Holiday mocktails: Perfect sippers to keep you merry and bright

While some people might be sipping wine, beer or even a cocktail on the holiday, holiday mocktails can keep the festivities going all day long. Without skipping any of the flavor, these beverages sparkle and shine in the glass. Ready to raise a toast to merriment for all?

Although dry January might be on the calendar, the reality is that many people enjoy a mocktail beyond just one month of the year. Given the flavor creativity, there is no feeling of missing out with these options.

At the same time, these holiday mocktails can be a great option as a one for one scenario. Why not switch from cocktail to mocktail throughout the celebration. While many appreciate the ratio of water to cocktails to keep the balance, a mocktail can be another sipper.

Which holiday mocktails capture your attention?

Muletide

Many people love the spiciness of a Moscow Mule. But, that flavor doesn’t necessarily come from the vodka in the copper mug.

With this Muletide from Waterloo Cranberry Sparkling Water is quite refreshing. The combination of the spiciness from the ginger and the tartness from the Waterloo Cranberry is quite tasty.

And, don’t forget the garnishes. Even if you don’t have fresh cranberries, consider re-hydrating some dry cranberries.

Ingredients

• Waterloo Cranberry Sparkling Water
• ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• ¾ oz Ginger Juice
• Fresh Cranberries
• Fresh Rosemary Sprig

Directions

• In a mixing tin, combine lime juice and ginger juice with ice and shake well. Strain over fresh ice in a copper mule mug and top with Waterloo Cranberry. Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig.

Low Carb Spicy Ginger Pear Mocktail

Continuing that spicy flavor trend, this recipe from Atkins helps to put that healthy lifestyle resolution on track. Since it uses blended pear, it is a great way to feel good about getting a serving of fruit. Plus, all the warm, comforting flavors make it quite satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Water, tap
• 1/3 cup(s) Asian pear (1 cup= 125g)
• 2 teaspoons Ginger root, fresh gated
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon, ground
• 1/16 teaspoon Allspice, ground
• 3/4 cup (8oz) Perrier Sparkling Water

Directions:

• Blend together water, peeled pear, maple syrup, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and allspice at high speed until pear is completely broken down.
• Dip the rim of martini glasses into sugar free maple syrup, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Pour 1/3 cup of the pear mixture into each prepared glass, top with 3 tablespoons sparkling water (or more to taste), and garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired

Rudolph Mocktail

Just like Rudolph, sometimes people need to be that driver leading the way to all the holiday festivities. With this mocktail, everyone can keep the straight and narrow, yet enjoy a little tart and sweet mocktail that is quite refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. LaCroix Coconut Sparkling Water
• 2 oz. LaCroix Lime Sparkling Water
• 1/2 lime, squeezed for juice
• 1 oz cranberry juice

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients together with ice.

No Stress Minty Tea

Sometimes all that holiday cheer comes with a little extra holiday stress. Since Pure Leaf has long supported people embracing the “no”, this mocktail looks to sip away the stress.

While this mocktail uses a guava-dragon fruit ice sphere, that pretty garnish can be skipped. It is a lovely choice, but this mocktail is about ditching the stress not adding to it.

Ingredients:

• Pure Leaf Sweet Tea
• Mint
• Lime seltzer

Method:

• Combine Pure Leaf Sweet Tea, fresh muddled mint and limes, and lime seltzer. Garnish with guava-dragon fruit ice sphere.

Passion Frult Tangerine “Mock-Mosa”

Some people like to toast the holiday morning with a mimosa. But, starting the day with a cocktail could lead to an early nap.

With this Mock-Mosa from Health-Ade, there are double the reasons to enjoy a second glass. From the kombucha to the fresh juice, it is a bright and merry way to start the day.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed tangerine juice (chilled)
• 1 bottle of Health-Ade Kombucha Passion Fruit Tangerine

Method:

• Juice approximately 1 full tangerine or enough to yield 1/3 cup and set in the fridge to chill.
  In your flute glasses pour around 60z (depending on the size of your glass) the Health-Ade Kombucha Passion Fruit Tangerine leaving enough room at the top
• Top your flute glasses with the freshly squeezed tangerine juice and garnish with a tangerine slice

Lemon ginger merry mocktail

Continuing the healthy lifestyle conversation, this mocktail uses the KeVita probiotic as one of its ingredients. The combination of Lemon Ginger and Pomegrante is nice choice for the holiday. Plus, the mint is the touch of brightness to perk up the drinking experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup KeVita Lemon Ginger Sparkling Probiotic Drink
• 1/4 cup pomegranate Juice
• 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
• 5 small mint leaves
• 3/4 cup ice
• Additional pomegranate seeds and 1 mint sprig for garnish

Method:

• In a glass, muddle together 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds and 5 mint leaves.
• Add 1 cup of KeVita Lemon Ginger Sparkling Probiotic Drink, 1/4 cup pomegranate Juice, and 3/4 cup ice.
• Stir gently.
• Garnish with additional pomegranate seeds and 1 mint sprig.

These holiday mocktails are just a few of the many options to shake up this season. What beverage is going to be in your glass?