Okay, let’s be honest. Christmas is amazing, but sometimes the eggnog just… doesn’t hit the spot. Or maybe you’re hosting friends who don’t drink, or you’re just wanting a cozy, festive beverage that won’t leave you feeling fuzzy. Fear not, fellow festive fanatics! I’ve rounded up 12 non-alcoholic Christmas drinks that are guaranteed to spread cheer (and aren’t just sparkling cider. Though, we’ll include that too, because it is classic!). We’re talking warmth, sparkle, spice, and all the cozy vibes your holiday season deserves. Get ready to impress your guests (and yourself!) with these easy-to-make, flavor-packed concoctions. Who doesn’t love a warm drink on a chilly yule tide? Let’s get brewing!
1. Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider 🍎🍊
This one screams “Christmas morning!” It’s a perfect balance of tart cranberry, sweet apple, and warm spices. Seriously, the aroma alone will fill your house with holiday magic.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups Apple Cider (the good stuff, please!)
- 1 cup Cranberry Juice (100% juice, not cocktail)
- 1 Orange, sliced
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 tsp Whole Cloves
- 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- Optional: Star Anise for extra flair (and because it looks gorgeous!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine apple cider, cranberry juice, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a large pot.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for at least 30 minutes (longer is better—the longer it simmers, the more flavorful it gets!).
- Stir in nutmeg and remove from heat. Strain before serving.
Why You’ll Love It: This is ridiculously easy (seriously, minimal effort for maximum holiday impact), warm, and wonderfully fragrant. I once used frozen cranberries—huge mistake! Fresh or frozen, it’s a win, but fresh are always the best. 🙂
2. Peppermint Hot Chocolate 🍫❄️
Okay, this isn’t groundbreaking, but a really good peppermint hot chocolate is. We’re talking rich, decadent, and perfectly minty.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Milk (whole milk is the way to go, IMO!)
- 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed for a deeper chocolate flavor)
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Peppermint Extract (don’t go crazy!)
- Whipped Cream, for topping
- Crushed Candy Canes, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
- Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
- Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Why You’ll Love It: The perfect treat for a cold evening. The peppermint extract is powerful, so start small and add more to taste. Trust me, you’ll want to curl up with a blanket and a book with this one.
3. Sparkling Pomegranate Rosemary Refresher 🥂🌿
This is the fancy one. Surprisingly simple to make, yet looks like you hired a mixologist.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Sparkling Water or Club Soda
- 1 cup Pomegranate Juice (100%)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
- 4 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- Ice Cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Gently muddle 1-2 rosemary sprigs in a pitcher. Don’t overdo it – just a little is enough to release the flavor.
- Add pomegranate juice and lime juice to the pitcher.
- Fill the pitcher with sparkling water or club soda.
- Add ice cubes and garnish with the remaining rosemary sprigs.
Why You’ll Love It: The rosemary adds such a unique, aromatic twist to the tart pomegranate. FYI, muddling rosemary can be a bit prickly, so handle with care!
4. Ginger-Lemon Sparkling Punch 🍋✨
Need a bright and zesty pick-me-up? This one’s got you covered. The ginger adds a lovely warmth, while the lemon keeps it refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Ginger Ale
- 2 cups Lemonade (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/2 cup Lime Juice
- Lemon Slices and Ginger Candies, for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine ginger ale, lemonade, and lime juice in a large punch bowl or pitcher.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add ice and garnish with lemon slices and ginger candies.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a crowd-pleaser, super easy to prepare, and deliciously bubbly. I find it pairs beautifully with holiday appetizers.
5. Orange & Cinnamon Infused Water 🍊💧
Okay, skipping the sweetness for a moment. Sometimes you just need something hydrating with a hint of holiday cheer.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups Water
- 2 Oranges, sliced
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- Optional: A few sprigs of fresh mint
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place orange slices and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher.
- Pour water over the fruit and spices.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to infuse.
Why You’ll Love It: Simple, refreshing, and naturally flavored. It’s a wonderful alternative to sugary drinks and feels celebratory without being overly sweet.
6. Caramel Apple Smoothie 🍎🍯
Who says Christmas drinks have to be hot? This smoothie is thick, creamy, and packed with cozy flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1 Frozen Banana
- 1/2 cup Milk (any kind works!)
- 1 tbsp Caramel Sauce
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
- Ice Cubes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Add ice cubes if desired.
Why You’ll Love It: A quick and satisfying treat! I tried adding a pinch of nutmeg once – definitely a flavor combo worth experimenting with.
7. Pineapple Coconut Delight 🍍🥥
Bringing a tropical vibe to the holidays? This is your drink. It’s bright, refreshing, and unexpectedly festive.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Pineapple Juice
- 2 cups Coconut Milk (canned, full-fat for maximum creaminess)
- 1/4 cup Lime Juice
- Pineapple Chunks & Toasted Coconut Flakes, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine pineapple juice, coconut milk, and lime juice in a pitcher.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add ice and garnish with pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes.
Why You’ll Love It: The combination of pineapple and coconut is divine! It’s a light and fun alternative to heavier holiday drinks.
8. White Chocolate Vanilla Steamer 🥛🍦
Think of this as a grown-up hot chocolate, but with that creamy vanilla essence.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 2 tbsp White Chocolate Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Whipped Cream (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat milk in a saucepan or using a milk frother.
- Stir in white chocolate syrup and vanilla extract.
- Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream, if desired.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s pure comfort in a mug. I sometimes add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the white chocolate flavor—it’s a game-changer!
9. Cherry Vanilla Fizz 🍒✨
Give the classic Cherry Coke a holiday makeover!
Ingredients:
- 4 Cups Sparkling Water
- 1 cup Cherry Juice
- 1/2 cup Vanilla Syrup
- Maraschino Cherries, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine sparkling water, cherry juice, and vanilla syrup in a pitcher.
- Stir well until combined.
- Add ice and garnish with maraschino cherries.
Why You’ll Love It: Sweet and bubbly, this is an easy favourite for the whole family!
10. Maple Pecan Latte (Non-Alcoholic) 🍁🌰
All the cozy goodness of a latte, without the booze.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Strong Brewed Coffee
- 1 cup Milk (frothed if you’re feeling fancy)
- 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/4 tsp Pecan Extract
- Whipped Cream & Chopped Pecans, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine coffee, milk, maple syrup, and pecan extract in a mug.
- Stir well to combine.
- Top with whipped cream and chopped pecans, if desired.
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for those who love a warm and nutty treat!
11. Tangy Raspberry Lime Spritzer 🍋🌿
Tart and refreshing—perfect for cleansing the palate between rich holiday meals.
Ingredients:
- 4 Cups Sparkling Water
- 1 cup Raspberry Puree (or fresh raspberries, muddled)
- 1/2 cup Lime Juice
- Fresh Mint Sprigs, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine sparkling water, raspberry puree, and lime juice in a pitcher.
- Stir well until combined.
- Add ice and garnish with fresh mint sprigs.
Why You’ll Love It: A bright and flavorful alternative to heavier drinks.
12. Cinnamon Apple Refresher 🍎✨
This one holds all the warm, comforting flavors that you expect from a Christmas day treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 Cups Apple Juice
- 1 Cup Sparkling Water
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- Apple Slices, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine apple juice, sparkling water, and cinnamon in a pitcher.
- Stir well until combined.
- Add ice and garnish with apple slices.
Why You’ll Love It: Simple and delicious, it’s just the thing to make your Christmas a bit brighter!
Cheers to a Delicious Holiday Season! 🥂
There you have it – 12 incredible non-alcoholic Christmas drinks that are sure to delight your taste buds and spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re craving something warm, bubbly, fruity, or creamy, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on these creations! After all, the best recipes are the ones you make your own. Happy holidays! 🙂
