33 Christmas Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
~ Especially at Christmas, mocktails and non-alcoholic drink options are a welcome break from the steady stream of alcohol at parties and celebrations. Of course, they’re a must for designated drivers and kiddos. But really, even folks who enjoy drinking alcohol sometimes like to take a break and sip on something less boozy. This collection has delicious, easy drink ideas for parties … and every other holiday moment, too! ~
Mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks are everywhere these days, from entire sections of non-alcoholic craft beer in your grocer’s beer section, to creative mocktails on all the best restaurant bar menus.
Don’t wanna drink alcohol? No problem! You’ve got so many fabulous options these days, waaaaay beyond having to choose a Pepsi or stick with plain ol’ water.
No question, mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks are trending. I’ve definitely seen this firsthand, specifically with the incredible popularity of my collections of Halloween Mocktails, Non-Alcoholic Halloween Punch Recipes, and Thanksgiving Mocktails.
So, I knew all of you would appreciate a gorgeous collection of Christmas mocktail recipes, too!
Especially since the Christmas holiday season lasts for weeks upon weeks, with so many parties and gatherings and celebrations, it’s nice to have some terrific non-alcoholic, “virgin” drink options this time of year.
I’m particularly aware of this, since a large portion of my extended family chooses not to drink alcohol at all. So, I know how important it is to have festive, celebration-worthy drink options to make them feel special, too.
This collection has got it all, whatever the occasion …
Pick and choose some new favorites to try throughout the holiday season … no alcohol needed at all!
A classic White Russian Cocktail features vodka, coffee liqueur and cream. But with all the non-alcoholic spirits on the market now, it's easy to swap in alcohol-free ingredients to recreate the always-popular, vintage drink. Oh! And for Christmas? A little peppermint syrup makes it celebration-worthy! (For a healthier sipper, note that the posts says you can sub lower-fat milks in place of the half-and-half.)
Who doesn't love a good glass of champagne during the holidays? Well, this gorgeous non-alcoholic alternative is a super-easy (3-ingredient!) way to enjoy a glass of bubbly without the alcohol!
How elegant is this?!? A gorgeous, inviting way to welcome guests and kick off your Christmas party in style!
Ok ... ok ... these aren't as easy-peasy nor as healthy as most of the recipes I prefer to showcase for you. (I really do spend A LOT of time vetting every single recipe I share with you.) But this idea is so gosh-darn cute, I just absolutely couldn't resist! These would be a showstopper addition to a DIY hot chocolate bar, and definitely would make fabulous homemade Christmas gifts, too!
It's hard to find a bar menu that doesn't have a Moscow Mule on it, but they're also super-easy to make at home ... especially this delightfully sippable mocktail version. It's perfect for Christmas, with the addition of seasonal cranberry juice!
A blend of velvety almond milk, aromatic espresso, and the alluring essence of freshly baked sugar is just soooooo irresistible! As an added bonus, this decadent-tasting recipe clocks in at under 150 calories per serving. Make it hot or iced, and if you're not a fan of almond milk, you can swap in any milk you prefer.
Impress a crowd with this chilled, non-alcoholic holiday punch recipe! Made with only 5 simple ingredients, this easy cranberry-orange flavored Christmas punch is extra-special thanks to the floating frozen wreath of raspberries – so pretty!
This recipe has slowly been tweaked over the years, to make it even more delicious. One ingenious move was adding oranges and fresh apples, to REALLY help bring out more flavor. The real secret, though? Simmering the cider for about an hour, then just letting it sit. The longer it sits, the more flavor it has! Every sip is that perfect balance between sweetness and spice. Just right for enjoying while you decorate the Christmas tree! (Want a Crock-Pot version? Try this Slow Cooker Apple Cider.)
Mulled wine is an iconic Christmas drink, and this non-alcoholic version channels all those wintery spices ... just without the alcohol! And the best part about this Mulled Grape Juice is its simplicity. You've got about 5 minutes of prep, 10 minutes of cooking, 30 minutes of relaxing while the flavors infuse – and then it’s ready. You can enjoy it straightaway or re-heated, so it’s a great drink to prep in advance of any party you're hosting. (Oh! And here's a fun idea: you could even pour some into pretty bottles as hostess gifts.)
A healthy, guilt-free take on seasonal hot chocolate, this version is dairy-free, refined sugar-free, vegan, and even paleo, too. But still warm and cozy and filled with holiday joy! Super easy to make in about 5 minutes flat!
This fun yet sophisticated mocktail requires literally just TWO ingredients, plus sugar to rim the glass. How easy is that?!? The festive cranberries are an optional addition. But come on ... you should totally go for it! They make the mocktail look extra-fancy, and are actually easy to make. (Won't your guests be impressed??) Plus, you can make them up to two days ahead of time, so there's no last-minute stress before party time.
This Kinderpunsch (aka Kinder Punch) was originally a German holiday tradition, but is now a popular warming drink at markets all across Europe and enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. It's made with mulling spices and hibiscus tea bags, along with fruit juices and water for a uniquely flavorful, cozy punch. And hurray ... you can prep this family-friendly beverage in just 5 minutes! You can even make it ahead to reheat later, or serve it out of a Crock-Pot to keep it warm throughout a party.
I love that this eggnog can be enjoyed by virtually everyone at your party, regardless of food allergies or dietary goals. And of course, it's non-alcoholic, so kiddos, designated drivers, and everyone who just doesn't want the alcohol can happily sip away, too! But you won't feel like you're compromising, since it has a luxurious, creamy texture and all those warm, snuggly spices you want in your eggnog. Whip it up ahead of time, so bar service at your party is a total breeze – EASY! No wonder it has lots of enthusiastic, 5-star reviews!
The gorgeous color in this non-alcoholic drink is all thanks to the cranberry juice, which is livened up with a pop of super-trendy kombucha and sweetened with orange juice. Serve it by the glass, or make a large batch of this for a pitcher or a stunning punch bowl. And don't forget the Christmas-y rosemary sprigs in your festive garnish!
Sangria seems to be a headliner favorite on winery menus, especially among my female friends. This non-alcoholic version is perfect for the holidays with its festive colors and seasonal flavors! Bonus for busy hosts: you can prep it mostly ahead and stash the pitcher in your fridge until party time, adding the fizzy sparkling water just before serving. (Be sure to choose sparkling water – rather than soda – to keep added sugar in check.)
A Starbucks fave! The creamy goodness of Christmas eggnog is steamed to frothy perfection before meeting up with espresso or coffee. Ahhhhhh ... happy dance! This is a great pick-me-up to treat yourself on a busy day of shopping and wrapping, or to treat family and friends at a holiday brunch. (Note that, although the recipe card specifies whole milk, the accompanying article says you can opt for healthier, lower-fat milk or even go plant-based.
If you're looking for a fruity Christmas drink that doesn't go the typical cranberry and pomegranate route, this is a great option! The pretty blackberries pack a punch with a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors. And, it's quick and easy to make, too. Simply muddle fresh blackberries with fragrant basil and sweet honey to make a delicious, festively-colored virgin cocktail in just minutes!
Made with all the best winter citrus flavors, you won't even miss the alcohol in this seasonal mocktail. It's an alcohol-free version of the popular Mexican cocktail that's been headlining bar menus for decades!
Moscow Mules are so popular, that I just had to throw another holiday version on our list. This one gets its lovely red hue from Italian red bitters – so pretty! A terrific combination of citrusy lime notes and ginger sweetness, all packaged in holiday color.
Ingenious! This healthy hot chocolate recipe is naturally sweetened with dates – wholesome but still utterly luxurious! Plus, besides adding complex holiday-level sweetness (I'm thinking fruitcake vibes here), the pureed dates also add extra, luscious thickening power. Layer the dates with a hint of holiday cinnamon, and this hot cocoa feels especially Christmas-y.
As you boil the pomegranate juice and cinnamon stick to make this pretty mocktail, it'll fill your house with the smells of Christmas! Possibly even better yet? This refreshing, sparkling mocktail is fairly low in calories and it contains no added sugar at all ... so you and your guests can save up for an extra treat from the cookie platter {guilt-free}!
With its homey cinnamon and star-shaped anise, this tea both looks and smells just right on a chilly holiday night. It'll warm you right up after snowball fights or sledding (or even just during a Hallmark holiday movie binge)!
This punch was created to be a morning pick-me-up to offer alongside your brunch coffee. The fizzy fruit juice mixture of pomegranate, cranberry, and orange juice with sparkling cider makes any Christmas breakfast or brunch gathering feel like even more of a celebration!
Channel your inner Starbucks barista with this seasonal favorite! It's creamy, sweet, spicy, festive, and so simple to make. Extra decadent topped with gingerbread cold foam, yet it's way under 300 calories! (For a warm version try this latte recipe.)
This 5-minute mocktail features bubbly, sparkling apple cider. Thin slices of holiday-season citrus, plus a Christmas-y sprig of rosemary add tangy, herby flavors. It's so pretty, and a really fun mocktail recipe to use at a DIY drink station at your holiday party!
Not only does this hot chocolate feature peppermint extract to make it especially Christmas-y, but it's also written to be gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free (although it also explains that you can stick with traditional dairy and sweetener ingredients, if you prefer) – so it's adaptable for just about anyone. A fun option to serve as a DIY hot cocoa bar at your Christmas party!
Non-Alcoholic, Old-Fashioned Wassail (Crock-Pot or Stovetop)
Old Fashioned Wassail is a vintage Christmas favorite. It takes apple juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, plus cozy spices and an orange ... and transforms them all into the ultimate winter warm-you-up drink. It’s kinda like a hug from your grandma, but in a steaming mug!
Since all the drinks in this collection are non-alcoholic, they're all technically ones you can share with the kiddos at your celebration. But this one is just bursting with extra kid-allure! I mean, how cute is this?!? A fruity, gently minty smoothie with a little strawberry Santa hat on the rim of the glass ... adorable! (Psssssst ... no need to tell 'em that it's actually full of great nutrition, too. That can be our little secret! 😉 )
This is take on a fan-favorite mojito is so on-point for holiday parties! The combination of pomegranate juice, fresh lime and mint offers a lip-smacking counterbalance of sweet and tart, and the frozen cranberries give it a holiday flair. Bonus: don't miss the helpful tips on creating a sugared rim and even freezing cranberries and mint into pretty ice cubes!
An absolute classic that's pretty enough for the holidays! Finding a non-alcoholic margarita recipe that actually tastes authentic can be a challenge, but with the right combination of ingredients, a Virgin Margarita can deliver all the flavor and refreshment of the classic cocktail, just with none of the alcohol. You only need a few minutes and 5 simple ingredients (including one that might surprise you)!
This traditional hot fruit punch is served at Christmas and on New Year’s Eve throughout Guatemala, Mexico and the rest of Latin America. Also known as Ponche Navideño, it’s perfect for serving a crowd, and features spices and a truly unique combination of fresh fruit. It's both warming and festive, and a totally different take on hot Christmas punch!
Another Christmas-y take on the beloved, vintage White Russian cocktail ... this one with spicy gingerbread vibes! Make the easy homemade gingerbread syrup ahead of time, and keep it on hand throughout the holidays so you can stir together this mocktail in just moments! (Pssssst ... wanna skip the heavy cream to lighten this up a little? The accompanying article has options for ya.)
This easy homemade soda recipe has a vibrant green hue that perfectly channels the Grinch! And it's a totally guilt-free sipper, too – refreshing, hydrating, nutritious and even free of added sugars and artificial colors! A delicious yet healthy alternative to pop, cocktails, and sugar-laden juices that everyone can enjoy all throughout this Christmas season. Make it feel extra-fancy by serving it in martini glasses for the adults!
Need More Christmas Party Ideas?
Now that you’ve got the drinks covered, maybe you still need some other celebration-worthy recipe ideas. How about …
Total showstoppers for any party, potluck or Christmas gathering!
And of course, we have so many more holiday appetizer, main course, side dish, and dessert recipes, too …
I hope this Christmas season is your most festive ever!
And that our collection of mocktails and Christmas non-alcoholic drinks helps you make every single moment a little more special for everyone … without even a single drop of alcohol needed at all!
~ by Shelley