Ten of the best alcohol-free drinks to try this Christmas

It’s always exciting getting into the holiday spirit around Christmas time, indulging in an abundance of food, drinks and social gatherings with family and friends. While alcoholic drinks are a popular choice this time of year, there are many equally festive, non-alcoholic options available to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun!  

Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks 

1. Zero percent ‘alcohol’  

There are many options when it comes to alcohol-free beverages that are made to replace their alcoholic counterpart, for example, Nozeco is the perfect replacement for a celebratory bash where you might find yourself wanting a glass of fizz. You can also enjoy zero percent ‘cider’, ‘whisky’ and ‘wine’ substitutions this Christmas while staying completely sober. You’ll be able to find a variety of options in supermarkets or online.  

2. Festive ginger beer mocktail  

Mocktails make a delicious replacement for alcohol any time of year, but we encourage you to get creative and try out some festive flavours to embrace the Christmas spirit. This recipe for a festive ginger beer mocktail is easy to make with only a few ingredients!  

Ingredients: Ginger beer, cranberry juice, rosemary sprigs, lime, frozen cranberries.  

Recipe: Simply mix the ginger beer with the cranberry juice with equal measures. Top off your drink with a little rosemary, a squeeze of lime and frozen cranberries (which can be replaced with ice if you’d prefer).   

3. Mulled ‘wine’  

One of the most popular drinks during Christmas is mulled wine and just because you’re going alcohol-free doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Instead of red wine, find an alcohol-free version and add your usual ingredients to make mulled wine, whether it’s oranges, cinnamon sticks, cranberries or star anise. Heat it to temperature on the stove and enjoy the fragrance and taste of your 0% mulled ‘wine’. You can replace the cider to make alcohol-free mulled apple cider as well!   

4. Loaded hot chocolate  

In the colder months, you might be craving a hot drink to warm you up so what’s better than a sweet, indulgent loaded hot chocolate? You could make yourself a classic with marshmallows and whipped cream or try a festive flavour such as peppermint or orange hot chocolate. Get creative with the toppings from chocolate shavings and pretzels to a light dusting of cinnamon. You can’t go wrong with a toasty mug of hot chocolate during Christmas.   

5. Eggnog  

Another festive favourite, eggnog is a great and easy drink to make during the holidays. Traditionally, eggnog would contain rum, brandy or bourbon, but it tastes just as good without. You can continue making your usual recipe while leaving the alcohol out and still enjoy a sweet, milky treat. 

6. Virgin Mojito  

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing drink why not sample a virgin mojito mocktail which tastes minty and cool to counter the many heavy and rich flavours of Christmas. This sparkling drink is quick to make and a crowd favourite amongst adults and children, so you might even make extra to share around the table.  

Ingredients: Fresh mint leaves, limes, sparkling or soda water, ice, sugar (optional).  

Recipe: Crush the mint leaves, mixing them with a sprinkling of sugar if you have a sweet tooth. Juice the limes, saving some to slice and garnish. Crush the ice and add to glasses or a pitcher, adding lime juice and crushed mint. Top it up with the sparkling or soda water and garnish with extra mint and a slice of lime, adjusting flavour to taste.  

7. Passionfruit and elderflower fizzy  

Try making yourself a fruity, fizzy drink to replace alcohol whether it’s at the table, during a toast or at a party. We suggest using a delicious passionfruit juice, but you can swap this out for any fruit juice depending on your preferences.  

Ingredients: 50ml passionfruit juice, 25ml lemon juice, 2tsp elderflower cordial, 150ml sparkling or soda water.  

Recipe: Keep all your ingredients chilled before stirring gently together and serving right away.  

8. Festive punch  

Create your own festive punch for a zesty, delicious drink by combining your favourite fruit juices into a pitcher or punch bowl. We recommend using orange, cranberry and pineapple for the best fruity flavours but you can mix and match whatever you like to make your refreshing alcohol-free drink. If you prefer your drinks fizzy, you can add sparkling or soda water as well.  

9. Coffee with seasonal syrup 

Add a little twist to your regular cup of coffee by adding a seasonal syrup for a new and festive flavour. Your local supermarket is likely to have a variety of flavour options from gingerbread to chocolate orange and even Christmas cake. You can also use these syrups in other drinks if you want to mix it up, like hot chocolate or an iced mocha.  

10. Thyme and pomegranate mocktail   

 Any mocktail makes a brilliant non-alcoholic option at any Christmas gathering and this thyme and pomegranate spritz is a stylish choice. Instead of vodka and Prosecco, mix lemonade or Sprite with an alcohol-free sparkling wine and a bit of orange juice. Top it off with pomegranate seeds and thyme sprigs and serve instantly.  

Want more information or support on drinking less this Christmas?  

At LiveWell Dorset, we understand that it can be more difficult during the holiday season to keep up with your alcohol-free goals. Contact our friendly team of professional advisors and coaches if you’d like to advice or information and register with us today for a personalised action plan to help you live a healthier, better lifestyle.  

Further Reading 

• 0% beer: what is non-alcoholic beer and is it good for you? 

• How not to drink during the holidays 

• Is non-alcoholic wine good for you?