10 Winter Holiday Mocktail Recipes

The winter holidays bring gatherings, celebrations, and cozy nights, but for those in recovery, navigating these festive occasions without alcoholic drinks can be challenging. Christmas mocktails and other holiday drinks offer a great way to enjoy delicious, festive flavors while staying true to sobriety.

These alcohol-free options also provide significant health benefits, making it easier to enjoy the holiday season without compromising your sobriety and wellness. Whether you’re a loved one supporting someone in recovery or on your own journey, these warm and cold mocktail recipes will add a splash of cheer to any holiday occasion.

Warm Winter Mocktails

1. Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail

A comforting classic, this spiced apple cider fills your home with the warm scents of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Optional: star anise for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg.
2. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.
3. Strain the mixture and pour into mugs.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise if desired.

2. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Indulge in a creamy hot chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint for a winter twist on a favorite treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener of choice
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until well combined.
3. Remove from heat and add the peppermint extract.
4. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.

3. Gingerbread Latte Mocktail

Capture the flavors of a classic gingerbread cookie in a warm, comforting latte perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed decaf coffee or coffee substitute
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Heat milk, molasses, ginger, and cinnamon in a saucepan, stirring until smooth.
2. Add brewed decaf coffee and stir well.
3. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream if desired.

4. Hot Mulled Berry Punch

Warm up with this fruity mulled punch, combining rich berry flavors with aromatic spices for a cozy winter treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed berry juice (cranberry, raspberry, etc.)
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 3-4 cloves
• Optional: fresh berries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the berry juice, apple juice, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves.
2. Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain and serve warm, garnished with fresh berries.

5. Chai-Spiced Coconut Milk

Infused with warming spices, this chai-spiced drink is a creamy, soothing option perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk (or preferred milk)
• 1 teaspoon ground chai spice blend (or 1 chai tea bag)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, warm the coconut milk over medium heat.
2. Stir in the chai spice blend (or steep the tea bag) and maple syrup.
3. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and serve warm.

Cold Winter Mocktails

6. Cranberry Orange Sparkler

Bright and refreshing, this mocktail brings a pop of holiday color and flavor to your celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup sparkling water or soda water
• Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine cranberry juice and orange juice.
2. Add ice cubes and top with sparkling water.
3. Stir gently and garnish with fresh cranberries and an orange slice.

7. Pomegranate Rosemary Fizz

This mocktail pairs the tartness of pomegranate juice with the aromatic taste of fresh rosemary for a sophisticated sip.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/4 cup soda water
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• Ice cubes
• Optional: pomegranate seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the rosemary sprig at the bottom of a glass to release its flavor.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes and pour in the pomegranate juice.
3. Top with soda water and gently stir.
4. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a rosemary sprig.

8. Frosted Citrus Cooler

Cool and zesty, this frosted citrus cooler offers a bright blend of flavors to awaken your holiday spirit.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup lemonade (or sparkling lemonade)
• 1/4 cup coconut water
• Juice of 1 lime
• Crushed ice
• Lime wheels for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with crushed ice.
2. Add lemonade, coconut water, and lime juice.
3. Stir well and garnish with lime wheels.

9. Sparkling Winter Berry Mocktail

Celebrate with this fizzy mix of winter berries and sparkling water, perfect for a holiday toast.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mixed berry juice (blueberry, blackberry, etc.)
• 1/4 cup sparkling water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Fresh berries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pour mixed berry juice and lemon juice into a glass filled with ice.
2. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
3. Garnish with fresh berries.

10. Minty Citrus Spritzer

This refreshing drink combines citrus and mint flavors for a cool sip.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup grapefruit juice
• 1/4 cup soda water
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint leaves at the bottom of a glass.
2. Add grapefruit juice, lime juice, and ice cubes.
3. Top with soda water and gently stir.
4. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Celebrate the Season With Lumina Recovery

This holiday season, you can enjoy festive gatherings and toast to health with winter mocktails and other non-alcoholic holiday drinks. We understand how challenging it can be to maintain sobriety when alcoholic drinks are often front and center.

At Lumina Recovery, we’re here to support your recovery journey from alcohol addiction through our therapy services, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy, to help you build resilience and stay engaged in your sobriety during the holidays and beyond.

Let us support you or your loved ones this holiday season and beyond. Reach out today to learn how we can help you maintain a healthier, substance-free lifestyle.