Cozy Up This Holiday Season with Festive Mocktails
As the snow falls, the kids get done with school, and work starts to wind down, it’s always fun to get creative with these winter-inspired mocktails. They’re fun for the whole family, whether during a holiday gathering or a festive treat. Check out these recipes for some inspiration on how to make your holidays bright and cheery!
Cranberry Cooler
Cranberry Coolers are refreshing, bright, crispy, and fun! It’s perfect for afternoon sipping during the holidays while you wrap gifts or veg out on the couch with your favorite movies. Plus, it’s easy to make and you can get the kids involved to help. For extra fun, make your own candied cranberries by dipping cranberries in simple syrup and rolling in sugar, and top them on your mocktail!
Ingredients
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- 2 drops of peppermint extract
- 4 oz club soda or sparkling water
- Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Directions
Combine cranberry juice, simple syrup, peppermint extract, and ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Pour into your favorite festive glasses over ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with rosemary sprigs.
Roy Rogers
There’s something special about ordering a Roy Rogers or a Shirly Temple at a diner or your favorite restaurant. Recreate that experience at home for your family with this easy recipe. It only takes three ingredients, and it’s always a hit. Enjoy it as a fun addition to your holiday party.
Ingredients
- 1 oz grenadine
- 8 oz Coke
- 2 maraschino cherries
Directions
Fill a highball glass with plenty of ice. Pour the grenadine over the ice. Fill the rest with Coke and garnish with cherries.
Apple Cider Mimosa
The mimosa is a staple of brunch culture. But who says it only has to be served in the morning or early afternoon? Change up the classic cocktail this holiday with a non-alcoholic alternative the whole family can enjoy. This has quickly become a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 4 oz fresh orange juice
- 4 oz sparkling apple cider
Directions
Slowly pour the chilled sparkling apple cider into a champagne flute. Wait for the bubbles to dissipate on top. Slowly pour the chilled fresh orange juice. It’s that easy! Feel free to garnish with a fresh slice of orange or even pineapple.
Frost Bite
Time to get fancy. This mocktail combines flavor with presentation and will surely be a hit at your holiday party. Anything served in a martini glass is fun, right? It’s fruity, crisp, refreshing, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz white grape juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- Fresh blueberries
- Mint leaves
- 3 oz sparkling water or Sprite for something sweeter
Directions
Add the lime juice, mint, and blueberries into a cocktail shaker. Muddle the fruit and mint with a cocktail muddler or the back of a spoon. Pour in the pineapple juice, grape juice and add plenty of ice. Shake well till all the ingredients mix and the mocktail is chilled. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a few fresh blueberries.
Rather leave the bartending to us? Join us at one of Black Hawk’s many restaurant options.