Stay Toasty With Non-Alcoholic Drinks This Winter

As the days get shorter and the weather cools down in the northern hemisphere, most of us start spending a lot more time indoors. This can come with its fair share of fun — game nights with the family, a few more hours to catch up on Netflix shows, dinner parties — but it can also be bothersome. This is especially so for those of us who are cutting back on or quitting alcohol.

Changing our drinking habits requires ongoing persistence and commitment. However, the winter months and the increased amount of time spent indoors can lead to or worsen mental health issues. This can trigger us to drink, as many of our coping mechanisms — outdoor exercise or hangouts with friends, for instance — may not be as available.

It’s important to be prepared with alternatives to alcohol as we navigate winter, so we aren’t tempted to overindulge or stray from our goals. In this blog post, we’ll share several winter mocktails you can enjoy, including some (delicious!) hot non-alcoholic beverages.

What Is a Mocktail?

For those who aren’t familiar, mocktails are non-alcoholic versions of traditional alcoholic beverages — non-alcoholic adaptations of margaritas, mojitos, and Moscow mules, for instance. However, mocktails can also more broadly encompass alcohol alternatives, including sparkling water, teas, and even warm winter drinks like cider or spiced milks. 

Mocktails have gained popularity in bars, especially among the Gen Z sober curious crowd and those who’ve adopted an alcohol-free lifestyle. And many major brands are responding, coming out with non-alcoholic versions of drinks for those who choose not to imbibe. 

While anyone can enjoy a mocktail, they’re an especially good choice for people who are cutting back on or quitting alcohol. Mocktails provide many of the same flavors and textures of alcoholic beverages, minus the negative health effects and intoxication. When someone craves alcohol, mocktails can easily satisfy that craving without the risk of getting drunk or drinking too much. 

Many mocktails even have health benefits when they contain certain spices, such as cinnamon or turmeric. Furthermore, they’re often lower in calories than traditional cocktails, making them an excellent option for those who are quitting alcohol for weight loss. 

Warm Non-Alcoholic Drinks: 6 Recipes To Try

With the cooler weather, many of us might want to cozy up on the couch with a warm beverage. What about warm winter drinks, non-alcoholic of course? Are there any options? 

There are a few, in fact, and we’ll share our favorites here. Each of these warm, wintery drinks will help you break the chill — and also give you a health boost. These options make great choices for non-alcoholic party drinks, so go ahead and serve them up at your next holiday gathering. 

Alcohol-Free Hot Toddy

A hot toddy is a warm, soothing drink typically made with hot water, honey, lemon, and a spirit like whiskey or brandy. It's often enjoyed in cold weather and is sometimes used as a home remedy for cold and flu symptoms. 

This drink can still be enjoyed alcohol-free! And one of the best things about this recipe, aside from its health benefits, is how quickly it comes together. Here’s a recipe to try (adapted from The Spruce Eats). 

Ingredients (makes 1 serving)

• 7 oz hot tea (peppermint, rooibos, chamomile, or decaffeinated Earl Grey)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (a cinnamon stick also works)
• ½ tsp cloves
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Lemon wedge (as garnish)

Instructions

1. Grab all of the ingredients. Add the honey, lemon juice, and spices to a warm mug.  
2. Pour freshly-brewed tea into the mug.
3. Stir everything together for 20 seconds or until mixed. 
4. Add the lemon wedge to the side of the mug as a garnish. Sip and savor the flavors! 

Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Nothing says winter like hot chocolate! If you’re looking for a change, this red velvet hot chocolate is the perfect blend of indulgent and healthy. (We’ve adapted the recipe, which also comes with an optional coconut whip cream recipe, from Sophie Bourdon.)

Ingredients (makes 2 servings)

• 2 cups dairy-free milk (coconut, oat, cashew, or almond)
• ½ cooked and grated medium-sized beet 
• 3 tbsp cacao powder (raw)
• 3-6 dates, pitted and chopped (you can add more or less depending on how sweet you’d like the drink to be)
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of fine grain sea salt

Instructions

1. Add the milk, beet, cacao powder, pitted dates, cinnamon, and vanilla to a high-speed blender. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth. 
2. Taste the mix for sweetness. If desired, add more dates. Strain the beets through a sieve if they haven’t fully processed.
3. Once it’s combined, add the mixture to a saucepan. Turn the stove to low-medium heat and warm the mix, whisking often.
4. As soon as the mixture warms up, remove it from the stove and pour it into two mugs.
5. Wait for it to cool. If you’d like, add some whipped cream or marshmallows. Enjoy!

Honey Lemon Ginger Tea

The holidays are notorious for their food indulgences. If your digestion has been off, or you’re feeling under the weather, this honey lemon ginger tea can nurse you back to health. (This recipe is adapted from The Wimpy Vegetarian. Note that you will need a tea infuser.)

Ingredients (makes 1 serving)

• 1 cup of water
• 2 tsp freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp grated unpeeled ginger root (feel free to add more if you like it spicy!) 
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions

1. Heat the water up. You can either warm it in the microwave for 90 seconds, or on the stovetop until it boils. Add the water to a mug if choosing the latter option. 
2. Grate the ginger root, then put it in a tea infuser.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice into the mug full of hot water. Add the tea infuser, as well. 
4. Let the mix steep for about 5 minutes.
5. Add the honey in and stir everything together. Once it’s cool enough, enjoy! 

Alcohol-Free Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is a winter classic. If you’re cutting back on alcohol or quitting this holiday season, you can still enjoy this seasonal favorite sans booze.

Bursting with flavors, this drink can quickly become a crowd pleaser at your next holiday function. Try out this recipe, adapted from The Mindful Mocktail. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups each of cranberry juice and pomegranate juice (or a 750 mL bottle of alcohol-free red wine)
• 2 cups water
• 8 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 star anise
• 1 orange, sliced
• Brown sugar (to taste)
• Optional: 6 blackberries

Instructions (makes 4 servings)

1. Combine all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Set the stove to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a very low boil. 
2. Once the mixture begins boiling, turn the stove down to low heat and steam for 20-30 minutes. If time allows, allow it to steam for up to an hour.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass or mug. Let it cool down, and once it’s ready, bon appétit! 

Soothing Golden Milk

Whether at a yoga studio or the nearest organic grocery store, most of us have likely come across golden milk. But what exactly is it?

This beverage is popular in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing modality that emphasizes eating whole, nourishing foods to support overall well-being. It’s the perfect drink to have as a non-alcoholic nightcap. Here’s how to make it (we’ve adapted the recipe from Downshiftology.)

Ingredients (makes 2 servings)

• 2 cups milk of choice 
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• Sweetener of choice (e.g., coconut sugar, honey, or stevia to taste)
• Optional species: ginger, cardamom, or vanilla extract to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients to a saucepan. Turn your stove to medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. To let the flavors blend together, simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Once done, pour the golden milk into a mug and let it cool before drinking. Enjoy! 

Alcohol-Free Homemade Eggnog

For those of us who celebrate Christmas, an alcohol-free eggnog is just the thing! Many grocery stores and cafés have ready-made options available, but there’s something deeply satisfying about making your own. 

This creamy version comes together in about 20 minutes, with another hour and forty minutes to let it sit before consuming. Alcohol-free eggnog is an excellent addition to your winter festivities. Here’s the recipe (adapted from Ahead of Thyme).

Ingredients (makes 4-5 servings)

• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 eggs (room temperature)
• 4 egg yolks (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• Optional toppings: whipped cream, ground cinnamon, extra nutmeg

Instructions

1. Add the heavy cream and nutmeg to a large mixing bowl. Place a fine mesh strainer on top, and set them aside. 
2. Combine the milk and vanilla extract in a medium-sized saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat and stir occasionally, until the milk starts steaming bubbles form around the sides of it.
3. Grab another mixing bowl and add the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt. Beat the mixture together for 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is pale and thickened. Mix in the milk slowly and whisk everything together. 
4. Then, pour this mixture back into the saucepan and cook it over low heat. Stir often with a wooden spoon for approximately 6 minutes (or until the mix reaches a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as shown on a cooking thermometer). Strain immediately into the mixing bowl containing the heavy cream and nutmeg. 
5. Finally, put the mixture in the refrigerator, uncovered. Allow the eggnog to completely cool down for 2 hours minimum.
6. When serving, pour the eggnog into glasses, but only fill ¾ of the glass. Add whipped cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg as topics if desired. Bon appétit! 

Winter Mocktails: Try One Today!

The world of mocktails is quickly expanding, with more and more options available to us every day. These winter mocktails serve as the perfect warm non-alcoholic drinks to savor during the festive season. Whether you mix up a hot toddy in the evening or make a batch of alcohol-free eggnog to share at the holiday office party, there are plenty of ways to redefine holiday drinking traditions (sans booze!). 

Don’t let cutting back on — or quitting — alcohol this holiday season keep you from savoring soothing beverages. Try one or more of these options to satisfy your sweet tooth, nourish your body with healing spices, and participate in holiday merriment. 

If you want even more mocktail recipes (to be enjoyed any time of the year!) head to the Reframe app for a curated list of suggestions. We’ve got dozens to choose from! Delve into the world of mocktails, and make your taste buds happy while supporting your overall well-being. Happy holidays!