Work parties, family gatherings, cookie exchanges … this time of year finds us with full calendars and lots of reasons to celebrate. For many people, that means drinking alcohol. But for those who abstain because of health, pregnancy or personal preference, it’s still possible to enjoy fun, special beverages.
Mocktails are like cocktails but without the booze. Try these delicious recipes at your next gathering.
Fizzy Pear
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces pear juice
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup (see directions below)
- 2 ounces seltzer water
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Directions:
Combine pear juice, lemon juice and simple syrup in a glass. Add ice and top with seltzer water. Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Simple Syrup:
Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water, heated so the sugar dissolves and then chilled to be added to drinks.
Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- 2 ounces strong green tea
- 1 ounce simple syrup (see directions below)
- 1 ounce ginger beer
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 dashes bitters
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Directions:
Combine ingredients into a shaker and shake. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Simple Syrup:
Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water, heated so the sugar dissolves and then chilled to be added to drinks.
Cranberry Apple Cider Punch
Ingredients:
- 4 cups apple cider, chilled
- 2 cups cranberry juice, chilled
- 2 cups ginger ale, chilled
- 12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- Orange slices, for garnish
Directions:
Stir together cider, cranberry juice, ginger ale and orange juice concentrate. Serve in a large punch bowl with orange slices