Stay Toasty With Non-Alcoholic Drinks This Winter
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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.
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.
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.
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)
Instructions
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)
Instructions
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)
Instructions
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
Instructions (makes 4 servings)
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)
Instructions
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)
Instructions
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!
1. What are mocktails?
Mocktails are non-alcoholic versions of traditional cocktails, like margaritas or mojitos, but can also include other alcohol alternatives like teas and spiced milks. Popular among those adopting an alcohol-free lifestyle, they offer similar flavors and textures without the health risks of alcohol.
2. Why are mocktails beneficial for people quitting or cutting back on alcohol?
For people reducing or quitting alcohol, mocktails are beneficial as they satisfy cravings without the risk of intoxication. They often have health benefits due to spices like cinnamon and turmeric and are generally lower in calories.
3. What are some warm non-alcoholic drink options for winter?
There are several warm, non-alcoholic drink recipes perfect for winter, such as alcohol-free homemade eggnog, alcohol-free hot toddy, red velvet hot chocolate, honey lemon ginger tea, alcohol-free mulled wine, and soothing golden milk.
4. How do seasonal changes impact alcohol consumption habits?
Winter and spending more time indoors can trigger mental health issues, leading some people to drink as a coping mechanism. The blog emphasizes the importance of having non-alcoholic alternatives during this time, especially for those cutting back on or quitting alcohol.
5. Are non-alcoholic drinks popular in social settings?
Yes! Non-alcoholic drinks, especially mocktails, have gained popularity in social settings like bars and parties. They cater to the “sober curious” and those preferring an alcohol-free lifestyle, with major brands even offering non-alcoholic drink options.
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