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Holiday mocktails

Festive drinks everyone at the table can enjoy, from kids to grandparents to the designated driver. One warm, one sparkling, both made ahead.

The holiday menu

Holiday crowds are mixed, so serve one warm drink and one cold, sparkling one.

Grapefruit rosemary spritzBubbly and bright, make-ahead base Cranberry orange muleHoliday favorite with ginger fizz Spiced apple cider punchServe warm from a slow cooker

Warm drink station

Set a slow cooker of spiced apple cider punch on the warm setting with a ladle, mugs, and a jar of cinnamon sticks. It fills the house with a holiday smell and needs no attention all night.

Cold drink station

The cranberry orange mule is red, sparkly, and looks festive in any glass. Mix the juice base ahead and top it with ginger beer as guests arrive.

Ideas by holiday

Thanksgiving: Spiced cider in the afternoon, then sparkling cider with dinner.
Christmas: Cranberry mules with rosemary sprigs that look like little trees.
New Year's Eve: Grapefruit spritzes, then non-alcoholic sparkling wine for the midnight toast.

Make an ice ring. Freeze cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary in a ring mold the night before. It keeps the punch cold, doesn't water it down fast, and looks like a centerpiece.

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