For some of us, the holidays are lit — and we’re not talking menorahs.
Seasonal cocktails like egg nog, hot toddies and peppermint martinis shine this time of year at holiday gatherings. But don’t be surprised if you see more mocktails in the mix this year.
The sober curious movement — choosing to drink less alcohol or not drink at all — has been gaining popularity over the past few years. One survey found nearly half of participants planned to drink less in 2025, and 1 in 4 didn’t drink at all in 2024.
“It used to be if you ordered a nonalcoholic drink and you were female, people thought you were pregnant,” said dietician and cookbook author Susan Greeley, MS, RDN. “Those days are over.”
In addition to attitude, nonalcoholic drink choices — namely mocktails — have really stepped up their game in terms of creativity and quality, making them more appealing to anyone who wants something delicious to sip on.
Read: My First Dry January Was Overflowing With 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 easily incorporated into festive mocktails. Or when in doubt, go unadulterated cranberry or cranberry juice for a health boost. “Cranberries are so healthy — they're a superfood even in juice form,” Greeley said.
If you’re curious about mocktails or serving booze-free bevvies at your holiday party, here are 3 Greeley original recipes that are cause for celebration. Cheers!
Holiday Mocktail Recipes
Blackberry “Margarita”
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Flavor profile: Juicy, tangy, 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 brightness)
- 3 ounces sparkling lime water (or plain sparkling water)
- Tajín or salt for rim
- Lime wheel and blackberry for garnish
Drink Directions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with lime and dip in Tajín or salt.
2. In a shaker, muddle (using a pestle) blackberries with lime juice, agave and basil.
3. Add ice and shake vigorously.
4. Strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
5. Top with sparkling water and gently stir.
6. Garnish with the lime wheel and a blackberry.
Crimson Crush Cooler
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Flavor profile: Bright, citrusy, lightly spiced — vibrant and seasonal
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of 100% cranberry juice
- 6 ounces tonic water
- 1 ounce simple syrup*
- Crushed ice
- Orange twist for garnish
Drink Directions:
1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add cranberry juice 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 until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes. Take it off the heat and let it cool completely before adding the syrup into the drink.
Midnight Cherry Spritz
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Flavor profile: Tart, lightly sweet and refreshing with herbal depth
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces tart cherry juice
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1 1/2 ounces of honey–rosemary syrup*
- Aromatic bitters (optional, alcohol-free if needed)
- 3 ounces sparkling water
- Fresh rosemary sprigs and/or lemon wheel 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, cool and strain.
Drink Directions:
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 with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a lemon wheel.
