Holiday Cranberry Mocktail: A Festive, Family-Friendly Drink

Looking for a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink to serve at your holiday gatherings? This Holiday Cranberry Mocktail is the perfect festive beverage that’s both beautiful and delicious. With a blend of tart cranberry juice, sweet apple juice, and sparkling seltzer, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone, from kids to adults, can enjoy.

As someone who has been sober for over four years, I love finding festive drinks that feel just as special as traditional holiday cocktails, without any alcohol. This Holiday Cranberry Mocktail is the perfect way to enjoy the holiday spirit, whether you’re sober curious or taking a break from alcohol.

Ingredients

Juices:

- 2 cups 100% cranberry juice, chilled

- 1.5 cups 100% apple juice, chilled

Fizz:

- 16 ounces unflavored seltzer

Ice:

As needed

Garnishes:

- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (optional)

Optional Sugar Rim:

- Coconut sugar

- Lemon wedge

Instructions

1. Mix the juices: In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry and apple juices. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

2. Optional sugar rim: Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your glasses, then dip them into coconut sugar for a festive touch.

3. Prepare the glasses: Fill four glasses halfway with ice. Pour the juice mixture until each glass is about 1/3 full.

4. Add the sparkle: Top each glass with seltzer, leaving a little room for bubbles to rise and create a festive fizz.

5. Garnish and serve: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few cranberries to each glass for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for the Perfect Holiday Mocktail

- Chill all ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure both juices and seltzer are well-chilled.

- Add more sparkle: For extra fizz, pour the seltzer slowly over the back of a spoon.

- Make it ahead: Prepare the juice mix a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. Add seltzer just before serving to keep the bubbles lively.

- Kid-friendly fun: Let kids help add cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a festive craft-meets-drink experience.

Why You’ll Love This Drink

This Holiday Cranberry Mocktail is not only visually stunning but also a healthier alternative to sugary sodas or alcoholic drinks at holiday parties. The tart cranberry pairs perfectly with the sweetness of apple juice, and the sparkling seltzer adds a fun, festive fizz.

It’s perfect for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve, or even a cozy winter afternoon with family. Bonus: the rosemary sprigs make it look elegant and Instagram-worthy!

Serve it in pretty glasses, add some holiday garnishes, and you’ve got a simple yet impressive drink that everyone will enjoy.

Nanny to Mommy