Holiday mocktail recipes are a must-have for festive gatherings, and this one is the perfect non-alcoholic drink to serve at Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any winter celebration. With the bright tartness of cranberry juice, the subtle sweetness of apple cider, and a fizzy ginger twist, this mocktail is refreshing, festive, and family-friendly. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or sipping solo by the fireplace, this mocktail delivers holiday flavor in every sip.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🎄 It’s visually stunning: Vibrant reds and greens make this drink a showstopper.
- 🍎 Deliciously balanced flavors: Apple, cranberry, and ginger create a holiday-perfect profile.
- 🥂 Easily scalable: Serve it by the glass or as a batch mocktail for guests.
- 🌱 Customizable: Add non-alcoholic sparkling wine or use your favorite zero-proof spirits.
- 🍯 Naturally sweetened: With maple syrup or your sweetener of choice.
Ingredients
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or other sweetener)
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz apple cider or apple juice
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Sparkling water or ginger beer, to top
- Optional: splash of apple cider vinegar
- Optional: dusting of icing sugar (for snow effect)
- Garnish: cranberries, mint, lime slices
Instructions
- Muddle mint: Clap the mint leaves in your hands to release oils. Add to a shaker or glass with maple syrup. Gently muddle.
- Mix juices: Add lime juice, cranberry juice, and apple cider.
- Shake it up: Add ice and shake well.
- Serve: Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water or ginger beer.
- Garnish: Add fresh cranberries, mint sprigs, and lime. Optional: dust with icing sugar for a festive look.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Estimated Cost: $2–$3 per serving
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 66 kcal
- Carbs: 17g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamin C: 12mg
- Potassium: 139mg
Note: Values are approximate and based on standard ingredients.
Tips & Variations
- Batch version: Multiply ingredients by number of guests and mix in a pitcher or punch bowl. Add sparkling beverage just before serving.
- Make ahead: Prep all ingredients (except fizz) in advance and chill.
- Spice it up: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise for warm spice.
- Adult twist: Use non-alcoholic sparkling wine for a sophisticated touch.
- Lower sugar: Use unsweetened cranberry juice and monkfruit syrup.
Festive Holiday Mocktail
Equipment
- – Cocktail shaker or mason jar
- – Muddler or wooden spoon
- – Serving glass
- Strainer
Ingredients
- – 6 mint leaves
- – 1 tsp maple syrup
- – 2 oz cranberry juice
- – 1 oz apple cider or apple juice
- – ½ oz lime juice
- – Sparkling water or ginger beer to top
- – Optional: splash of apple cider vinegar
- – Optional: icing sugar for garnish
- – Garnish: mint lime, cranberries
Instructions
- Muddle mint with maple syrup in shaker or glass.
- Add cranberry, lime, and apple juices.
- Shake with ice.
- Strain into glass over ice.
- Top with sparkling beverage.
- Garnish and serve.
Notes
– Multiply ingredients for batch preparation.
– Add a splash of ACV for a sophisticated twist.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, mix the juices and sweetener in advance. Add sparkling drink and ice just before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh mint?
You can skip it, but mint adds a refreshing twist. Dried mint won’t offer the same effect.
Is this drink kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s alcohol-free and fun for all ages.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes, lemon adds a slightly different brightness but works well.
Conclusion
This holiday mocktail is the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and bubbly. It’s festive, easy to make, and guaranteed to wow your guests without any alcohol. Whether you’re serving it as a punch or a pretty individual drink, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.