Two hands holding thin-stemmed glasses holding Christmas mocktails
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7 Christmas Mocktails That’ll Have You Feeling Jolly Without the Booze

Because so many holiday celebrations revolve around cozy gatherings and because not everyone at those gatherings will drink alcohol, it’s good to have a list of Christmas mocktails. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, attending a potluck, or snuggling up at home, learning a new mocktail recipe can make your festivities feel inclusive, festive, and just as fun as any spiked drink.

I’ve always believed that holiday moments don’t need alcohol to feel special. Sometimes the most memorable holiday drinks are the ones that let you enjoy the night without any fogginess the next morning. That’s why I put together this roundup of easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing Christmas mocktails. These recipes are budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and designed to bring a little extra holiday spirit into your cup.

Keep scrolling to see how you can get a booze-free Christmas in a cup.

The 7 Yummiest Christmas Mocktails

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s quickly talk about what a mocktail is—because understanding the basics can help you appreciate the flavors, balance, and creativity behind each mocktail recipe.

What Is A Mocktail?

A mocktail is a non-alcoholic mixed drink designed to mimic the flavor, look, and mood of a cocktail—without adding any alcohol. Think of them as fun, festive beverages that combine juices, syrups, herbs, spices, and sparkling elements to create a drink that feels special. And since many of us prefer keeping things sober or mindful during the holidays, mocktails can make gatherings more inclusive while still keeping the vibe elevated.

Oh, and if you love seasonal drinks (or want even more inspiration), you might also enjoy our roundup of the best Thanksgiving mocktails for fall celebrations. Or our list of the best non-alcoholic Mexican drinks if you love vibrant flavors.

What Are The Best Christmas Mocktails?

Below are seven mocktails—some classic, some original—that bring cozy, nostalgic Christmas flavors without the booze.

Sparking water and pomegranate juice with rosemary as a garnish, a great Christmas mocktail

1. Sparkling Pomegranate Rosemary Spritz

This ruby-red drink screams Christmas in a glass. It’s bubbly, refreshing, and garnished with rosemary, which looks like a tiny holiday tree. Perfect for anyone who wants something light but festive.

Ingredients
  • Pomegranates
  • Pomegranate juice
  • Sparkling water (or club soda)
  • Lime slices
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Ice
Instructions
  • Step 1: Fill a glass with ice if desired.
  • Step 2: Add pomegranate juice until the glass is halfway full.
  • Step 3: Top with sparkling water.
  • Step 4: Add a squeeze of lime.
  • Step 5: Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a rosemary sprig.

2. Apple Cider Ginger Fizz

This crisp and cozy mocktail balances sweetness and spice perfectly. Ginger gives it warmth; sparkling apple cider gives it fizz.

Ingredients
  • Sparkling apple cider
  • Ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
  • Apple slices
  • Cinnamon stick
Instructions
  • Step 1: Fill a tall glass with ice.
  • Step 2: Pour equal parts apple cider and ginger beer.
  • Step 3: Stir gently.
  • Step 4: Add apple slices and a cinnamon stick to garnish.
Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine

3. Cozy Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine

A Christmas classic, just without the alcohol. This warm mocktail brings that nostalgic spiced aroma you get from traditional mulled wine, minus the next-day headache.

Ingredients
  • Red grape juice
  • Orange slices
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Whole cloves
  • Star anise
  • Honey
Instructions
  • Step 1: In a saucepan, combine grape juice, spices, and orange slices.
  • Step 2: Warm over low heat (do not boil).
  • Step 3: Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  • Step 4: Sweeten with honey to taste.
  • Step 5: Strain and serve warm.
  • Step 6: Place the cloves into the orange slices on the skin side. Use to garnish along with a cinnamon stick.

4. Pomegranate Orange Sparkle

Bright, citrusy, and beautiful—this is the drink you serve when you want something Instagram-worthy on the table. The colors alone feel celebratory.

Ingredients
  • Pomegranate juice
  • Orange juice
  • Sparkling water
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Orange peel twist
Instructions
  • Step 1: Combine equal parts orange and pomegranate juice.
  • Step 2: Top with sparkling water.
  • Step 3: Add a spoonful of pomegranate seeds.
  • Step 4: Garnish with an orange peel twist.
Peppermint hot cocoa in a clear glass with crushed candy cane

5. Peppermint Cocoa Mocktini

Imagine a peppermint mocha but make it Christmas-party-chic. This mocktail is creamy, festive, and tastes like a hug in a cup (albeit a little spicy because of the peppermint).

Ingredients
  • Hot cocoa (prepared)
  • Peppermint extract
  • Whipped cream
  • Mini candy cane
Instructions
  • Step 1: Make your favorite hot cocoa.
  • Step 2: Crush mini candy canes to get crushed peppermint candy.
  • Step 3: When your hot cocoa is ready, add 1-2 drops of peppermint extract.
  • Step 4: Pour into a coupe or martini glass.
  • Step 5: Top with whipped cream.
  • Step 6: Add crushed peppermint candy and whole mini candy cane as a garnish.

6. Vanilla Chai Christmas Cooler

Warm chai meets creamy vanilla in this cozy holiday drink. It tastes like the Christmas version of a latte—sweet, spiceful and comforting.

Ingredients
  • Chai tea (brewed and cooled)
  • Vanilla syrup
  • Milk or dairy-free alternative
  • Cinnamon
Instructions
  • Step 1: Brew chai tea and let it cool.
  • Step 2: Add a splash of vanilla syrup.
  • Step 3: Pour in milk of choice.
  • Step 4: Add ice and stir.
  • Step 5: Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
Spiced Pear Sparkler

7. Spiced Pear Sparkler

This one is a little fancier—perfect for gifting yourself a grown-up moment without alcohol. It’s subtly sweet, sparkling, and infused with warm spices. It tastes like a crisp winter evening.

Ingredients
  • Pear juice
  • Spiced simple syrup (clove and cinnamon)
  • Sparkling water
  • Pear slices
  • Thyme
Instructions
  • Step 1: Add pear juice to a chilled glass.
  • Step 2: Stir in spiced simple syrup.
  • Step 3: Top with sparkling water.
  • Step 4: Add pear slices and thyme for garnish.

How To Make Mocktails Festive

Use Seasonal Garnishes

Fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, and citrus twists all make your drinks feel instantly Christmas-themed.

Glass of glittery liquid, which is great as a Christmas mocktail

Try Edible Glitter or Sugared Rims

A sugar rim or pinch of edible glitter adds sparkle—literally. It makes any mocktail look party-ready. My personal fave is the NiHome Edible Luster Dust. It’s available in more than a dozen colors, including silver, red, green, and gold.

Incorporate Seasonal Fruit

Pears, pomegranates, oranges, cranberries, and apples not only boost flavor but also help your drinks feel more intentional and cozy. Slice them up nicely and just throw them in the drink for a sangria-adjacent feel.

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