The holiday season is a time for celebration, and what better way to toast to joyous moments than with a delicious mocktail in hand?
Whether you’re abstaining from alcohol, looking for an alternative way to elevate your hydration game or simply want festive and refreshing beverage options, these tried and true holiday mocktail recipes are sure to elevate your celebrations.
From the classic flavors of winter spices to the zing of citrus, these concoctions will add a splash of merriment to all of your festivities!
Spiced Cranberry Fizz (serves 1):
The combination of cranberries and warm spices makes this mocktail a festive favorite. Cranberries are among the main fruit sources that contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant, which helps to keep our bodies healthy and happy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Sparkling water
- Fresh cranberries for garnish
Instructions:
1.Combine cranberry juice, apple cider, and ground cinnamon in a shaker with ice.
2.Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
2.Top with sparkling water and garnish with fresh cranberries.
Winter Citrus Spritzer (serves 2):
Elevate your intake of vitamin C with this festive beverage. Each serving provides about 100 mg of vitamin C, which helps with immune function, bone structure and iron absorption.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed citrus juices (orange, grapefruit, and lemon)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Sparkling water
- Ice
- Citrus slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, combine mixed citrus juices and honey.
2. Stir well until the honey is dissolved.
3.Pour the citrus mixture into glasses filled with ice and top with sparkling water.
4.Garnish with citrus slices for a vibrant and refreshing mocktail that captures the essence of winter.
Gingerbread Mule Mocktail (serves 1):
This mocktail brings the warmth and flavor of gingerbread to your holiday celebrations. Ginger not only tastes delicious but it also eases gastrointestinal distress like nausea, bloating and gas.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ginger beer
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Splash of club soda
- Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a glass filled with ice, combine ginger beer, apple juice, and ground ginger.
2.Stir gently and top with a splash of club soda.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Tart Cherry Rosemary Sparkle (serves 1):
The combination tart cherry and herbal rosemary creates a sophisticated and festive mocktail. Tart cherry juice has been seen to help with inflammation and recovery of the muscles following activities such as running or strength training.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tart cherry juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon agave syrup
- Sparkling water
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Mix cherry juice, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup in a shaker with ice.
2.Shake well and strain into a glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
Minty Mocha Bliss (serves 1):
This holiday mocktail will easily become your favorite. Whether you are looking for an afternoon treat or a morning caffeinated pick me up or a fun way to boost your calcium, look no further!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chilled coffee (decaffeinated or caffeinated)
- 1/2 cup chocolate milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a glass, combine chilled coffee, chocolate milk, and peppermint extract.
2.Stir well and top with whipped cream if desired.
3. Garnish with crushed candy canes for a delightful and indulgent mocktail reminiscent of a holiday favorite.
Cheers to a season filled with joy, good company, and delicious sips!
Written by our Board Certified Sports Dietitian, Lindsay Distel MPS, RD, CSSD
