Healthy Holiday Mocktails

Delicious & Nutritious: Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drink Ideas
By Julie Mahler, MS, RDN, CD

The holiday season is a time for celebrating with loved ones, and it brings its fair share of indulgences. From sugary cocktails to rich, calorie-laden beverages, it's easy to overdo it when it comes to holiday drinks. If you're looking to enjoy festive flavors while keeping things healthy, I’ve got you covered. As a nutritionist, I know it’s possible to savor delicious holiday drinks without sacrificing your health goals. In fact, the holidays offer a wonderful opportunity to get creative with flavors that are both festive and nourishing.

Here are a few of my favorite non-alcoholic holiday drink recipes that are both tasty and packed with nutrients to help you feel your best throughout the season.

1. Cranberry Citrus Sparkler

Crisp, tangy, and full of vitamin C.

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with citrus, this drink is refreshing and packed with immune-boosting vitamins.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 Cups water
• 1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 Orange, juiced
• Sparkling water
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, simmer the cranberries and water over medium heat until the cranberries burst (about 10 minutes).
2. Strain the mixture and discard the solids, reserving the juice.
3. Stir in honey or maple syrup (if desired) and the fresh orange juice.
4. Serve the cranberry mixture over ice and top with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of holiday cheer.

This drink is naturally sweetened and loaded with antioxidants, which makes it a great choice to support your immune system during the winter months.

2. Ginger-Spiced Apple Cider

Warm, cozy, and full of metabolism-boosting spices.

A hot cup of spiced apple cider is a classic winter drink, and when you make it from scratch, it’s both flavorful and low in sugar. Plus, ginger is great for digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

• 4 Cups apple cider (preferably organic)
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 4-5 Whole cloves
• 2 Slices fresh ginger
• 1 Star anise (optional)
• 1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger slices, and star anise.
2. Heat over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
3. Taste and add honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter cider.
4. Serve warm in a mug, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a thin slice of apple.

This drink provides the perfect warming blend of spices to boost circulation and digestion, making it a perfect choice after a hearty holiday meal.

3. Pomegranate Mojito Mocktail

Refreshing, tart, and full of beneficial antioxidants.

Pomegranate is a holiday superfood, loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Paired with fresh mint and lime, this mocktail is a sophisticated yet simple way to enjoy a festive drink without alcohol.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup pomegranate juice (100% pure, no added sugar)
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 8-10 Fresh mint leaves
• 1 Teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
• Sparkling water
• Pomegranate seeds and lime slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the fresh mint leaves with lime juice and honey or agave syrup (if using).
2. Add the pomegranate juice and ice cubes, then top with sparkling water.
3. Stir gently to combine, and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and a lime slice.

This drink is a vibrant and refreshing option that's as beautiful as it is nutritious. The antioxidants in pomegranate juice help combat oxidative stress, and the mint adds a cool, refreshing twist.

4. Herbal Holiday Latte

Warm, creamy, and comforting without the caffeine.

If you're a fan of cozy coffeehouse drinks but want to avoid the caffeine or sugar spike, this herbal latte is an ideal choice. It's made with herbal teas like cinnamon and chamomile, which have their own calming benefits.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 1-2 Chamomile tea bags (or loose-leaf chamomile)
• 1 Teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat the almond milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and chamomile tea bags, and let everything steep for about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick and tea bags, and stir in the honey or maple syrup, if desired.
4. Pour the latte into a mug and sprinkle with ground cinnamon for a festive touch.

This warm drink has a soothing effect and is great for winding down after a busy holiday celebration. The chamomile promotes relaxation, while the cinnamon offers anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Spiced Pear & Ginger Fizz

Sweet, spicy, and full of flavor with a little effervescence.

Pears are in season during the holidays and make a wonderful base for a festive, non-alcoholic drink. Ginger and sparkling water help with digestion and make this drink both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 Pear, peeled and chopped
• 1-Inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 Teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Sparkling water
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the pear, ginger, lemon juice, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the pear mixture into a glass filled with ice.
3. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a slice of pear or a small sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

This drink is a great way to take advantage of seasonal produce while getting a boost of fiber and antioxidants from the pear and ginger.

Final Thoughts

The holidays are about more than just food—they’re a time to nourish your body and soul. By opting for non-alcoholic beverages that are both delicious and nutrient-dense, you can enjoy the festivities without compromising your health. Whether you're sipping on a warming spiced cider or a refreshing pomegranate mocktail, these drinks will help you stay hydrated, energized, and feeling your best as you celebrate the season with loved ones.

Remember, balance is key! You don’t need to skip the holiday drinks altogether, but choosing lighter, nutrient-packed options can make a big difference in how you feel. Here's to a healthy, happy, and festive holiday season!

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For more than 20 years, Julie has worked with clients to target and attain nutrition and exercise goals. Her approach combines the latest health research, effective counseling techniques and ongoing coaching to achieve behavior change. Her practical and comprehensive approach has allowed clients to successfully make lifestyle changes and improve the quality of their lives.