Holiday mocktail season is the perfect excuse to shake up a drink that’s vibrant, fruity, and completely alcohol-free. This festive mocktail blends tangy cranberry, crisp apple, and a twist of lime, topped with sparkling fizz and garnished with mint. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a Christmas brunch, or just want a seasonal treat, this drink brings color and cheer to any occasion.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🎄 Holiday flavors in a glass: Cranberry, apple, lime, and mint make this drink feel like Christmas in every sip.
- 🍸 Zero-proof sophistication: A drink everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults avoiding alcohol.
- 🕒 Quick to prepare: Just a few minutes and a handful of ingredients is all it takes.
- 🍹 Customizable: Make it by the glass or mix a big batch in a pitcher for guests.
- 🌿 Beautiful presentation: Garnish with fresh mint, cranberries, and a touch of icing sugar for a snowy finish.
Ingredients
- Fresh mint leaves (about 6 per drink)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey/your preferred sweetener)
- 2 oz cranberry juice (low-sugar optional)
- 1 oz apple cider or cloudy apple juice
- ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- Sparkling water, ginger beer, or alcohol-free sparkling wine (to top off)
- Optional:
- Splash of apple cider vinegar (for a hint of tang)
- Touch of grenadine (for deeper color)
- Dusting of icing sugar (for a festive “snow” effect)
Instructions
- Muddle mint: Gently clap the mint in your hands to release oils. Add to a shaker or glass with maple syrup. Lightly muddle – just enough to bruise the leaves.
- Add liquids: Pour in lime juice, cranberry juice, and apple juice.
- Shake: Add ice and shake well if using a shaker. Otherwise, stir thoroughly in your glass or pitcher.
- Strain & serve: Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top & garnish: Top with your preferred bubbly mixer. Garnish with cranberries, mint, and a lime wedge. Dust with icing sugar if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Servings: 1 (can be scaled for a crowd)
Nutrition Facts (Estimated)
- Calories: 66 kcal
- Carbs: 17g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Vitamin C: 12mg
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Use low-sugar juice and sweeteners to reduce overall carbs and sugar.
Tips & Variations
- Make it a batch: Multiply ingredients and prepare in a pitcher or punch bowl. Add sparkling mixer just before serving.
- Add bite: A splash of apple cider vinegar adds complexity.
- Garnish station: Create a festive DIY garnish bar with mint, lime, cranberries, and twinkling lights.
- Keep it chilled: Use cold juice and mixers so ice doesn’t dilute the flavor.
- Kids’ version: Skip the vinegar and use sparkling water or ginger ale.
Festive Holiday Mocktail
Equipment
- – Cocktail shaker or mason jar
- – Muddler or wooden spoon
- – Serving glass
Ingredients
- – 6 fresh mint leaves
- – 1 tsp maple syrup or preferred sweetener
- – 2 oz cranberry juice
- – 1 oz apple cider or apple juice
- – ½ oz fresh lime juice
- – Sparkling water ginger beer, or NA sparkling wine (to top)
- – Optional:
- – Splash of apple cider vinegar
- – Touch of grenadine
- – Dusting of icing sugar
Instructions
- Clap mint leaves and add to shaker with syrup. Muddle gently.
- Add lime, cranberry, and apple juice. Add ice and shake well.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Top with sparkling mixer.
- Garnish with mint, lime, cranberries, and optional icing sugar.
Notes
– For large batches, multiply ingredients and serve in a punch bowl.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix everything except the sparkling mixer. Store chilled and top off with bubbles just before serving.
What’s the best non-alcoholic mixer for this?
Sparkling water keeps it light, ginger beer adds spice, and alcohol-free sparkling wine makes it more festive.
Is there a sugar-free option?
Absolutely. Use low-sugar cranberry juice and a sugar-free sweetener like monkfruit syrup.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch. Adjust to taste.
Conclusion
This holiday mocktail is a celebration in a glass — full of vibrant flavors, easy to prepare, and fit for any festive table. With options to tweak and batch, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite for everyone, from kids to adults. So mix it up, sip, and celebrate the season without the booze!