Tasty and Simple Hand-Shaken Holiday Cocktails and Mocktails

A lighter alternative— Mocktails!

Not everybody enjoys the flavor of alcohol, or maybe they’re abstaining from drinking it due to various reasons. Fret not! There are many ways to enjoy the flavors of holiday cocktails, but keeping them light, fresh, and alcohol-free. Mocktails are a popular alternative, coined from mock and cocktails, and they are as straightforward as the name suggests. Oftentimes, the alcohol portion is replaced with other alcohol-free drinks that can still fit the flavor profile of the cocktail. Commonly used drinks are ginger ale, fruit juices, or lemon soda.

Another Helpful Tip when Preparing your Cocktails or Mocktails!

Don’t Over-Ice It!
Serving your cocktail or mocktail over ice is a must, but moderation is key. Too much ice or letting the drink sit for too long can dilute the flavors as the ice melts. To keep the cocktail or mocktail tasting its best, add just enough ice to chill it without watering it down.

Here are more holiday cocktail and mocktail recipes that you can use to spice up your holidays!
A Tasty and Simple Hand-shaken holiday cocktail:

Recipe:

Red Vodkatini

INGREDIENTS

2 parts Vodka

1 part Vermouth

1 part Creme de Cassis

Crushed Ice

RECOMMENDATIONS

Garnish: Orange Wedge/Slice

Recommended glass: Highball glass

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix the vodka, vermouth, and creme de cassis. Pour over crushed ice. Add your garnishes on top and enjoy!

Here is our first holiday cocktail recipe that you can use to spice up the holidays!
Red Vodkatini

Photo taken from: https://www.seasonedkitchen.com/red-carpet-martini

Here is another holiday cocktail recipe that you can use to spice up the holidays!
Astratini

Photo taken from: https://www.lacucinaitaliana.com/italian-food/italian-dishes/3-refreshing-new-cocktails-featuring-asti-wines/

You can also create delicious mocktail versions of these cocktails by simply substituting the Vodka with Citrus soda, like Sprite or 7-Up.

A Tasty and Simple Hand-shaken holiday cocktail:

Recipe:

Astratini

INGREDIENTS

1 part Vodka

½ part fresh orange juice

½ part fresh lemon juice

1 ½ part fresh pomegranate juice

Asti (to your liking)

RECOMMENDATIONS

Garnish: Fruit wedges

Recommended glass: Champagne Flute

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the juices and vodka into your shaker. Mix slightly then add ice cubes. Cover and shake. Strain into a glass, and top it off with the Asti. Add your garnishes on top and enjoy!

A Tasty and Simple Hand-shaken holiday mocktail:

Recipe:

The Christmas/Holiday Punch Mocktail

INGREDIENTS

½ part orange juice

1 part cranberry juice

1 cup ginger ale

1 sprig rosemary

Cranberries (to your liking)

RECOMMENDATIONS

Garnish: orange wedge, rosemary

Recommended glass: mason jar

Alternatives: Instead of ginger ale, you can use lemon soda.

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the juices and the ginger ale into your shaker. Mix slightly then add ice cubes. Cover and shake. Pour into a glass, and add in your rosemary sprig and cranberries. Add your garnishes and enjoy!

To prepare the cocktail-spiked version of this punch, you can add ½ part of light rum.

Here is our first holiday mocktail recipe that you can use to spice up the holidays!
Christmas Holiday Punch/Mocktail

Photo taken from: https://mindfulmocktail.com/holiday-mocktail/

This punch can be prepared in larger batches, but you have to make sure that it is enjoyed immediately. The ingredients of the punch can go stale quickly once stored, so you will no longer be able to enjoy them properly. Helpful tip, do not add ginger ale until ready to be enjoyed.

Stay tuned tomorrow for our last article in this three-part cocktail series, filled with creamier cocktails and mocktail delights, and even more helpful tips!

Holidays are to be enjoyed, and here at the Dulcie Crawford Group we promote being safe, and drinking alcohol responsibly. Always have a designated and sober driver, especially if you’re planning on drinking alcohol.

Dulcie Crawford is a native Nevadan, born and raised in Las Vegas. Dulcie is a Community Expert & stays current with updates on market trends & market conditions.  A senior Realtor with Signature Real Estate Group, she has sold over 1,300 homes since 1998. You are assured an exceptional experience when buying or selling Real Estate with The Dulcie Crawford Group.