Easy holiday mocktail recipes like this one make festive sipping simple, delicious, and totally alcohol-free. Bursting with tart cranberry, crisp apple juice, zesty lime, and a hint of mint, this sparkling drink looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a cozy Thanksgiving dinner, or simply skipping the booze this season, this mocktail will keep spirits bright.
Table of Contents
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive flavors: Cranberry, apple, and lime make a bright, seasonal blend
- Gorgeous presentation: Ruby red with green mint = instant holiday cheer
- Alcohol-free: Perfect for all ages and occasions
- Quick to make: Just 5 minutes and a shaker (or jar)
- Scales easily: Make one or a whole pitcher for guests
🛒 Ingredients
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 2 oz cranberry juice (low sugar if preferred)
- 1 oz apple juice or apple cider (non-alcoholic)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Sparkling water, ginger beer, or non-alcoholic sparkling wine (to top)
- Optional:
- Splash of apple cider vinegar (for complexity)
- Touch of grenadine (for brighter red color)
- Icing sugar (for “snowy” effect)
🧊 Instructions
- Prep the Mint
Clap the mint leaves between your palms to release the oils. Add them to your shaker (or jar) with the maple syrup. Gently muddle the mint to bruise, not crush. - Build the Base
Add cranberry juice, apple juice, and lime juice to the shaker. Fill with ice, seal, and shake well for 10–15 seconds. - Strain & Serve
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. - Add Sparkle
Top with your sparkling mixer of choice. Ginger beer adds spice; sparkling water keeps it light; non-alcoholic bubbly gives it elegance. - Garnish & Enjoy
Add fresh cranberries, mint sprigs, or a lime wheel. For a snow-dusted look, sprinkle a bit of icing sugar on top.
⏱ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 (scale up for batch)
- Difficulty: Super easy
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 66 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin C: 12mg
- Sodium: 5mg
💡 Tips & Variations
- Batch it: Multiply ingredients and prep in a pitcher for parties. Add sparkling top just before serving.
- Chill everything: Use cold juice and mixers for the best result.
- Boost the bite: Add ½ tsp apple cider vinegar for a subtle tart finish.
- Make it fancy: Use a coupe or wine glass and garnish with sugared cranberries or rosemary sprigs.
- Kid-friendly: Stick to sparkling water or mild ginger ale for little ones.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this in advance?
You can prep the juice mixture ahead of time. Just wait to add the sparkling mixer until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best cranberry juice to use?
Any brand works, but opt for 100% cranberry or low-sugar if watching sugar intake.
What if I don’t have a muddler?
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a clean rolling pin end to gently press the mint.
Easy Holiday Mocktail
Equipment
- – Shaker or mason jar
- – Muddler or spoon handle
- – Serving glass
Ingredients
- – 6 mint leaves
- – 1 tsp maple syrup
- – 2 oz cranberry juice
- – 1 oz apple juice or cider
- – ½ oz fresh lime juice
- – Sparkling water ginger beer, or NA sparkling wine (to top)
- – Optional: splash of ACV grenadine, or icing sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Clap mint and muddle gently with maple syrup in shaker.
- Add cranberry, apple, and lime juice. Fill with ice.
- Shake well, then strain into glass with ice.
- Top with sparkling mixer.
- Garnish with mint, lime, or cranberries. Optional: dust with icing sugar.
Notes
– Add apple cider vinegar for more “bite”
– Use fresh juice and cold ingredients for best results
🏁 Conclusion
This easy holiday mocktail is the perfect blend of festive flavor, refreshing fizz, and gorgeous holiday color. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or simply treating yourself, it’s a beautiful, booze-free option that’s anything but boring. Cheers to making spirits bright—without the spirits!