The festive season is here, and that means raising a glass to good times with friends and family. But you don’t need alcohol to make your holiday drinks celebratory – or delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dry Christmas, accommodating non-drinking guests, or just looking for something different, these six non-alcoholic Christmas drinks are definitely worth a try.
They’ll bring festive cheer to your celebrations, even without the booze.
1. Mulled Apple Cider
Who says mulled drinks are only for wine? Mulled apple cider is a warm and fragrant alternative that’s perfect for the cosy winter evenings approaching Christmas Day. Simply simmer non-alcoholic apple cider (I like The Bundaberg one) with spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and star anise, then add a slice of orange or a dash of ginger for extra zing. Serve in heatproof glasses with a cinnamon stick garnish for that classic Christmas vibe.
2. Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria
Sangria might be a summer staple, but this Christmas version is rich, fruity and non-alcoholic. Combine red grape juice with a splash of cranberry juice for tartness, and mix in slices of orange, apple and pomegranate seeds. Add a touch of non-alcoholic red wine or even de-alcoholised port for depth. Let it sit for a few hours to allow the flavours to meld before serving over ice.
3. Creamy Vanilla Alcohol-Free Eggnog
Eggnog is a holiday classic. It is certainly an acquired taste, but if you’re a fan, how about trying an NA version? Whisk together milk, cream, sugar, eggs and a touch of vanilla extract, then gently heat until it thickens. For an extra festive touch, add a splash of non-alcoholic rum or bourbon to mimic the traditional flavours. Then top with freshly grated nutmeg and serve chilled or warm.
4. Alcohol-Free Mulled Wine
Love the idea of mulled wine but want to skip the booze? You can achieve the same comforting flavours by using non-alcoholic versions. Heat an NA red (like the Fre Red Blend) gently with spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise. You can add a splash of tart cranberry concentrate for complexity, if you like. Serve steaming hot in mugs for a cosy winter warmer.
5. Festive Shrubs
Shrubs, or drinking vinegars, are an old-world drink making a modern comeback. These tangy, sweet and sour beverages combine fruit, sugar and vinegar to create a syrupy concentrate that’s then mixed with soda water. Try a cranberry and orange shrub or experiment with spiced pear and cinnamon. The balance of sweetness and acidity creates a vibrant tipple.
6. Non-Alcoholic Gingerbread Martini
Gingerbread is a classic festive flavour, and you can get a hit of it in your selection of non-alcoholic Christmas drinks from an NA cocktail. Combine oat milk or cream with gingerbread syrup, a dash of non-alcoholic gin, a pinch of cinnamon and ice. Shake well and then strain into a martini glass. You could try garnishing the rim of the glass with crushed biscuits – if you want to go to the faff of it (to be fair, it looks cool if you do).
Image credit: Michael Kahn