For some of us, the holidays are lit up—and we’re not talking about menorahs.
Seasonal cocktails like eggnog, hot toddies, and peppermint martinis shine at holiday gatherings this time of year. But don’t be surprised if you see more mocktails in the mix this year.
The sober curiosity movement — the decision to drink less alcohol or not drink at all — has grown in popularity in recent years. A survey found that almost half of participants planned to drink less in 2025, and one in four did not drink at all in 2024.
“It used to be that if you ordered a soft drink and you were a woman, people thought you were pregnant,” said nutritionist and cookbook author Susan Greeley, MS, RDN. “Those days are over.”
Aside from the attitude, the selection of non-alcoholic drinks – especially mocktails – has also increased significantly in terms of creativity and quality, making it even more attractive to anyone who wants something tasty to sip.
Read: My first dry January was full of criticism, but I learned to listen to myself >>
Greeley said fresh herbs like mint, basil and rosemary; Antioxidant-rich blackberries and tart cherry juice are a few ingredients that are easy to incorporate into festive mocktails. Or when in doubt, reach for unadulterated cranberries or cranberry juice to boost your health. “Cranberries are so healthy – they’re a superfood even in juice form,” Greeley said.
If you’re curious about mocktails or serving non-alcoholic drinks at your holiday party, here are three original Greeley recipes to celebrate. Cheers!
Holiday Mocktail Recipes
Blackberry “Margarita”
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Flavor Profile: Juicy, spicy, slightly herbal with a margarita-style structure
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce agave syrup
- 1-2 basil leaves (optional for more brightness)
- 3 ounces sparkling lime water (or plain sparkling water)
- Tajín or salt for the edge
- Lime slice and blackberry for garnish
Drink recommendation:
1. Rim a glass with lime and dip in Tajín or salt.
2. In a shaker, muddle blackberries with lime juice, agave juice and basil (using a pestle).
3. Add ice and shake vigorously.
4. Strain into the prepared ice-filled glass.
5. Top up with sparkling water and stir gently.
6. Garnish with the lime wheel and a blackberry.
Crimson Crush Cooler
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Flavor profile: Bright, citrusy, slightly spicy – lively and seasonal
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces 100% cranberry juice
- 6 ounces of tonic water
- 1 ounce simple syrup*
- Crushed ice
- Orange peel for garnish
Drink recommendation:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add cranberry juice and then pour in tonic water.
3. Add simple syrup and stir.
4. Garnish with orange.
*To make your own simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before adding the syrup to the drink.
Midnight cherry spritz
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Flavor profile: Tart, slightly sweet and refreshing with a herbal depth
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces tart cherry juice
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 1/2 ounces honey rosemary syrup*
- Aromatic bitter substances (optional, alcohol-free if necessary)
- 3 ounces of mineral water
- Fresh rosemary sprigs and/or lemon wedge for garnish
*For the honey rosemary syrup:
1. Heat honey and 1/2 cup water with 2 rosemary sprigs.
2. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, allow to cool and strain.
Drink recommendation:
1. Add tart cherry juice, lemon juice and honey rosemary syrup to a shaker with ice.
3. Shake briefly and strain into a tall glass over fresh ice.
4. Top up with mineral water.
5. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a lemon wedge.
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