The holidays are a time for family, friends, and coworkers to get together to celebrate life, exchange gifts, and be grateful. This might include indulging in holiday-inspired sweets, foods, and beverages. With time off from work, people might choose to enjoy some alcoholic drinks as they socialize.
But many people won’t be drinking alcohol this holiday season. Some may be in recovery for a substance use disorder, abstaining for religious reasons, or simply choosing to avoid the side effects of drinking alcohol. There are also people participating in Dry January, a month-long period of alcohol refrainment. So, what can you serve sober guests who still wish to participate in the holiday fun?
There are plenty of fun and tasty mocktails you can make for sober partygoers. Below we’ll explore some popular holiday drink recipes and how to make sober guests feel welcome.
7 Mocktails for Your Holiday Party
If you’re not used to having guests who won’t be drinking alcohol, you might be nervous about what to serve them. But many cocktails can be made without alcohol and are still just as tasty.
1. Virgin Sangria
Sangria is a popular drink often associated with summertime, but it can be served any time of year and is frequently a part of holiday celebrations. Though it’s traditionally made with wine, you can make alcohol-free sangria using grape juice, apple juice concentrate, club soda, and plenty of sliced fruit. It’s simple, colorful, and tasty.
2. Virgin Moscow Mule
The Moscow mule is another popular drink that can be found on almost every bar and restaurant drink menu. It’s quite easy to make this drink alcohol-free, by omitting the vodka that is typically used. Combine ginger beer, lime juice, fresh mint, and club soda, and serve in a copper mug garnished with a lime wedge for a nice themed drink.
3. Shirley Temple
A childhood classic that is a favorite among many sober adults, Shirley Temples are easy to make, look cool, and taste delicious. All you need is Sprite or 7UP, cherry grenadine, and a maraschino cherry or two for garnish. For an interesting Christmas twist, add fresh mint.
4. Grinch Punch
This concoction is perfect for Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day but can be served at any holiday party. To make this bright green drink, mix together Sprite, lemonade concentrate, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime Kool-Aid. Serve over ice in a glass, with red sugar on the rim for added festivity.
5. Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
Eggnog is a wintertime classic. What’s great is that it doesn’t need any alcohol to keep its rich, sweet flavor or festive look. Eggnog gets all of its flavor from eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and nutmeg. You can serve this drink cold or warm.
6. Turmeric Gingerade
Looking for something a little healthier? Then turmeric gingerade may be perfect for you. This recipe features turmeric and ginger, both of which are great for your digestive system and can help balance out a carbohydrate-filled meal. Other ingredients include fresh lemon and lime juice and a little bit of sugar.
7. Maple Apple Cider
Ciders are a cornerstone of fall and winter holidays that can liven up any party. Serving it warm gives your guests a welcome, cozy feeling. Gala and Honeycrisp apples are perfect for making the base for the recipe, then simply add a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup. Serve it to your guests in a mug with a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Making Sober Guests Feel Welcome
Mocktails are a great way to make alcohol-free guests feel welcome. They’ll appreciate the thought you put into making something for them so that they wouldn’t be left out of the festivities.
Other things you can do to make sure that everyone feels welcome and comfortable at your party include providing activities to engage in and offering tasty holiday-inspired desserts.
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