The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for those in recovery, particularly students who may be returning to homes, friends, or family where their commitment to sobriety may not be known, understood, or welcomed. Whether making their own creative concoctions to avoid conversations they may not be prepared for or are safe, or to create options for everyone to enjoy fun drinks during the holidays and remain sober, here are some of our favorite links to beautiful and yummy holiday mocktails!
Candy Cane Christmas Mocktail: Nothing quite says traditional Christmas like a candy cane. This creamy, cool mocktail looks great served in a martini glass with crushed candy canes on the rim. Beautiful.
Orange Cranberry Mimosa Mocktail: This mocktail is pretty, stacked with vitamin C, and includes a pinch of cinnamon for the season. Serve this in the morning with brunch or anytime you desire!
The Ultimate Holiday Mocktail: When you are looking for a sweet and spicy mix, this holiday mocktail has fruit, spices, and herbs all mixed with a fizzy drink of your choice!
French-Style Hot Chocolate with Coffee: For those who are saying, “enough already!” with these cool drinks, look no further than this coffee-infused hot chocolate. Thick and luxurious, top it with whipped cream to serve.
Peppermint Eggnog: Ah, eggnog. You either love it or you hate it but if you love it, you’ll truly enjoy this beautiful, dessert drink. I mean, I’ve never had eggnog except out of a carton but for those who want to try the real thing, this is from scratch!
Cranberry Mulled White “Wine”: While those around you may be enjoying their glasses of red, white, or rosé, you can enjoy this hot mulled drink for yourself by substituting the dry white wine for a nonalcoholic white or white grape juice.
Woodchuck Warmer Apple Cider: Want to put that Instapot you just got to use? This hot apple cider includes lemon, garnish, and enough heat to keep you warm on a cold day.
Virgin Sangria: Fruit in a glass with some yummy liquid? Yes, please. This take on the famous drink includes lots of fruit soaked in club soda or sparkling water. Make it ahead of time for extra flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Hot Buttered “Rum”: This traditional holiday drink is a staple in many places, but we need goodness without the alcohol! This recipe reads like a baked good with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cream, and more.
Grinch Punch: And, last but not least, for a little nostalgia paired with a shocking color combination, look no further than this creative drink. You’ll feel like a kid again pairing Kool-Aid with juice, sprite, and red sanding sugar.
Your commitment to sobriety is not a commitment to stale, unenjoyable gatherings. We hope these recipes bring delight and fidelity to you this holiday season!
Originally published December 13, 2022. Updated December 18, 2023 By Anne Rulo, Author, Speaker, Therapist. www.annerulo.com. FB/IG/Twitter @annemrulo