12 Non-Alcoholic Christmas Drinks
Can you have the cheer without the beer? The yum without the rum? The shine without the wine? In the season to be jolly, moderation can be tough. But as it turns out, it’s totally possible. With these non-alcoholic Christmas drinks, you don’t have to compromise on fun.
The 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest not going over one to two drinks a day for men and a grand total of one drink a day for women. With all the holiday parties that come along with the festive season, this can feel a whole lot easier said than done.
Enter non alcoholic Christmas drinks, and with them the possibility of a merry, healthy and bright holiday season. Another plus? Kids can join the adults, making it fun for the whole family.
There are so many reasons to snooze the booze. Whether you’re looking to cut back or cut out, decreasing your alcohol consumption has many benefits. As this recent study showed, even moderate alcohol consumption has damaging effects on your brain.
Slowing down on your alcohol intake can have all sorts of positive effects, from lowering blood sugar to improving your mental health to helping with weight loss.
Plus, it can do wonders for your sleep patterns and give you a serious energy boost. Not to mention how much money you can save, particularly over the holiday season, which tends to burn holes in all of our pockets.
(And before we head over to the boozeless bar, if you are struggling with alcohol addiction, there is help available.)
What is the most popular drink during the holidays?
As it turns out, it doesn’t have to be alcoholic. If you’re looking for some healthy alternatives to make for both you and your guests, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to explore drinks that tantalise the taste buds without packing a punch? Let’s go.
What are some good non-alcoholic drinks to order at a bar?
Non-alcoholic drinks have come a long way. The times when tea and coffee were the only options on the menu are over. Here are our festive favourites.
The 12 days of (non-alcoholic) Christmas (drinks)
Non-alcoholic beer
There have been many innovations in non-alcoholic beer in recent years. All we can say is that the options on the menu are far from boring. We love these options for a booze-free brew:
From the main players. Many of the major brands have brought out their big sellers in non-alcoholic form. This way, you don’t have to do without your tried and tested favourites.
For the craft connoisseur. Craft breweries have really stepped up their non-alcoholic game, offering a range of great tasting options. From non-alcoholic IPAs, to Pilsners, to Hefeweizens, being a beer buff now comes in 0% alcohol form.
Non-alcoholic apple cider
Good news—the menu of non-alcoholic ciders is getting an update. While the cider industry has been a little slower to adapt to the recent surge of non-alcoholic drink options out there, they are definitely keen on playing catch up.
And we’re not talking about sugary apple juice here. There are now options available for even the most sophisticated palates.
Oaked cider. You don’t have to sacrifice on the complexity of an oak wood finish just because you’re ditching the booze.
Basque cider. This region, famous for its cider production, has turned some of its attention to non-alcoholic options. Its features? Non-carbonated and poured from height.
Hot apple cider. This holiday season favourite can still be a wonderful winter warmer without the booze content. The ingredients? Apple juice (obvs), cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Non-alcoholic bubbles
What’s a Christmas party without at least one toast? For that, you’ll need a glass of bubbles in your hand—and you’ll be pleased to know that alcoholic drinks are not the only options on the table.
According to this wine lover’s tasting, bubbles come out on top when it comes to non-alcoholic wines. As the manner of production of boozeless bubbles gets more sophisticated, you don’t have to sacrifice on taste or complexity just because you’re going without the alcohol.
These are the bottles that are topping the charts:
Brut force. Dry, floral and fruity, whether you use this popular choice as a cocktail ingredient or enjoy on its own, you won’t be sacrificing taste.
The charm of Champagnette. Yes, fancy fun comes in non-alcoholic form. From the vineyards of California come the tempting tastes of apple and peach.
Perfect in pink. A rose by any other name (or alcohol content) will taste as sweet. If you’re a fan of blushing bubbles, the good news is, from Spain to Colorado, winemakers are perfecting this most tempting of holiday treats.
Non-alcoholic holiday cocktails
Known as Christmas mocktails or virgin cocktails, these fun drinks can be the perfect addition to your festive gathering. Looking for the ultimate holiday recipe that can be made in minutes? Here are our top tips for your Christmas dinner this year:
The Merry Berry. Christmas isn’t Christmas without a fair helping of cranberry juice. This fun cocktail is easy to make and it is as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious. Here’s what you need:
Cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice. (Feel free to mix these up with any of your favourites.)
Soda water or club soda
Ice cubes
Sugar, to create the perfect festive sugary glass rim. Orange slices make a wonderful garnish.
Mix these all together and you have a quick, fun cocktail for your friends to enjoy.
Candy Cane Cocktail. Mix milk / cream, cream soda, simple syrup and peppermint flavouring to make a creamy delight that ups the festive ante. Add a crushed candy cane rim and small candy cane garnish, and you’re in for a tantalising treat that looks ever so professional.
Boozeless bellinis. If you’re looking for a mocktail that looks fabulous in a bubbly glass, what about a pomegranate bellini? It’s as simple as cranberry and pomegranate juice, a bit of soda water, and a freshly squeezed lime. Pop some fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds on top for the perfect non-alcoholic Christmas punch.
Unique hot drinks for Christmas
Eggnog hot chocolate. And of course, we have to end off with a nod to the nog. While this Christmas favourite does just fine on its own, blending it with your favourite cocoa makes for a perfect drink. Spice it all up with some nutmeg, a cinnamon stick and a healthy dose of whipped cream.
Seriously, would it even be Christmas without this level of indulgence? (And for coffee enthusiasts, an eggnog latte is a great alternative.)
Here's to a joyful Christmas season.
We wish you the happiest (and healthiest) of holidays.