Mocktail Recipes to Help You Celebrate the Holidays Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.
7 Mocktails to Serve This Season
From fruity sparklers to tangy toddies these alcohol-free picks will please millennials and boomers too
Jamie Grill/Getty Images Whether you're abstaining from alcohol for a single evening or the foreseeable future, a festive beverage in hand can help you enjoy the season, not to mention stick to your upcoming dry January plans. Emma Innocenti/Getty Images And jumping on the mocktail bandwagon as a host lets you offer a healthier option that makes cocktail parties and family brunches feel a little more special, too. The following spritzers, toddies, and fizzes all rely on natural sweetness from fruit and juices. If you want things a little sweeter, we've included a recipe for simple syrup that you can add to any recipe. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Citrus Sparkle
This bubbly blend combines lemon and lime flavors with refreshing mint for a lighter spin on a mojito. 2 tablespoons fresh mint leavesWedge of lemonWedge of limePlain seltzerThinly sliced lemon and lime rounds, for garnish Place mint leaves in a glass. Press a muddler down over the leaves, and twist. When you get a strong scent of mint, remove the muddler. Squeeze the juice from the lemon and lime wedges into the glass. Pour seltzer 3/4 of the way to the top of the glass. Garnish with lemon and lime rounds. Per serving: 10 calories, 1g fat (0.1g saturated fat), 0.5g protein, 3.6mg sodium, 1.7g carbohydrates, 0.3g sugars, 0.9g fiber Cranberry-Ginger Kombucha Spritzer
Kombucha is a fermented, bubbly tea that's surged in popularity in recent years. It's tart, lightly sweet flavor gives this drink a depth that is reminiscent of alcohol. (While kombucha can contain traces of alcohol, any store-bought options are considered nonalcoholic at less than 0.5 percent alcohol.) 3 ice cubes3/4 cup ginger kombucha (such as GT's Enlightened Gingerade or Health-Ade Kombucha in Ginger-Lemon, both available in the refrigerated beverages sections of stores like Whole Foods and Target)1/4 cup unsweetened cranberry juiceWhole cranberries and candied ginger for garnish Put ice cubes into a glass, top with kombucha. Add cranberry juice. Spear a swizzle stick with alternating cranberries and pieces of candied ginger for garnish, then use to stir drink. Per serving (garnish not included): 60 calories, 0.8g fat (0.1g saturated fat), 0.3g protein, 8.4mg sodium, 14.5g carbohydrates, 9.9g sugars, 0.1g fiber Coconut Rainbow Cooler
Who needs sangria when you can mix up a pitcher of this fruity, festive — and colorful! — scene stealer? Packed with produce, this tropical tasting beverage doubles as a satisfying snack. 8 raspberries5 clementine wedges2 thinly sliced lemon rounds1/4 kiwi, skinned and chopped10 blueberries5 red grapes, chopped1 cup coconut water In a tall glass, layer raspberries, clementine wedges, lemon rounds, kiwi, blueberries and grapes. Pour coconut water to the top of the glass. Per serving: 109 calories, 0.9g fat (0.5g saturated fat), 2.6g protein, 253.5mg sodium, 22.6g carbohydrates, 15.7g sugars, 5.3g fiber Blood Orange Rosemary Fizz
The sweet, berry-like flavor of this reddish-orange variety pairs perfectly with the piney, aromatic scent of rosemary to make a perfect holiday splash. 1 small blood orange, halvedPlain seltzer1 fresh rosemary sprig Squeeze the juice from 1/2 of the blood orange into a glass. Remove any seeds. Top with seltzer. Use rosemary sprig to stir the beverage. Cut 2 to 3 thin rounds from the other half of the orange; use to garnish along with rosemary sprig. Per serving: 27 calories, 0.2g fat (0.1g saturated fat), 0.4g protein, 0.6mg sodium, 5.8mg carbohydrates, 4.2g sugars, 0.9 g fiber Zesty Virgin Mary
Even without the alcohol, the traditional vodka-based Bloody Mary has loads of flavor — especially if you don't omit the horseradish, as some recipes do. 1/2 cup low-sodium tomato juice or V81 teaspoon lemon juiceDash of Worcestershire sauce1/4 teaspoon prepared horseradishDash of hot saucePinch of celery saltPinch of freshly ground black pepper3 ice cubes1 celery stalk In a glass, combine tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, celery salt, ground pepper and ice. Stir well. Add celery stalk for garnish. Per serving: 57 calories, 0.8g fat (0.1g saturated fat), 2.3g protein, 754.7mg sodium, 11.8g carbohydrates, 8g sugars, 2.7 g fiber Mocktail Mimosa
Typical mimosas combine orange juice and champagne; we've substituted grapefruit-flavored seltzer to add some tartness, along with red pomegranate arils for punches of color and sweetness. 1/4 cup orange juice1 tablespoon pomegranate arils1/2 cup grapefruit-flavored seltzer AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Hot Tea Toddy
Warm up with a mug of this easy-to-make toddy that's a little sweet, a little spicy and perfect for sipping with friends around a fire. 8 ounces brewed black tea, hot1 teaspoon lemon juice1/4 cup apple cider, warmed1 cinnamon stick Add lemon juice and apple cider to brewed tea. Stir with cinnamon stick, leaving it in the drink so cinnamon flavor continues to infuse. Per serving: 35 calories, 0.1g fat (0.9g saturated fat), 8.4mg sodium, 8.4mg sodium, 8.4g carbohydrates, 7.1g sugars, 0.1g dietary fiber Simple Syrup
Use this bartender's basic to control the amount of sweetness in any beverage. If you're watching your sugar intake, you can use an artificial sweetener instead. Makes 16 servings 1 cup water1 cup sugar In a medium saucepan over a medium flame, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Turn off heat and allow to cool. Store in the refrigerator. Per serving (approximately 1 tablespoon): 50 calories, 0g fat (0g saturated fat), 0g protein, 0.2mg sodium, 12.5g carbohydrates, 12.5g sugars, 0g fiber More Recipes From AARP br
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