The holidays are here — meaning, it’s time to toast to a season of joy and celebrate with friends and family! Traditionally, this joyous season includes indulging in good food and festive drinks. However, you don’t need alcohol to keep the holiday spirit alive! While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself in moderation, what if you could sip mindfully without sacrificing your health and fitness goals? Enter: Healthier holiday mocktails — the perfect way to enjoy the rich flavors of the season without the extra sugar or buzz. Made simply at home, these easy and delicious booze-free beverages will have you feeling jolly without feeling like you’re missing out on all the holiday fun.
We’re sharing everything you need to craft your cup this holiday season, including easy-prep recipes and tips on how to avoid excess sugar. With this in mind, let’s cheers to a happy and healthier holiday season!
How to Make Healthy Holiday Mocktails: 5 Essential Tips
Before we shake up the recipes, here are some essential tips for crafting healthier holiday mocktails.
#1 Skip Pre-Made Mixers & Be Mindful of Sugar
We often blame holiday desserts for being a source of sneaky sugar. However, holiday drinks (including non-alcoholic beverage options) can have just as much added sugar, if not more! Often full of refined and inflammatory ingredients, premade mixers may be contributing to more sugar and calories than you realize. The good news is that you can keep the sugar to a minimum with these healthy mocktail tips:
- Avoid Sweetened Juices and Pre-Made Mixers: Instead, opt for natural alternatives like fresh-pressed juices low in sugar (such as fresh citrus or cranberry juice).
- Swap Soda for Seltzer or Functional Bubbly Beverages: There are so many healthy sparkling beverages that serve as the perfect soda swap! Choose from beverages such as Olipop, or make your own!
- Choose All-Natural Sweeteners. We hate to break it to you, but simple syrup is essentially sugar water. If you need a sweetener, opt for all-natural options from sources like real fruit, honey, or maple syrup.
#2 Use a Dairy-Free Base for Creamy Holiday Mocktails
While you could simply leave out the booze from most holiday cocktails and follow the recipe as normal, you may want to call on a few simple swaps when making a mocktail out of a cocktail. This is especially true for beverages made with a creamy base (like a White Russian). While it may taste delicious, the heavy cream and sugary liqueur could cost you upwards of 300 calories — for a single 8 oz. serving. However, there’s good news. Using dairy-free swaps, you can achieve the same creamy base that’s not only delicious, but also completely alcohol free.
To achieve that thick and creamy consistency for your beverage base, we love cashew, oat, almond, or coconut milk! Just make sure to opt for an unsweetened version — you’ll save calories and give your beverage a nutrient boost!
RELATED: A Dairy-Free Milk Comparison: Here are the 7 Best Milk Alternatives
#3 Monitor Your Portion Sizes
While the occasional drink can fit into a healthy lifestyle, moderation is key (think: one or two beverages). Remember even healthier holiday drinks can be indulgent! So, be mindful of servings, and don’t forget to read the ingredient labels.
#4 Boost Your Booze-Free Beverage with Wholesome Nutrients
By opting for whole and nutritious ingredients and adding superfoods rich in antioxidants, you can keep your mocktails nutritious and delicious.
Here are some tasty ideas for a healthier holiday mocktail:
- Give Your Mocktail an Antioxidant Boost: Try freshly crushed raspberries and blueberries.
- Opt For Cacao Powder: If you’re making a chocolatey drink like hot cocoa, swap processed cocoa for superfood-filled cacao powder.
- Skip Artificial Flavoring: Forgo flavor extracts for the actual food itself! Try using real vanilla bean or adding a fresh sprig of mint or rosemary.
- Opt For Fresh VS Processed: Use fresh-pressed juice or spices such as ginger, lemon, and orange in place of store-bought, shelf-stable bottles that are often filled with sugar and lower in nutrients
RELATED: The Best Superfoods to Enjoy During Fall & Winter
#5 Give Your Mocktail a Sprinkle of Spice (& Everything Nice)
Add warm, seasonal spices like ginger and cinnamon to your healthier holiday mocktails.
RELATED: 10 Festive Low-Sugar Lattes to Cozy up With This Season
How to Make Non-Alcoholic Holiday Mocktails: Step by Step
Going booze-free or prepping for dry January? Here are tips for crafting non-alcoholic holiday cocktails.
#1 Start With the Base Liquid
Texture is key in cocktails. If you want to turn any boozy beverage into a healthy holiday mocktail, skip the liquor and start with a textured base. Choose a base like coconut or cashew milk for creaminess, sparkling water, kombucha, or seltzer for fizz, or non-dairy creamers for thickness.
Here are some ideas:
Make it Bubbly: with a fizzy base like sparkling water (we love topo chico), kombucha, or a light ginger beer.
Keep it Light and Flavorful: (without tasting watered down) with fresh-pressed juice like watermelon or green juice.
Make it Thick and Creamy: with non-dairy creamers such as cashew and coconut, or nutritious add-ins like avocado.
#2 Make it Sweet and Sour
Most yummy cocktails have that bitter, tangy taste that leaves a lasting (and tasty) impression in your mouth. This is the sweet and sour element! Luckily, you can achieve the same taste in a healthier (and alcohol-free) way!
Try this healthier sweet and sour mix:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed or pressed
- ½ cup lime juice, freshly squeezed or pressed
- ½ cup honey
Directions:
Step #1: Whisk all of the ingredients until well combined!
Step #2: Use 1-2 tablespoons in your healthy holiday cocktail or mocktail recipe.
Or, incorporate flavors add-ins:
Sour additions such as: kombucha, ginger beer, or fresh citrus juice (think: lemon, lime, or grapefruit).
Sweet flavorings such as: fruit or freshly pressed fruit juices, a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or agave, or muddled berries.
#3 Add an Element of Freshness
Don’t shy away from unique flavors. Try herbs and spices like mint, sage, lemon balm, rosemary, or lavender to infuse freshness into your mocktails. Get creative with your add-ins or garnishes!
Here are some ideas:
- Mint
- Sage
- Lemon Balm
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Rose Petals
- Lavender
- Fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries)
- Superfood berries (such as goji berries or acai)
#4 Amp Up the (All Natural) Flavor & Nutrients
Amp up the all-natural flavor of your base with wholesome additions. This is your opportunity to boost both the flavor and the nutrients!
Here are some ideas:
- Embrace seasonal produce with foods like beets, pomegranate, pear, and orange peel
- Add a spoonful of chia seeds for a superfood boost “Fresca” feel.
- Uplevel the antioxidants (and taste) by mixing brewed herbal tea into your base.
11 Healthier Holiday Mocktails (+ 1 Bonus 2-Ingredient Simple Syrup)
No matter if you’re craving a boozy beverage or a healthy holiday mocktail, here are options everyone will enjoy!
#1 Non-Alcoholic Seasonal Sangria
We skipped the simple syrup and added fresh-pressed juice in this healthy seasonal non-alcoholic sangria recipe. Low in sugar and infused with a slew of nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, this healthier twist on a traditional classic will be your new go-to.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups unsweetened pomegranate juice (or favorite unsweetened pressed juice)
- ½ cup cold-pressed orange juice (optional)
- ½ cup cranberry or beet juice (optional)
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 bottle of kombucha (can substitute seltzer or non-alcoholic ginger beer)
- 2 large oranges, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or berries)
- 1 large apple, cored and sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Directions:
Step #1: Fill a large pitcher with chopped fruit and cinnamon sticks.
Step #2: Add the remaining ingredients and stir well until mixed.
Step #3: Cover and place in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight.
Step #4: Garnish with fresh fruit, herbs, or a splash of kombucha.
Step #5: Serve and enjoy!
#2 Dairy-Free Coconut Eggnog
This creamy coconut eggnog is a lighter take on the classic dairy-filled beverage. It’s free from both eggs and dairy, naturally sweetened, and tastes delicious as a healthy holiday mocktail!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy dairy-free milk (we recommend full fat cashew, almond, or oat milk)
- ¾ cup full-fat canned coconut milk, unsweetened
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp of cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground cardamom
- Dash pink sea salt
To serve:
- Dairy-free coconut whip (optional)
Directions:
Step #1: Add all of the above ingredients (aside from the whipped topping) to a high-speed blender. Blend on medium-high for 1-2 minutes until creamy, smooth, and slightly frothy.
Step #2: Taste and adjust flavoring as needed, adding more spices or sweetener.
Step #3: To serve hot, pour the mixture into a medium-sized saucepan and heat on medium heat until warm. Option to serve with whipped topping.
Step #4: To serve chilled, pour the blended mixture into an airtight container and chill in the fridge until cold, 1-2 hours. Option to serve with or without ice.
#3 Spicy Holiday Cider
If you’re looking to impress your holiday guests, look no further. Not only is this recipe free from sneaky sugars and insanely delicious, but it’s also the easiest way to make your entire kitchen (and house) smell like the holidays. Bring on the holiday cheer! After all, there’s nothing like a warm cup of (unspiked) seasonal cider to get you in the holiday spirit!
Ingredients:
- 8 cups cold-pressed apple juice or fresh store-bought cider, unsweetened
- 1 large navel orange, sliced into ¼-inch slices with peel
- 4 cinnamon sticks, whole
- 3 star anise
- 1 apple, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp (about 10-12) cloves, whole
- 1 tbsp allspice berries, whole
- 1 one-inch slice ginger root, fresh
- Optional: 1-2 tsp sweetener of choice (such as maple syrup or monk fruit)
Directions:
Step #1: In a large pot, add all of the above ingredients. Bring the mixture to a slight boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover for 2-3 hours.
Step #2: Remove mixture from heat and let cool slightly.
Step #3: Serve with a ladle, scooping the mixture into a glass with little to no fruit.
Step #4: Garnish with cinnamon, fresh fruit, and any additional spices.
Step #5: Enjoy!
#4 Non-Alcoholic Gingerbread Martini
A new seasonal beverage has entered the chat: Meet the PSL of the winter season! Made without the alcohol, this warm and cozy dairy-free winter latte is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut, oat, or almond milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Directions:
Step #1: Add all of the above ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth, creamy, and slightly frothy.
Step #2: Once blended, pour the gingerbread mixture into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well combined.
Step #3: Pour mixture into a martini glass, and top with any additional garnishes such as cinnamon.
#5 Holiday Hot Chocolate
We’ve taken sweet and comforting hot chocolate and boosted it with holiday spices like cinnamon and ginger. Not only is this antioxidant-rich, but it’s completely non-alcoholic, dairy-free, and can be enjoyed as a healthy holiday dessert with the addition of mini marshmallows and a serving of coconut whipped cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy non-dairy milk (cashew milk, almond milk, oat milk)
- 1 tbsp Dutch cocoa or raw cacao, unsweetened
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
Optional toppings:
- Mini marshmallows
- Coconut whipped cream
Directions:
Step #1: Whisk all the above ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Step #2: Add the optional dairy-free chocolate chips and constantly stir until the chocolate is fully melted.
Step #3: Total cook time should be no longer than 4 minutes. Avoid bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Step #4: Remove from heat and pour into a cup. Option to serve with marshmallows or whipped cream
#6 Very Cranberry Christm-osa
If you’re sipping on this healthy cranberry, non-alcoholic Christmas mimosa, it will be a very merry holiday indeed! This healthier holiday mocktail is made with just three ingredients and can easily be modified with your favorite cold-pressed juice or base beverage of choice.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz pomegranate juice, unsweetened
- 2 oz cranberry juice, unsweetened
- 4 ounces of kombucha or seltzer
Directions:
Step #1: Pour the above ingredients into a champagne glass.
Step #2: Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and cranberries.
Step #3: Serve and enjoy!
#7 Rosemary Ginger Citrus Moscow Mule
This refreshing and flavorful healthy holiday drink is made with our favorite seasonal ingredients like blood orange and warming spices. Made with a ginger kombucha (that can be swapped for seltzer or your favorite beverage of choice) and a handful of other ingredients, this holiday mocktail is simple, tasty, and a healthier-for-you option!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ginger kombucha
- ½ cup fresh blood orange citrus juice (sub any citrus)
- ½ cup seltzer
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 tsp FitOn’s healthier simple syrup recipe (see below)
- ½ -1 tsp grated ginger
To serve:
- Fresh sprig rosemary
- Ginger kombucha, to top
Directions:
Step #1: Add all of the above ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well combined.
Step #2: Pour mixture into a cocktail glass.
Step #3: Top with optional garnishes such as fresh citrus or rosemary.
Step #4: Serve and enjoy!
#8 Mistletoe Margarita
Traditionally mixed margaritas are a sugar bomb waiting to happen. But, not this holiday season! Sip guilt-free with our non-alcoholic mistletoe margarita. Sweetened naturally with fresh fruit juice and a touch of our healthier homemade simple syrup, satisfy your margarita cravings with this low-sugar mocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cranberry juice, unsweetened
- 1 large blood orange, juiced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 oz kombucha, seltzer, or cold-pressed juice
- 1 tsp sweetener of choice (agave, maple syrup, or FitOn’s healthier simple syrup)
To serve:
- Salt
- Kombucha or seltzer
- Fresh cranberry, lime slices, and rosemary for garnish
Directions:
Step #1: Add all of the above ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well combined.
Step #2: Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass. Option to top with additional kombucha or seltzer and serve with a salt rim.
Step #3: Top with optional garnishes such as cranberry, lime, and fresh sliced orange.
Step #4: Serve and enjoy!
#9 Peppermintini
This cozy non-alcoholic beverage is a must-have on our healthier holiday menu. It’s light yet creamy and perfectly sweet without being overly indulgent. Swap the almond milk for your favorite non-dairy milk of choice, and if you’re feeling fancy, amplify the flavor with an added shot of espresso!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1-2 tsp FitOn’s healthier simple syrup, optional
Directions:
Step #1: Add all of the above ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well combined.
Step #2: Once combined, pour the mixture into a cocktail glass. Option to serve with a candy cane, fresh mint, or festive topping of choice.
Step #3: Enjoy!
#10 The Green Grinch
With a drink this healthy and delicious, it’s easy to see how the Grinch stole Christmas! This healthy green juice mocktail will be all the talk at your holiday party. Simply add all of your favorite green veggies to your juicer just as you would for your morning juice, with the addition of at least one fruit such as green apple, pear, or pineapple for that perfect balance of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought green juice of choice (such as celery, spinach, cucumber, kale, lemon, ginger, and green apple)
- ½ – 1 tsp agave or FitOn’s healthier simple syrup recipe (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
To serve:
- Garnishes such as fresh mint, lime, or apple
Directions:
Step #1: For homemade juice, prepare the juice in a juicer or high-speed blender (using a nut milk bag to strain the pulp).
Step #2: Add all of the above ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well combined.
Step #3: Pour mixture into a cocktail glass. Option to serve with a salt rim.
Step #4: Top with optional garnishes such as mint, lime, or apple.
#11 Alcohol-Free Rosemary Pomegranate Spritzer
Made with seasonal antioxidant-rich ingredients like pomegranate juice and cranberries, this alcohol-free mocktail will be a light and refreshing beverage choice to reach for all holiday season (and beyond). Naturally sweetened with raw honey and full of fresh flavor from ingredients like citrus and herbs, it’s delicious to enjoy and completely guilt-free.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice
- ½ cup kombucha
- 4 tbsp lime juice
- 4 fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- 4 Tbsp. raw honey
- 4 Tbsp. pomegranate seeds, for garnish
- 4 Tbsp. fresh cranberries, for garnish
- Sparkling water, to serve
- Ice, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: For individual spritzers, set four 8-10 oz glasses aside. Add 2 oz of pomegranate juice, 1 tbsp of lime juice, and 1 tbsp of raw honey to each glass, and stir well. Taste test, adjusting as desired.
Step #2: Next, add 2 oz of kombucha to each glass, stirring well to combine.
Step #3: Add a handful of ice cubes and 1 tbsp each of fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds. Top with seltzer or sparkling water, and garnish with 1 sprig of rosemary.
Step #4: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Bonus Recipe: 2-Ingredient Healthier Simple Syrup
No need for processed sugar in your non-alcoholic Christmas drinks and holiday mocktails. Our healthier simple syrup recipe is the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to your favorite holiday recipes while staying on track with your goals. Made with just two ingredients (water and honey), feel good sipping your way through the holidays.
FitOn’s Healthier Holiday Honey Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 cup water
Directions:
Step #1: In a small saucepan, combine the above ingredients.
Step #2: Warm mixture over medium-low heat, continuously stirring until the honey dissolves.
Step #3: Once the mixture is smooth and fully combined, remove from heat and let the syrup cool.
Step #4: Store the syrup in an airtight glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator.
Enjoy Your Favorite Holiday Drinks, Guilt-Free
Whether you’re reaching for a homemade holiday mocktail or opting for something pre-made, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy yourself this holiday season. By using these healthier recipes when mixing up your festive drinks, you’ll have yourself a delicious and nutritious holiday season. Cheers!
