your usual bottle of wine with cranberry grape juice.
2. Blackberry Ginger Mocktail
With its juicy lemon slices and blackberries, this ginger-based mocktail captures the elegance of a holiday beverage. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to make!
3. Pear Sparkling Mocktails
Putting the spotlight on pear with this holiday mocktail recipe definitely fits the season, especially when it’s lovingly mulled together with maple syrup and spices like cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
4. Kinderpunsch
Ready for Christmas in a glass? Found at traditional German Christmas markets, Kinderpunsch is a ruby red blend of hibiscus tea, warming spices, vanilla, and fresh juices, all warmed and steeped to perfection. You’ll have even the most dedicated cocktail enthusiasts converted to virgin drinkers with this one!
5. Shirley Temple Recipe
A Shirley Temple doesn’t have to remain exclusively in the domain of a kiddie cocktail, especially when you jazz it up with some mint sprigs to give it Christmas hues. What’s nice is that this recipe also offers plenty of variations, so you can get as creative as you’d like with this mocktail.
6. Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
With only four ingredients, not only does this splashy and sparkling mocktail paint a pretty picture in the glass, but it’s sure to delight your taste buds, too.
7. Mexican Spiked Hot Chocolate Mocktail
It wouldn’t be a holiday celebration without the chance to toast the occasion with a cozy mug of hot cocoa. This one’s a decadent recipe full of yummy surprises.
8. Cucumber Ginger Mocktail
If what you seek is a clean mocktail that doesn’t pack in grams of sugar, try out this suave cucumber ginger one. It’s easy to adapt so that you can include as little sweetener as you’d like.
9. Sparkling Citrus Pomegranate Mocktail
We love that this mocktail is a bit more on the sultry side compared to other fruit juice-based options, thanks to its foundation of pure pomegranate juice. Try garnishing it with frozen cranberries and fresh rosemary or mint to make this drink pop with extra holiday pizzazz.
10. Virgin Piña Colada
Not headed anywhere tropical this winter? Bring sunny island vibes straight to your glass with this easy breezy three ingredient virgin piña colada recipe. The proportions in this mocktail are perfectly balanced, and if you close your eyes while sipping it, the beach might seem just that much closer!
11. Sparkling Bellini Mocktail
The option to pour yourself a sparkling beverage for some added effervescence to your holiday celebrations is essential. Try this bellini mocktail for a peachy and uplifting treat.
12. Adrenal Cocktail
Don’t let the name fool you. While everybody else might be kicking their liver into high gear over cocktails, you can focus on refreshing your kidneys with this mineral-balancing mix of coconut water, magnesium powder, sea salt, and freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices.
13. Paleo Coconut Ginger Lime Mocktail
If you’re looking for a thirst quencher to sip on as the holidays roll in, this lime forward mocktail swirled with creamy coconut milk and spiced with ginger is divine. It’s also a rather snowy looking beverage, which certainly fits the season. Garnish with something fun and red to complete the look!
14. Strawberry Mango Smoothie
You might as well call this one a virgin strawberry mango daiquiri! Strawberries meet mangoes, which are pureed together with orange juice for a beautifully layered and vitamin C-infused mocktail.
15. Virgin Margarita
If you’re the type of partygoer who loves a good margarita no matter the season, then explore this finely-tuned virgin margarita recipe that claims you won’t even miss the tequila!
16. Sparkling Cran-Apple Mocktail
This cranberry and apple flavored mocktail definitely fits the bill for a festive virgin holiday beverage, including attention to detail with a tasty cinnamon sugar coated rim and crisp apple slices.
