The holiday season is upon us, and for many that means entertaining friends and family. This month, we celebrate with a selection of fresh, original mocktails to satisfy your guests who choose not to imbibe, featuring an array of fresh herbs and spices to set a festive mood—from rosemary and thyme to nutmeg. Not in the mood for mocktails? We have included some suggestions for ways to “spike things up” if you prefer.
Rosemary Pear Mocktail
Ingredients
· 1 cup cane sugar
· 1 cup water
· 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
· 5 tablespoons pear juice
· 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
· Sparkling water (to taste)
Instructions
To make rosemary simple syrup, combine sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add rosemary to steep. Allow to cool completely. Remove rosemary.
In a glass, add ice. Add pear juice, lemon or lime juice, 1 tablespoon rosemary simple syrup, and sparkling water. If desired, garnish with a sprig of rosemary and pear.
Spike it up! Add 2/3 ounce of pear liqueur to each glass.
Grapefruit Thyme Mocktail
Ingredients
· 1 cup cane sugar
· 1 cup water
· 1/3 cup fresh thyme
· ½ cup fresh red grapefruit juice
· Sparkling water (to taste)
Instructions
To make thyme simple syrup, combine sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add thyme to steep. Allow to cool completely. Remove thyme.
Rim glass with sugar if desired. Fill glass with ice. Add 3 tablespoons thyme simple syrup, ½ cup grapefruit juice, and sparkling water. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme.
Spike it up! Add 1 ounce of vodka to each glass.
Spiced Eggnog
Ingredients
· 3 cups milk (or a mix of milk and cream, as desired)
· ½ cup cane sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
· Cinnamon (to taste)
Instructions
In a shaker, add milk, sugar, vanilla, and spices. Shake vigorously until well-blended and foamy. Pour into glasses. Garnish as desired.
Spike it up! Add ½ ounce each of brandy and spiced rum to each glass.
