Easy Holiday Mocktail recipes are a must-have this season, and this one brings all the festive flavor with none of the fuss. Bright cranberry, crisp apple, a zing of lime, and the subtle spice of ginger make this non-alcoholic drink a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or hosting a winter gathering, this mocktail is as joyful to drink as it is to serve.

With its sparkling red hue and customizable garnish, this holiday mocktail is a sophisticated alcohol-free alternative for adults—and fun for kids too. Best of all, you can make it in just minutes, one glass at a time or scaled up in a pitcher for party guests.

Table of Contents

✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So festive – With vibrant red color and garnish options like cranberries and mint, this is a show-stopping sip.
Perfect flavor balance – Tart cranberry, sweet apple, citrusy lime, and your choice of sparkle.
Totally customizable – Use sparkling water, ginger beer, or even a non-alcoholic wine.
Alcohol-free & family-friendly – A sophisticated sip for all ages.
Batch-ready – Make one or scale it up easily for parties.

🛒 Ingredients

6 mint leaves – Fresh is best
1 teaspoon maple syrup – Or your sweetener of choice
2 oz cranberry juice – Low-sugar or regular
1 oz apple cider or cloudy apple juice – For richness
½ oz fresh lime juice – Bottled works if needed
Sparkling water or ginger beer – To top off
Optional:
- Splash of apple cider vinegar (for bite)
- Pinch of powdered sugar (for a “snowy” effect garnish)

🧊 Equipment You’ll Need

Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
Muddler (or wooden spoon handle)
Serving glass (rocks or stemless wine glass work well)
Strainer (optional, if using shaker)

🍹 How to Make This Easy Holiday Mocktail

Step-by-Step (Single Serving):

Clap your mint – Place the leaves in your hands and give them a clap to release the oils.
Muddle the mint – Add to shaker with maple syrup and gently press (don’t shred).
Add juices – Pour in cranberry, apple, and lime juice.
Shake with ice – Add ice to shaker and shake well.
Strain & serve – Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
Top & garnish – Finish with sparkling water or ginger beer and garnish with mint, lime, and/or cranberries. Dust with powdered sugar if you like!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Hosting a Crowd? Make a Batch!

Use a pitcher or punch bowl
Multiply the ingredient amounts by your desired number of servings
Muddle the mint with sweetener directly in the pitcher
Add all juices and stir well
Top with sparkling water or ginger beer just before serving
Serve over ice and offer a garnish station with mint, lime, and cranberries

🧠 Pro Tips

Chill ingredients ahead – Cold juice makes better mocktails
Use fresh lime juice – It brightens all the flavors
Want a grown-up twist? – Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a zero-proof spirit
Garnish like a pro – Mint sprigs, floating cranberries, and lime wheels = holiday magic
Create a mocktail bar – Let guests mix their own with your pre-prepped ingredients

🔢 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 66
Carbs: 17g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0.2g
Sodium: 5mg
Vitamin C: 12mg
Calcium: 31mg
Iron: 0.5mg

Use low-sugar cranberry juice or monk fruit syrup to reduce sugar content.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Mix everything but the sparkling element ahead of time and refrigerate. Add the fizz just before serving to keep it bubbly.

What sparkling drinks work best?

Sparkling water for light and crisp, ginger beer for a spicy kick, or alcohol-free sparkling wine for sophistication.

Is there a substitute for mint?

Fresh rosemary sprigs add a piney festive touch and pair well with cranberry.

Can kids drink this?

Absolutely! It’s alcohol-free and packed with real fruit juice flavors.

Easy Holiday Mocktail

This festive non-alcoholic drink combines cranberry, apple, and lime with a bubbly finish—perfect for holiday entertaining.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Drinks, Mocktails

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 66 kcal

Equipment

– Cocktail shaker or mason jar
– Muddler or wooden spoon handle
– Serving glass
– Strainer (optional)

Ingredients

– 6 mint leaves
– 1 tsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
– 2 oz cranberry juice
– 1 oz apple cider or cloudy apple juice
– ½ oz fresh lime juice
– Top with sparkling water or ginger beer
– Optional: splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of icing sugar

Instructions

Clap mint leaves and add to shaker with maple syrup. Muddle gently.
Add cranberry juice, apple juice, and lime juice.
Fill shaker with ice and shake well.
Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
Top with sparkling water or ginger beer.
Garnish with mint, cranberries, lime, and dust with icing sugar if desired.

Notes

– Use chilled juices for best results.
– For lower sugar, choose low-sugar cranberry juice or monk fruit syrup.
– To make a batch: scale ingredients and mix in a pitcher. Add fizz just before serving.

Keyword Easy Holiday Mocktail

🎉 Conclusion

This Easy Holiday Mocktail is the perfect festive drink to brighten any holiday table. With bold flavors, eye-catching color, and endless customization, it’s your go-to option for a non-alcoholic drink that still feels special. Whether you’re hosting brunch, dinner, or a winter celebration, this sparkling mocktail checks all the boxes—easy, delicious, and beautiful.