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Easy Holiday Mocktail

This holiday mocktail combines cranberry juice and apple cider with fresh mint and lime for a festive non-alcoholic option. Easy to customize and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Featured in Drinks for any time.

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Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:20:22 GMT
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A festive drink garnished with mint, lime, and cranberries, served in a glass on a wooden coaster, surrounded by more cranberries. Save it
A festive drink garnished with mint, lime, and cranberries, served in a glass on a wooden coaster, surrounded by more cranberries. | myhomemaderecipe.com

This easy holiday mocktail brings festive cheer to any gathering without the need for alcohol. After years of hosting holiday parties I've perfected this blend of cranberry apple and maple that captures the spirit of the season. It's become my go-to recipe when I want something special that everyone can enjoy.

Pure Holiday Magic

What makes this holiday mocktail so special is how it brings together classic seasonal flavors in a beautiful refreshing drink. The combination of tart cranberry sweet apple and warming maple creates something truly magical. My guests always ask for the recipe surprised at how simple yet sophisticated it tastes.

What You'll Need

  • Mint Leaves: 6 fresh from the garden if possible.
  • Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon pure is best.
  • Cranberry Juice: 2 ounces not too sweet.
  • Apple Cider: 1 ounce fresh pressed if you can find it.
  • Lime Juice: 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed.
  • Sparkling Water: Just enough for fizz.
  • Optional: Those little extras that make it special.

Let's Make Magic

Start with Mint
Wake up those lovely mint oils with gentle handling.
Mix the Base
Combine your juices with care and precision.
Shake It Up
Give everything a good chill and blend.
Add the Sparkle
Top with bubbles and beautiful garnishes.

Success Secrets

The key to a perfect holiday mocktail is using chilled ingredients and adding the sparkling water last. I've found that muddling the mint gently rather than crushing it prevents any bitter flavors. And don't skip that fresh lime juice it brings everything together beautifully.

Share the Joy

This holiday mocktail shines at any festive gathering. Set up a beautiful garnish station and let everyone customize their drinks. It's amazing how something so simple can bring such joy to a celebration. The vibrant color and festive garnishes make everyone feel special even without the alcohol.

A close-up of a colorful cocktail garnished with mint leaves, lime slices, and cranberries, served in a glass with a sugared rim, with additional drinks blurred in the background. Save it
A close-up of a colorful cocktail garnished with mint leaves, lime slices, and cranberries, served in a glass with a sugared rim, with additional drinks blurred in the background. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make this lower in sugar?
Use low sugar cranberry juice and replace maple syrup with a low sugar sweetener like monkfruit maple syrup.
→ Why add apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle 'bite' similar to alcohol. Start with a small amount as it's strong.
→ What can I use for topping?
Either sparkling water or ginger beer works well. You can also try non-alcoholic sparkling wine for a more sophisticated feel.
→ Why clap the mint leaves?
Clapping mint leaves helps release their oils and aroma without over-muddling, which can make the drink bitter.
→ Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes, multiply the ingredients to make a batch. Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz.

Conclusion

A delightful and easy-to-make holiday mocktail that brings festive cheer without alcohol. Combines the tartness of cranberry, the sweetness of apple cider, and the freshness of mint to create a perfect non-alcoholic beverage for gatherings.

Easy Holiday Mocktail

A festive non-alcoholic drink combining cranberry juice, apple cider, and fresh mint, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 Servings (1 drink)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 6 mint leaves.
02 1 teaspoon maple syrup.
03 2 oz cranberry juice.
04 1 oz apple cider or apple juice.
05 1/2 oz lime juice.
06 Sparkling water or ginger beer for topping.
07 Splash apple cider vinegar (optional).
08 Pinch icing sugar (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Clap mint leaves in hands and add to shaker with maple syrup. Gently muddle to bruise mint.

Step 02

Add lime juice, cranberry juice, apple juice and ice. Shake well.

Step 03

Strain into ice-filled glass. Top with sparkling water or ginger beer. Garnish with cranberries, mint and/or lime.

Step 04

Dust with icing sugar for snow effect if desired.

Notes

  1. Can be made lower sugar with substitutions.
  2. Apple cider vinegar adds alcohol-like bite.
  3. Can be made in batches for parties.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cocktail shaker.
  • Muddler.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 66
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
  • Protein: 1 g