Amidst the twinkling lights, the unmistakable aroma of festive flavours, and the gentle hum of carols, there’s nothing quite like raising a glass to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. The thoughts of red and white wine and eggnog take centre stage in my head as I watch my favourite Christmas movies during the holidays. For those who prefer the merriment without indulging in alcohol, Christmas mocktails are the perfect companions.
Ready to explore non-alcoholic indulgence from the comfort of your home? Here are our favourite Christmas mocktails and their recipes.
Non-alcoholic eggnog: nostalgic comfort in every sip
In the scenes of one of my favourite Christmas movies, ‘Daddy’s Home 2,’ eggnog was the standout Christmas drink. Surprisingly, I’ve never had the chance to try it myself., perhaps it’s the elusiveness of finding this festive drink or, truthfully, the notion that it’s only a foreign delight. Regardless, the magic of Christmas has left me yearning to savour a cup of eggnog, mocktail style. It’s good to know that Eggnog’s rich, creamy goodness, a timeless classic that brings forth the cosy nostalgia of holiday traditions, can be well translated into a non-alcoholic version. This velvety concoction, filled with the warm embrace of nutmeg and vanilla, can be shared with loved ones during Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped out
- 4 egg yolks
- 100ml sugar syrup
- 100ml double cream
- 500ml whole milk
- Ice
Instructions
- Put the vanilla seeds in a large bowl.
- Add the egg yolks and sugar syrup into the bowl, then beat mixture together with. electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until pale.
- Add cream and milk to the mix, then beat properly until combined well.
- Fill a large jug with ice and strain in the eggnog mixture.
- Stir gently until the outside of the jug feels cold, then pour the eggnog into tumblers to serve.
Virgin Mojito: a fresh twist on tradition
In embracing the spirit of Christmas mocktails, the Nonalcoholic Mojito offers a crisp and revitalising alternative to its spirited counterpart. Infused with the vibrant essence of mint, lime, and a hint of sweetness, this mocktail captures the zesty charm of the holidays while remaining light and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of loosely packed fresh mint leaves and 2 sprigs for serving
- 3 limes, 1 quartered, 2 juiced (about 1/4 cup)
- 3 ounces of non-alcoholic rum- Lyre’s White Cane Spirit (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of light agave syrup
- 2 cups of ice
- 1/2 cup of seltzer or club soda
Instructions
- Add mint leaves and lime quarters to a cocktail shaker, then mix with a muddler or handle of a wooden spoon till the mint has released its oils. Do this for about 20 seconds.
- Add lime juice, nonalcoholic rum, agave and ice, then shake together vigorously for 30 seconds until the strainer develops a frost on the outside.
- Divide the contents of the drink equally between 2 large rock or high-ball glasses.
- Fill the glasses with seltzer and serve with a fresh sprig of mint.
Virgin pineapple jalapeño margarita: a tropical winter escape
Transport your taste buds to a sun-kissed paradise with the Virgin Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita. It is a Christmas mocktail that mixes the sweetness of pineapple with a subtle kick of jalapeño, a perfect choice for the Nigerians who love their peppers. It creates a lovely blend that mimics the facinating allure of a beachside celebration. This mocktail is for you if you crave a touch of the tropics during the festivities.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and sugar for the rim of your glass
- 1-3 fresh jalapeño coins
- 2 ounces of non-alcoholic tequila
- 3 ounces of pineapple juice
- ¾ ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce of simple syrup
- ½ ounce of non-alcoholic orange liqueur
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Start by rubbing the rim of the glass with the lime wedge.
- Put the sugar on a saucer and coat the rim of the glass by dipping into the sugar
- Muddle the jalapeño coins with simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice, non-alcoholic tequila (your choice), pineapple juice, lime juice, and non-alcoholic orange liqueur.
- Shake to chill, then strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Virgin cranberry basil sangria: Festive Elegance Redefined
Your holiday soirées just got better with the Virgin Cranberry Basil Sangria, a non-alcoholic marvel that effortlessly marries the tartness of cranberries with the aromatic notes of basil. This sophisticated Christmas mocktail feels like you’re drinking wine, with its vibrant crimson hue and fragrant herbal undertones, and serves as a refined and festive cocktail alternative.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of cranberry juice
- About 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1 (12-ounce) can seltzer
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 1/3 cup of frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup of packed basil leaves
- Ice
Instructions
- Combine cranberry juice, orange juice, and seltzer in a large pitcher.
- Add the fruits and basil, then stir to combine.
- Pour the drink over ice to serve.
I invite you to take a moment to relax and savour the joyous season with your loved ones with these homemade mocktails. From the crisp Virgin Mojito to the tropical embrace of the Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita, the nostalgic warmth of Eggnog, and the refined notes of Cranberry Basil Sangria, there’s a sip for every taste.
Which of these mocktails have you tried, or will you be creating this holiday? In the spirit of togetherness, I’ll be indulging in the Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita for my celebration soon. Here’s to the magic of the holidays – may they be filled with laughter, love, and the perfect mocktail in hand!
