Celebrate the Holidays with Alcohol-Free Drinks

The holiday season is filled with festive gatherings, twinkling lights, and the clink of glasses raised in celebration. But for many, the pressure to drink alcohol during the holidays can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re choosing to go alcohol-free for health reasons, exploring sobriety, or simply wanting to feel your best, there’s good news: alcohol-free alternatives are more exciting and accessible than ever.

Going alcohol-free doesn’t mean missing out on the fun. In fact, it opens up a world of flavorful, health-supportive options that can leave you feeling refreshed and energized instead of sluggish and dehydrated. This holiday season, why not make the switch and discover the joy of celebrating without alcohol?

The Rise of Alcohol-Free Options

In recent years, the demand for alcohol-free beverages has skyrocketed, and for good reason. More people are recognizing the benefits of cutting back on alcohol, from better health to improved mental clarity. As a result, brands are stepping up to create sophisticated, delicious alternatives that rival their alcoholic counterparts. From sparkling juices and botanical sodas to non-alcoholic wines and craft mocktails, there’s an alcohol-free option for every palate.

Benefits of Alcohol-Free Alternatives

1. Stay Present and Energized: Alcohol can dull your senses and leave you feeling drained the next day. Alcohol-free options allow you to stay sharp and energized, so you can fully enjoy the holiday festivities.
2. Support Your Health: Many alcohol-free alternatives are packed with healthful ingredients like herbs, spices, and antioxidants that promote wellness. Unlike alcohol, these drinks hydrate your body and nourish your system.
3. Inclusivity for All Guests: Offering alcohol-free options ensures everyone at your gathering feels welcome and included, whether they’re sober, pregnant, driving, or simply opting out of alcohol.
4. No Morning Regrets: Enjoy the party without the hangover. Alcohol-free alternatives let you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the holiday season.

Fun Ways to Incorporate Alcohol-Free Alternatives

• Build a Mocktail Bar: Set up a station with mixers, garnishes, and recipes for alcohol-free cocktails. Guests can mix and match their favorite ingredients to create personalized drinks.
• Feature Non-Alcoholic Wines and Beers: Many brands now offer high-quality, alcohol-free versions of classic beverages that taste just as good as the originals.
• Highlight Seasonal Ingredients: Use holiday flavors like cranberry, cinnamon, and rosemary to craft festive drinks that capture the spirit of the season.

Try New Alcohol-Free Beverages

Dr. Brooke Scheller’s book, How to Eat to Change How You Drink, features a variety of holiday-ready mocktail recipes that are as delicious as they are nourishing. From sparkling citrus spritzers to warm spiced drinks, these recipes will elevate your celebrations while supporting your health. Here’s a sneak peek at some of her festive favorites to inspire your celebrations:

ROSEMARY GRAPEFRUIT CLEANSER

*Makes 2 servings

This is one of my favorite mocktail flavor combinations. Both grapefruit and rosemary have health benefits for the liver and aid in detoxification and waste removal from the body. This beverage is beautifully garnished with a rosemary sprig and grapefruit slice.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, divided, plus grapefruit slices for garnish
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 rosemary sprigs
• 4–6 ounces unflavored seltzer

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 4 ounces of the grapefruit juice and the honey and summer over low hear for 4-5 minutes, until smooth.
2. While the syrup is heating, add the rosemary leaves from 2 sprigs to a drink shaker or large glass along with the remaining 4 ounces grapefruit juice and crush using a muddler or wooden spoon to release the flavors from the rosemary.
3. Add ice to the shaker, then add the heated grapefruit and honey mixture and mix.
4. Strain the mixture into each two glasses. Add ice if preferred or serve “up.” Top with the seltzer.
5. Garnish with the remaining rosemary sprigs and a slice of grapefruit.

TURMERIC AND GINGER MOCKTAIL

*Makes 2 servings

Turmeric and ginger are two of my favorite herbs for supporting digestion and the immune system, and reducing inflammation. Combined, they make a powerhouse mocktail with functional benefits. Use pre- grated, frozen turmeric, or you can use a Microplane to grate both roots. Keep in mind that turmeric can stain your hands and kitchen surfaces.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon fresh or frozen grated turmeric or 1½ ounce juiced turmeric
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, plus ginger slices for garnish
2 ounces filtered water
juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon wheels for garnish
1 teaspoon honey
6–8 ounces unflavored seltzer

Directions:

1. In a tall glass, combine the turmeric and ginger and crush using a muddler or wooden spoon to extract the flavors and remaining juices.
2. Add the filtered water, lemon juice, and honey and mix.
3. Pour the mixture evenly into two glasses over ice. Top with the seltzer.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a slice of ginger.

HOT SHOT GARLIC TEA

*Makes 1 serving

You might be thinking . . . garlic tea? But this recipe will have you craving more. Garlic supports the immune and cardiovascular systems, and helps rebalance the gut microbiome. It might sound like a strange combination, but trust me, it is delicious! One important tip about garlic to obtain maximum benefits: When cooking with garlic, chop it and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before using it. When garlic is exposed to oxygen, it activates allicin, one of the beneficial compounds and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped or pressed
• 12 ounces filtered water
• juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• pinch cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Put the chopped garlic in a mug and let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
3. Add the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and cayenne to the mug with the garlic.
4. Pour in the boiling water, stir well, and let steep for 5 minutes.

ALOE VERA STOMACH SOOTHER

*Makes 2 servings

This drink combines several ingredients that can help soothe an upset stomach or improve the digestive system. Aloe vera has amazing benefits for minimizing gastric acid and soothing digestive discomfort. Mint also helps reduce nausea and calm the stomach. If you’re looking for a way to improve digestion on a regular basis, this drink can help!

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces aloe vera juice
• 4 ounces coconut water
• 4 ounces filtered water
• juice of 2 limes
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon honey

Directions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture evenly into 2 glasses over ice.

A Season of Connection and Wellness

The holidays are about more than what’s in your glass. They’re about connection, gratitude, and creating memories with loved ones. By choosing alcohol-free alternatives, you can focus on what truly matters while prioritizing your well-being.

Ready to make this holiday season your healthiest yet? Explore Dr. Brooke Scheller’s Alcohol-Free Longevity Lab for resources, tips, and inspiration to support your alcohol-free journey. Cheers to a season filled with joy, wellness, and vibrant celebrations!

And hey, make sure to check out ALL of our holiday deals on our online programs, nutritional testing and so much more here.