As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to raise a glass to something festive and fun. These holiday mocktails are perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights at home, or anyone exploring alcohol-free options. Each one is simple, plant-based, and full of seasonal flavor. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, there’s a delicious mocktail for everyone.
Apple-Cranberry Fizz | Ginger-Pear Spritz | Pomegranate Sparkle | Creamy Chai Nog | Peppermint Cocoa Float
Why Holiday Mocktails Are Perfect for Every Celebration
There’s something special about raising a glass together. Non-alcoholic holiday drinks let everyone join the toast, creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere for guests of all ages.
Tools to Make Holiday Mocktails Extra Fun
Before you start mixing, here are a few tools that make every pour extra special. A few of my favorites include:
Stemless Glass Set — Because presentation matters—these make your mocktails look elegant and festive.
Cocktail Shaker — A must-have for mixing mocktails and getting that smooth, frothy finish.
Muddler & Bar Spoon Set — Perfect for crushing herbs, stirring spritzers, and mixing fresh fruit flavors.
Ice Cube or Sphere Mold — Adds a touch of style and keeps drinks chilled longer without watering them down.
Jigger or Measuring Tool — Helps keep ratios perfect for balanced flavor every time.
Citrus Juicer & Zester — Essential for fresh lime, lemon, and orange juice to brighten every drink.
Handheld Frother — Quickly whips your milk into a light, creamy foam for barista-style drinks at home.
Festive Mocktail Recipes
From the sparkling Apple-Cranberry Fizz to the refreshing Ginger-Pear Spritz, the jewel-toned Pomegranate Sparkle, the cozy Creamy Chai Nog, and the indulgent Peppermint Cocoa Float. These festive holiday mocktails prove you don’t need spirits to bring the cheer.
Apple-Cranberry Fizz
A sparkling blend of crisp apple and tart cranberry, brought to life with fragrant rosemary and jewel-like cranberry rosemary ice cubes that slowly infuse flavor as they melt.
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups chilled apple juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened for balance)
- ½ cup cranberry-flavored sparkling water or sparkling cider
- Apple slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Cranberry Rosemary Ice Cubes (see below)
Cranberry Rosemary Ice Cubes
- Place a few fresh cranberries and a small rosemary tip into each ice cube mold.
- Fill halfway with water and freeze until set.
- Top off with more water and freeze again to keep the herbs suspended.
- Keep frozen until ready to serve.
Preparation Steps
- In a pitcher, combine apple and cranberry juices.
- Fill each glass with the cranberry rosemary ice cubes and pour in the juice mixture halfway.
- Top with sparkling water just before serving for a fizzy finish.
- Garnish with an apple slice and a rosemary sprig for a fragrant touch.
Tip: The cranberry rosemary ice cubes add elegance and a gentle burst of flavor to any sparkling drink, so make extra to use throughout the season.
Ginger-Pear Spritz
A sparkling mocktail that mixes juicy pear with the warmth of ginger and a cool minty finish. The candied ginger mint ice cubes melt slowly, infusing each sip with gentle sweetness and spice. Perfect for festive gatherings or a relaxed holiday brunch.
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups chilled pear nectar or freshly pressed pear juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons ginger syrup
- ½ cup chilled club soda, sparkling water, or ginger ale
- Pear slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Candied Ginger Mint Ice Cubes (optional)
Candied Ginger Mint Ice Cubes
- Place a small mint leaf and one tiny piece of candied ginger in each section of your ice cube tray.
- Fill halfway with water and freeze until solid.
- Top off with more water and freeze again to keep the ginger and mint suspended.
- Store frozen until ready to use.
Preparation Steps
- In a pitcher, stir together the pear juice and ginger syrup until blended.
- Fill each glass with the candied ginger mint ice cubes and pour in the mixture halfway.
- Top with sparkling water or ginger ale for a refreshing fizz.
- Garnish with a thin pear slice and a fresh mint sprig.
Tip: Rim each glass with fine sugar mixed with a pinch of ground ginger for a light sparkle and subtle warmth.
Pomegranate Sparkle
A jewel-toned mocktail that’s as stunning as it is refreshing. The mix of tangy pomegranate and bright citrus creates a sparkling sip that looks straight out of a holiday soirée. Each glass catches the light with ruby pomegranate seeds and a hint of orange zest.
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
- 2 cups chilled pomegranate juice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup chilled citrus-flavored sparkling water
- Slices of orange for garnish
- Pomegranate seeds for serving
- Orange Zest Pomegranate Ice Cubes (optional)
Orange Zest Pomegranate Ice Cubes
- Add a few pomegranate seeds and a curl of orange zest to each section of your ice cube tray.
- Fill halfway with water or pomegranate juice and freeze until solid.
- Top off with more liquid and freeze again so the garnish stays suspended.
- Keep frozen until ready to serve.
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine the pomegranate juice with simple syrup or agave and stir until blended.
- Fill each glass with the orange zest pomegranate ice cubes and pour in the mixture halfway.
- Top with citrus-flavored sparkling water for a lively fizz.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a few extra pomegranate seeds for sparkle.
Tip: Run an orange wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip it in fine sugar for a touch of shimmer and sweetness.
Creamy Chai Nog
A velvety blend of chai spices, vanilla, and creamy oat milk that feels like a hug in a mug. This warm mocktail brings café-style comfort to chilly evenings with its smooth, spiced aroma and gentle sweetness.
Serves: 2 to 3
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat milk or almond milk
- ½ cup chai tea concentrate
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave (optional, for sweetness)
- Ground nutmeg and cinnamon for serving
- Star anise or cinnamon sticks for garnish
Preparation Steps
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steamy but not boiling.
- Whisk in the chai concentrate, vanilla, and maple syrup until smooth and fragrant.
- Pour into mugs and top with a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a star anise for a cozy café-style finish.
Tip: Froth the milk with a handheld frother or whisk before pouring. It gives the nog a creamy, café-style texture and helps the spices rest beautifully on top.
Peppermint Cocoa Float
A rich and creamy winter favorite that blends smooth cocoa with a cool hint of peppermint. This decadent mocktail is pure holiday comfort in a glass, topped with a cloud of whipped oat cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Serves: 2 to 3
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat milk or almond milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons peppermint syrup or a drop of peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave
- Whipped oat cream for topping
- Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for garnish
Preparation Steps
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steamy but not boiling.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, peppermint syrup, and maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into mugs and top generously with whipped oat cream.
- Garnish with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for a festive finish.
Tip: For a frosty twist, chill the cocoa mixture and serve it over ice before topping with whipped cream. It makes a fun, peppermint milkshake-style treat.
Final Sip
As you wrap up your holiday prep, remember that a little sparkle goes a long way. Whether you’re mixing up a cozy chai nog by the fire or serving a bubbly pomegranate sparkle at brunch, these mocktails prove that festive flavor doesn’t need spirits to shine.
Each sip celebrates connection, warmth, and the joy of slowing down with something beautiful in your glass. Gather your favorite ingredients, cue up the holiday playlist, and toast to the season your way.
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Visit our Meals page for cozy dishes and festive recipes that pair perfectly with your mocktail lineup.
Happy Holidays!
