Mocktails to Make a Healthy Holiday Season

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By Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN

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This content was written in partnership with Waterloo Sparkling Water.

Sip Happily: Mocktails to Make a Healthy Holiday Season

It’s that time of year again—festive gatherings, hearty meals, and a toast or two. Or, who we kidding, three? If you’ve been playing in the sober-curious world or have been focused on upping your health game, you may be looking to cut back on alcohol this season and at the same time, still enjoy the party vibe. Mocktails can make holiday magic happen too. These non-alcoholic beverages listed below are not only refreshing and delicious but will have you feeling all of the holiday spirit. Plus, no hangover or fatigue the next day, what could be better?

Why Go Alcohol-Free?

Choosing to go alcohol-free (or reducing greatly) during the holidays (and the rest of the year, too!) can bring numerous benefits to your overall health. For starters, it can improve your sleep quality. You’ll wake up feeling more well rested and ready to conquer the day when you forgo alcohol. After just one night without the disruptive effects of alcohol, you might feel mentally sharper and be more productive. And, we all know the link between sleep and weight. Going alcohol-free will also enhance your mood. Plus, alcohol is generally high in calories, so going alcohol-free can help you maintain your weight during this indulgent time of year. Mocktails allow you to savor the flavors of the season and the social aspects of drinking without any negative effects. Cheers to that!

Mocktail Magic

Here are some mocktail recipes that are sure to impress your holiday guests. Each of these beverages features a refreshing Waterloo Sparkling Water that adds a fizzy twist.

Berry Nectarine Martini

Mocktails: Waterloo Raspberry Nectarine Healthy Mocktail

(Image: Waterloo Sparkling Water)

Nothing says party quite like a martini. This is a fruity twist on a classic one. The Berry Nectarine Martini is not only visually beautiful, helping you to feel the holiday spirit, but it’s also bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

4 oz Waterloo Raspberry Nectarine Sparkling Water
½ tsp Blueberry Preserves
⅛ tsp Rosewater
1/16 tsp (3 shakes) Citrus Bitters
Garnish: Blackberries and Honeydew Slice

Directions:

In a shaker add blueberry preserves, rosewater, and 2 oz Waterloo Raspberry Nectarine.
Add ice and swirl with the lid off, to let off some carbonation pressure.
Cap and shake. Pour mixture into an up glass.
Top with an additional 2 oz Waterloo Raspberry Nectarine and citrus bitters.
Garnish detail: Top with a skewer of 4 frozen blackberries and honeydew slice.

Cherry Coco-Fizz

Mocktails: Waterloo Black Cherry Healthy Mocktail

(Image: Waterloo Sparkling Water)

If you’re a recovered Diet Coke girl or if a sweet espresso martini is your thing, you may just have found your new favorite conscious indulgence mocktail. The Cherry Coco-Fizz is a must-try. This mocktail combines the sweetness of cherries with a drop of chocolate for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients:

6 oz Waterloo Black Cherry Sparkling Water
2 oz Coconut Milk
1 tbsp Chocolate Syrup
Whipped cream (optional)
Chocolate Shavings
2 Cherries, sliced in halves

Directions:

In a tall glass, drizzle in chocolate syrup.
Add coconut milk and mix well.
Add ice and top with Waterloo Black Cherry. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, chocolate shavings and cherries.

Berry Fizz Reboot

Mocktails: Waterloo Strawberry Healthy Mocktail

(Image: Waterloo Sparkling Water)

Feeling a little sluggish from all the holiday shopping? The Berry Fizz Reboot is your antidote. With a zesty kick and a berry punch, this drink is both revitalizing and satisfying.

Ingredients:

8 oz Waterloo Strawberry Sparkling Water
2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp of Lemon
Handful of Raspberries
Lemon Slice
Fresh Rosemary Sprig

Directions:

In a shaker, muddle raspberries.
Add apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
Shake and strain into a glass with ice. Top with Waterloo Strawberry and garnish with lemon slice, raspberries and rosemary sprig.

Midnight Soother

Mocktails: Waterloo Blackberry Lemonade Healthy Mocktail

(Image: Waterloo Sparkling Water)

End your holiday gatherings on a calming note with the Midnight Soother. This calming mocktail is perfect for winding down after a festive evening.

Ingredients:

6 oz Waterloo Blackberry Lemonade Sparkling Water
1/8 tsp Butterfly Pea Powder (or hibiscus powder)
2 oz Chamomile Tea
Handful of Raspberries, Blackberries and Blueberries
Lemon Rind
Fresh Thyme Sprig

Directions:

Brew chamomile tea and allow to cool.
In a cocktail shaker or mason jar with a lid, add chamomile tea and butterfly pea powder.
Top with a handful of ice and shake well to mix and chill.
In a medium-sized glass, pour tea and ice mixture and add Waterloo Blackberry Lemonade. Garnish with lemon rind, thyme sprig, and berries on top.

(Image: Unsplash)

About Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN

Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN, is a renowned celebrity nutritionist, healthy cooking expert, and wellness thought-leader. She is the founder and CEO of Nutritious Life and The Nutritious Life Studio, an online certification that provides unparalleled, forward-thinking education to individuals of various backgrounds looking to establish successful careers in the health and wellness industry.