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The holidays are often about indulgence — relaxed time with loved ones, good food and delicious beverages. If you are looking for indulgence without alcohol this year, mocktails are a tasty and festive way to drink soberly. Here’s how to plan and prepare festive non-alcoholic or NA drinks for the holidays.

Sipping a creative mocktail is a great way to enjoy some festive cheer, whether for a Christmas party or a quiet night during a busy holiday season. Mocktails will be the drink of choice this year at many holiday gatherings. With drinks that taste great, look festive and let you have a chug without the challenges of alcohol, mocktails are the perfect way to liven up the season.

Why mocktails will be on trend this winter

Alcohol has traditionally been a part of the holiday season. Drinking at parties, enjoying a glass of wine at a dinner, giving gifts of wine or spirits and seasonal drinks have made alcohol a quintessential part of the holidays for some.

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But it isn’t for everyone. More and more people are avoiding alcohol entirely or cutting back. Lifestyle changes or health concerns inspire some to go sober. Others are simply curious or looking to support sober family and friends. Particularly during the holidays, limiting alcohol can prevent overindulgence and help you stay fully present for holiday memories.

Mocktails — mixed drinks made without alcohol — are the perfect answer for those embracing sobriety at this time of year. Non-alcoholic alternatives have been growing in popularity in recent years. The market for non-alcoholic beverages increased by 33% last year, topping out at over $300 million, according to Greenbook. As people embrace NA beers, wine and spirits, mocktails have become more creative and the options more varied.

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Mocktails have fun and festive ingredients without using any liquor, making them a delicious addition to any holiday drink menu. They are also a great way to experiment with seasonal flavors and mixology in a way everyone can partake of.

Essential ingredients and tools for holiday mocktails

Stock your bar with the essentials as you plan a holiday mocktail menu. Your favorite ingredients and flavors are a great place to start. From there, you can add traditional winter flavors and garnishes or use the holidays to experiment with new flavors.

Zero-proof spirits and non-alcoholic basics

The base of your mocktails will likely be a non-alcoholic spirit or other cocktail basics. The number of NA spirits has exploded in recent years and you will find non-alcoholic gin, whiskey, vodka, tequila and more. Botanical spirits also bring unique flavors that can mix well with winter ingredients.

You may also want to stock up on sparkling water, ginger beer, simple syrup, kombucha and other mixers. You can purchase them or make your own. Infused simple syrup is easy to make and adds seasonal flavors to mocktails.

Seasonal flavors

For winter flavors, you can’t go wrong with seasonal fruits or warm spices. Apple, citrus, pumpkin, cranberry and pomegranate are bright and sweet for holiday mocktails. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and clove are more savory and comforting. Having a variety on hand will let you make different kinds of mocktails.

Garnishes for a festive presentation

For restaurant-quality mocktails, finish your drinks off with a beautiful garnish. Cinnamon sugar rims, rosemary sprigs, citrus peels and candy canes are cute and festive. Shaped ice cubes or adding garnishes like cranberries before freezing are a nice touch.

Tools for exceptional mocktails

With any mixology, having the right tools will improve the experience of preparing and serving drinks. A cocktail shaker is a must, while a long-handled bar spoon, jigger, strainer, juicer and muddler will be helpful depending on the types of drinks you’ll be making.

The right glassware will also elevate your mocktails. Fancy glassware makes mocktails more fun. If you will be drinking hot drinks, festive mugs are a great way to serve them.

Winter-inspired mocktail recipes for your holiday season

This year, explore non-alcoholic versions of classic drinks and try inventive new mocktails highlighting seasonal flavor. All of your favorite drinks can be made with NA spirits. Hot drinks like mulled wine or a hot toddy are warming on cold nights. For a party, try an orange cranberry sangria mocktail.

For new mocktails, lean on seasonal flavors like cranberry or blood orange. A Christmas gin mocktail brings both together with NA gin for a beautiful ruby drink that will put you instantly in the Christmas spirit.

Hosting a festive gathering with sober options

If you are hosting any holiday parties this year, adding some non-alcoholic options to your cooler or bar cart will help make all of your guests feel included. Start by stocking up on NA spirits, wine and beers. Also get the ingredients for your favorite mocktails, such as sparkling water, simple syrup and festive flavors and garnishes.

You can also prepare a menu of themed mocktails. This is an exciting way for guests to choose their drinks and can help sober-curious guests explore NA options. Pick flavors that will complement any food you serve to create the perfect menu. A mix of sweet, savory and refreshing drinks ensures you have something for every taste.

For a more interactive experience, set up a mocktail bar and let guests mix their own drinks. Include essential ingredients and tools on your mocktail bar, as well as recipe cards. Exploring DIY mixology will likely be a highlight of your party.

Pulling the focus of a party away from drinking will also create a more inclusive gathering. Plenty of appetizers let people keep their hands busy during cocktail hour. Try festive snacks like spiced nuts or Christmas bruschetta. Games or other activities provide laughter and entertainment without drinking.

Drink and be merry this holiday season with mocktails

Delectable mocktails with seasonal flavors and festive garnishes are the best way to welcome the holidays. Whether you are staying sober this year or just want a tasty drink without imbibing, stock up your mocktail bar cart with your favorite ingredients and enjoy the holiday cheer with every sip.

Ksenia Prints is a food writer, blogger, photographer and recipe developer from Montreal, Canada. She blogs at My Mocktail Forest, a blog focused on fun, flirty non-alcoholic drinks and recipes for entertaining.