Easy Holiday Mocktail

Holiday mocktail recipes don’t get much better than this festive cranberry-apple blend. With its bold red color, a touch of mint, and a sparkling finish, it’s the perfect alcohol-free drink for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any winter gathering. This mocktail is quick to make, easy to scale for parties, and totally customizable—plus, it tastes just as good as it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🎄 Festive Flavor Combo: Tart cranberry, sweet apple, zesty lime, and spicy ginger combine in perfect holiday harmony.
• 🧊 Effortless to Make: Ready in 5 minutes—no bartending skills required!
• 🍸 Party-Friendly: Make a single glass or prep a whole pitcher for guests.
• 🪄 Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, fizz, or flavor depth based on your preferences or ingredients on hand.

Ingredients

• 6 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tsp maple syrup (or preferred sweetener)
• 2 oz cranberry juice (low sugar, if desired)
• 1 oz apple cider or apple juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Sparkling water or ginger beer, to top
• Optional:
  • Splash of apple cider vinegar (adds a bite)
  • Pinch of icing sugar (for a snowy garnish)
  • Non-alcoholic sparkling wine (for an elegant twist)

Instructions

this recipe

1. Muddle the Mint: Clap the mint leaves between your palms and add them to a shaker with the maple syrup. Gently press down with a muddler to release flavor—don’t crush!
2. Add Juices: Pour in lime juice, cranberry juice, and apple juice. Add ice and shake for about 10 seconds.
3. Strain & Serve: Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top & Garnish: Top with sparkling water or ginger beer. Garnish with fresh cranberries, lime slices, or a dusting of icing sugar if desired.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Estimated Cost: $1.50 per serving

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 66
Carbohydrates: 17g
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Vitamin C: 12mg
Iron: 0.5mg
Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

Tips & Variations

• Make a Batch: Multiply the ingredients by your desired number of servings. Use a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add sparkling water right before serving to retain fizz.
• Garnish Station: Let guests decorate their drinks with mint sprigs, fresh cranberries, lime wheels, or edible glitter.
• Lower Sugar Option: Use monk fruit syrup or stevia and opt for unsweetened juices.
• Add Depth: A splash of apple cider vinegar adds complexity—great for those who miss the bite of alcohol.
• Make It Fancy: Top with non-alcoholic sparkling rosé or champagne alternative for a grown-up mocktail.

Holiday Mocktail with Cranberry and Apple

A festive, alcohol-free drink made with cranberry, apple, lime, and mint. Perfect for holiday gatherings, quick to prepare, and easily customizable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 66

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 6 fresh mint leaves
• – 1 tsp maple syrup or preferred sweetener
• – 2 oz cranberry juice
• – 1 oz apple juice or cider
• – ½ oz lime juice
• – Sparkling water or ginger beer
• – Optional: splash of apple cider vinegar pinch of icing sugar

Equipment

• – Cocktail shaker or mason jar
• – Muddler or wooden spoon
• – Measuring jigger
• – Strainer
• Serving glass

Method

 

1. Clap mint leaves and add to shaker with maple syrup. Muddle gently.
2. Add lime juice, cranberry juice, and apple juice. Add ice and shake.
3. Strain into ice-filled glass.
4. Top with sparkling water or ginger beer. Garnish as desired.

Notes

– Adjust sweetness with preferred sweetener
– Use chilled ingredients for best flavor
– Top with alcohol-free sparkling wine for an elevated touch

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice?
Yes, though fresh lime juice gives a brighter, fresher flavor.

What’s a good substitute for maple syrup?
Honey syrup, agave, or a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit all work well.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just skip the apple cider vinegar or any sharp mixers.

Conclusion

This holiday mocktail is a cheerful, alcohol-free drink that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or toasting the season around the fire, it’s a beautiful and delicious way to celebrate. Serve it chilled, garnished to perfection, and paired with your favorite seasonal snacks.