Whether you’re hosting a gathering for the holidays or ringing in the new year at home, consider adding booze-free beverages to your celebration.
Winter mocktails add a fun twist to any occasion and can also be another way to get key nutrients.
“These drinks are a great way to add fruits, spices and herbs to your daily diet that you maybe wouldn’t have otherwise,” said Windsor Lynch, a registered dietitian with Tidelands Health. “Certain fruits, herbs and spices – like cranberries, cloves and ginger – contain phytochemicals and anti-inflammatory benefits, which can offer protection from some diseases.”
Here are a few mocktail recipes to try this holiday season. Each recipe makes two glasses but can be easily multiplied if you’re serving a crowd.
Sparkling pear mocktail
Ingredients
Directions
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1Combine ginger, honey and lemon in a shaker, cover and shake until the honey is dissolved.
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2Add the pear juice and shake again until combined.
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3Strain the pear mixture into two ice-filled glasses.
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4Top with ginger beer or ale and garnish with a thin pear slice and rosemary sprig.
Winter-spice orange mocktail
Ingredients
Directions
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1In a small saucepan, boil water, sugar, orange zest and one cinnamon stick until sugar dissolves.
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2Once dissolved, reduce heat and add orange juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the flavors combine.
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3Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature.
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4Strain the orange mixture into two ice-filled glasses and top with club soda. Add an orange slice and cinnamon stick for garnish.
Cranberry juice and clove mocktail
Ingredients
Directions
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1 Combine fresh cranberries, an orange slice, honey, dried cloves and water in a small saucepan.
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2Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is soft and fragrant.
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3Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Add one cup of cranberry juice into the mixture, cover and refrigerate for about eight hours.
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4To serve, strain the mixture into two ice-filled glasses and top with club soda. For a special touch, garnish with a rosemary sprig, fresh cranberries and half of a thin orange slice.
Recipes courtesy of Sodexo
