Pass the mocktails! Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks

Mulled wine and sloe gin may be synonymous with Christmas, but what about if you don’t fancy partaking in an alcoholic beverage come the festive season?

The alcohol-free trend is real and more common than you may think. It’s widely referred to as ‘sober curiosity’ and involves cutting back on or cutting out alcohol due to reasons, such as wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle and avoid any drink-related anxiety.¹ And there are stats to highlight the extent of this trend too. According to a study published by the British Medical Council in 2018, 25% of young people (16 to 24-year-olds) class themselves as non-drinkers. Meanwhile, 43% of UK women and 84% of UK men want to drink less, and just 3% of millennials see drinking as being an essential part of socialising.²

But what does this mean at Christmas-time if there’s no mistletoe and wine? What are the alcohol-free options to change that festive status quo?

We’ve listed a few ideas for how to make the switch from alcoholic to non-alcoholic tipples and festivities during the run-up to Christmas Day and the big day itself:

Find or make your own favourite Christmas mocktail

Christmas mocktails are great for the very fact that they look like a cocktail, but come without the alcoholic content. Anyone for mulled apple juice, faux fizz (pear and apricot syrup and sparkling water), a peppermint hot chocolate or pear juice and rose water punch?³ And if none of these Christmas mocktail recipes tickle your fancy, then why not have a go at making your own hot or cold drink that’s tailored to your tastebuds?

Two Christmas mocktails for you to try:

Christmas mocktail 1: Gin-free G&T ⁴

Ingredients:

• 5 cardamom pods
• ½ cucumber
• 1 chamomile teabag
• ½ bunch of mint leaves
• 1 strip of lemon zest
• 5 cloves
• 1/s bunch of rosemary
• Tonic water
• Ice
• A few pomegranate seeds

Method:

1. 1. Bruise the cardamom pods and slice the cucumber.
   2. Put them in a large jug and add the chamomile teabag, mint leaves, lemon zest, cloves and rosemary.
   3. Top up with 500ml cold water. Leave to infuse in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours.
   4. To serve, strain the infused water and pour 50ml of it into a glass. Top up with tonic water and lots of ice.
   5. Garnish with mint leaves and pomegranate seeds.

Christmas mocktail 2: Non-alcoholic Christmas punch

Ingredients:

• 1 litre of pear juice
• 1 vanilla pod
• 1 tablespoon of golden caster sugar
• 4 cardamom pods
• Few slices of root ginger
• 25ml raw apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon of rose water
• 250ml sparkling water
• Ice

Method:

1. Pour the pear juice into a large pan.
2. Add the vanilla pod, golden caster sugar, cardamom pods and root ginger, then bring to a simmer.
3. Leave to cool, then strain into a punch bowl or jug.
4. Add the raw apple cider vinegar, rosewater and sparkling water. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, thyme, sliced red pear and a handful of frozen redcurrants.
5. Add ice and serve.

Get those endorphins going on Christmas Day morning

By going for a brisk walk, jog or run, whatever takes your fancy. The main thing is that you’ll be feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed enough to go because you won’t be nursing a hangover from Christmas Eve drinkies. And if you exercise for long enough, you’ll get a positive endorphin rush.⁵

Create a new Christmas Day ritual

Who said Christmas enjoyment had to involve drinking? Find something you like doing, be it baking mince pies, going for a walk, spotting Christmas decoration displays with the family or playing a new game, and making that your way to unwind and have fun.⁶

Adopt an alcohol-free mindset

If you’re not thinking about what you’re missing out on, then you’re less likely to feel as though you’re missing out on it. Focus on all of the benefits of not drinking, e.g. no hangovers and more energy.⁷ Want some more non-alcoholic Christmas drinks ideas? Check out these Festive Alcohol-free Cocktail Recipes. Shop Alcohol Free Drinks

Last Updated: 5th October 2020