8 Flavorful Holiday Mocktails That Skip the Alcohol
The holidays are the perfect time to eat, drink and be merry. But all that boozing gets expensive. Save yourself some money — and maybe a headache in the morning — with these eight mocktail recipes that skip the pricey liquor but keep all the festive flavors of the season.
8 Holiday Mocktails to Serve Guests or Enjoy Yourself
Serve one of these festive mocktails at your holiday get-together — or indulge in one after a day of shopping and tree-trimming.
- Pink “Champagne” Mocktail
- Orange Cranberry Mimosa
- Spiced Virgin Apple Martini
- Sparkling Turmeric Tonic
- Nonalcoholic Coquito Smoothie
- Candy Cane Christmas Mocktail
- White Hot Chocolate
- Virgin Mary
1. Pink “Champagne” Mocktail
You can’t toast the New Year without bubbles. Fill your flute with this beverage when it comes time to clink glasses at midnight. Or, sip on one while you help prepare Thanksgiving dinner.
The mix of juices — cranberry, pineapple and orange — create a pink appearance, and the ginger ale brings on the fizz.
Check out the recipe from Allrecipes.
2. Orange Cranberry Mimosa
Showcasing two fruity stars of the holiday season, this orange and cranberry drink will have you reminiscing about those big Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. This drink even sneaks in another seasonal favorite — sparkling apple cider.
Be sure to add a festive garnish to your glass, like whole cranberries, a rosemary sprig or a cinnamon stick — or all three.
Check out the recipe from Rhubarbarians.
3. Spiced Virgin Apple Martini
That’s spiced, not spiked.
This drink is a step up from your typical sparkling cider spritzer. It incorporates seasonal spices from cinnamon sticks and candied ginger into a simple syrup for added tastiness.
You’ll also need to grab frozen apple juice concentrate, sparkling cider, a lemon, an apple, sugar and gingersnap cookies to make this concoction.
Check out the recipe from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network.
4. Sparkling Turmeric Tonic
As the chilly weather ushers in the cold and flu season, try this mocktail to help combat those winter germs.
Both turmeric and ginger — two of the main ingredients in this drink — are known for their antioxidant properties. The addition of club soda makes it nice and bubbly, and honey sweetens this spicy beverage.
Check out the recipe from Making Thyme for Health.
5. Nonalcoholic Coquito Smoothie
Even if you’ve gotten your fill of eggnog for the season, you’re going to want to try this Puerto Rican take on it. This particular coquito recipe is not only nonalcoholic, it’s also dairy-free and egg-free.
Made with coconut milk, bananas, maple syrup and nutmeg, you won’t even miss the rum. (Maybe.)
Check out the recipe from Serious Eats.
6. Candy Cane Christmas Mocktail
Sipping this mocktail is like eating a candy cane — only better.
You’ll need cream soda, half and half, peppermint oil and simple syrup to make this sweet holiday drink. Decorate the rim of a martini glass with crushed candy canes to complete this mocktail.
Check out the recipe from This Vivacious Life.
7. White Hot Chocolate
This isn’t your average hot cocoa. If you’re missing the added warmth alcohol gives, why not go for a heated beverage?
Make this drink with milk, vanilla extract and white chocolate pieces, and top it off with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Check out the recipe from The Recipe Critic.
8. Virgin Mary
Having old friends in town for the holidays is the perfect excuse to host brunch — and serve this nonalcoholic version of a bloody mary.
Sans vodka, this drink is still super flavorful with tomato juice, lemon juice, celery salt, fresh ground pepper and a couple dashes of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
Check out the recipe from The Spruce Eats.
Nicole Dow is a former senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. Senior writer Robert Bruce contributed.
