Photo by Andrew Wong
Let’s talk about drinking alcohol this time of year. If you drink alcohol, sometimes the holidays can feel like they give us a free pass to drink unlimited quantities and the outcomes don’t really matter because, “Hey it’s the holidays!” Sound familiar?
Saying no to alcohol or not being peer-pressured to consume alcohol at every holiday party, dinner or get together is a conscious choice. And sometimes we might go into a party saying, “I am just going to have one glass of wine tonight,” but in reality that might turn into a few more than we planned. Ooopps. Or we might go out to dinner with a friend or a holiday party and not feel like drinking, but still want to feel festive and fun.
Below are four fun and creative mocktail drinks to sip on that are perfect to enjoy this holiday season. You can still be sipping on something delightful and refreshing and not have FOMO for not having a glass of wine. You will also thank me the next day when you don’t feel hungover, bloated or puffy.
Mocktails When Out & About:
A Jolly Seltzer
Sometimes just having seltzer water when out and saying no to booze is not as satisfying as we want it to be. Adding a little sweet and sour to the mix might help do the trick. Ask the bartender for a seltzer with a splash of cranberry/pomegranate juice and garnished with a lime. This drink also looks festive so you will feel more confident walking around with it and won’t get the annoying questions of “Why aren’t you drinking tonight?”
Virgin Moscow Mule
Ask for the copper cup and request 1 part ginger beer 2 parts seltzer and lots of lime juice. This way you still get the refreshing crisp taste of ginger, but with half the amount of sugar if you were just to have a ginger beer or ginger ale.
Mocktails to Create at Home or Bring to Parties:
Elderflower & Bubbles
Grab your favorite elderflower cordial and mix it with your favorite bubbly water so the flavor isn’t as strong or sweet. This drink is so refreshing it will keep your senses stimulated for the whole night. (I learned this one from my cousin in London and LOVE it!)
Dandelion Chai Tea (herbal tea)
When you go to a friend’s house, who says you need to bring a bottle of wine? Mix it up and bring over some tea if that’s what you are in the mood to drink. Dandelion tea has a lot of detox benefits for your liver, as well as boosts your immune system, which is perfect during flu and cold season. I personally have been really into Traditional Medicinals Dandelion Chai tea with probiotics.