Can I make this holiday mocktail ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the cranberry juice, apple juice, lime juice, and sweetener ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the mint and sparkling mixer just before serving to preserve freshness and fizz.

What’s the best sparkling mixer to use?

This depends on your preference! For a spicy kick, use ginger beer. For a light and crisp taste, go with sparkling water. If you're looking for a more elegant or celebratory feel, try an alcohol-free sparkling wine or non-alcoholic champagne.

How can I make this mocktail lower in sugar?

To reduce sugar, use unsweetened cranberry juice and a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup or stevia. Also, avoid optional grenadine and icing sugar. Choose a no-sugar-added sparkling water instead of soda or ginger beer.

Holiday Mocktail – Easy Recipe for Festive Sipping

Name: Holiday Mocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 mint leaves: adds refreshing aroma and flavor; 1 teaspoon maple syrup: provides natural sweetness and warmth; 2 oz cranberry juice: delivers tartness and bold holiday color; 1 oz apple cider or apple juice: brings fruity sweetness and depth; 0.5 oz lime juice: adds citrusy brightness and balance; Top with sparkling water or ginger beer: creates a fizzy, festive finish; Optional – a splash of apple cider vinegar: adds a sharp, complex bite; Optional – a pinch of icing sugar: for a decorative ‘snowy’ effect

Description

This festive Holiday Mocktail is a refreshing non-alcoholic drink featuring cranberry, apple cider, mint, and lime. It’s perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any seasonal celebration. Easy to prepare and adaptable for guests, this drink brings holiday cheer to every glass with its beautiful color and balanced flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

6 mint leaves: adds refreshing aroma and flavor
1 teaspoon maple syrup: provides natural sweetness and warmth
2 oz cranberry juice: delivers tartness and bold holiday color
1 oz apple cider or apple juice: brings fruity sweetness and depth
0.5 oz lime juice: adds citrusy brightness and balance
Top with sparkling water or ginger beer: creates a fizzy, festive finish
Optional – a splash of apple cider vinegar: adds a sharp, complex bite
Optional – a pinch of icing sugar: for a decorative ‘snowy’ effect

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Clap the mint leaves between your hands to release the oils and place them in a shaker or glass.
Add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and gently muddle the mint to bruise it slightly.
Pour in 0.5 oz lime juice, 1 oz apple cider or juice, and 2 oz cranberry juice.
Add ice to the shaker, secure the lid, and shake well for 15–20 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with sparkling water, ginger beer, or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Garnish with mint sprigs, lime wedges, and cranberries. Optionally, dust with icing sugar for decoration.

Notes

Use unsweetened cranberry juice and sugar-free syrup for a low-sugar option.
Apple cider vinegar can mimic the ‘bite’ of alcohol—use sparingly.
Chill all ingredients beforehand to serve the mocktail cold without watering it down.
Scale up ingredients for a batch version using a pitcher or punch bowl.
Create a garnish station for guests to customize their drinks.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 250ml
Calories: 66
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0.2g
Saturated Fat: 0.03g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg