5 Winter Mocktails for Cozy Days and Festive Nights

As the winds pick up and the nights grow longer, it’s the perfect time to cozy up and enjoy something special.  Whether it's a rich, creamy hot chocolate or a pomegranate ginger fizz, these little sips of joy are exactly what you need to make those frosty nights more magical. 

Here are 5 winter mocktail recipes that offer all the fun without the alcohol.  Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, these mocktails are perfect for turning any chilly night into a warm delightful experience.

1. Cranberry Orange Sparkler

Bright and refreshing, this Cranberry Orange Sparkler is perfect for adding a festive touch to your winter evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberry juice
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup sparkling water
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
• Ice cubes
• Orange slices and cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine cranberry juice, orange juice, and honey. Shake well to mix.
2. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the mixture over the ice.
3. Top with sparkling water and gently stir.
4. Garnish with orange slices and cranberries.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Servings: 2 Preparation Time: 10 minutes

2. Warm Spiced Apple Cider Mocktail

For a drink that warms you from the inside out, try this spiced apple cider mocktail. It’s like a warm hug in a cup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, combine apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and maple syrup.
2. Heat over medium heat until the cider is warm and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
3. Strain into a mug and garnish with orange peel.
4. Serve hot and savor the comforting flavors.

Servings: 2 Preparation Time: 15 minutes

3. Pomegranate Ginger Fizz

For a mocktail with a little zing, try the Pomegranate Ginger Fizz. It’s a delightful balance of tart and spicy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• ½ cup ginger ale
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Pomegranate seeds and lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine pomegranate juice and lime juice.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
3. Top with ginger ale and stir gently.
4. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and lime slices.
5. Sip and enjoy the fizzy goodness!

Servings: 2 Preparation Time: 10 minutes

4. Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate

What’s winter without hot chocolate? Add a twist with chai spices for a flavorful upgrade.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar or sweetener of choice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat milk over medium heat.
2. Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.
3. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy the spicy chocolatey treat.

Servings: 2 Preparation Time: 10 minutes

5. Rosemary Citrus Spritzer

Aromatic rosemary and bright citrus make this spritzer a refreshing choice even on the chilliest of days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grapefruit juice
• ½ cup club soda
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Ice cubes
• Grapefruit slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine grapefruit juice and simple syrup.
2. Add ice cubes and top with club soda.
3. Stir gently and add a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch.
4. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and sip away.

Servings: 2 Preparation Time: 10 minutes