In my book, cozy season is synonymous with hosting season. It’s prime time for inviting everyone over for comfort food and festive drinks. But not everyone enjoys getting into the holiday spirit with literal spirits. That’s why you should have some easy mocktail recipes up your sleeve, whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving, Christmas dinner, or even just a cozy book club meeting.
These 20 mocktail ideas are packed with all the seasonal flavors you crave this time of year: cinnamon, cider, and pumpkin in the fall and peppermint, cranberry, and nutmeg in the winter. From now through New Years (and beyond), these are the best mocktail recipes to shake up. Best of all, many of them take five minutes or less to make. Cheers!
Easy mocktail recipes
For those last-minute gatherings when you tell the crew to come on over! and then stress over what to make, these easy mocktail recipes are simple and quick to whip up—but still hit the spot. From apple pie mules to pomegranate punch, this list of easy mocktails will do the trick.
1. Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini
Nothing says “girls’ night” like an espresso martini. Whether you need a little boost for book club or want some non-alcoholic but highly-caffeinated drinks before a concert, this espresso martini mocktail will perk everyone up.
2. Apple Pie Moscow Mule Recipe
If you love apple pie around the holidays, why stop at eating it? This twist on a traditional Moscow Mule will delight your taste buds with all the spiced flavors that make apple pie a classic. To make it a mocktail recipe, simply skip the vodka. You’ll still get plenty of apple pie flavor from the apple cider, ginger beer, and cinnamon stick garnish.
3. Pomegranate Mocktail Punch
Everybody loves a good punch—especially the host. Its big-batch nature means less time bartending and more time laughing with loved ones. This easy mocktail recipe requires no mixologist skills: simply dump all the drinks into a big bowl, stir, and add some sliced fruit on top.
4. Simple Apple White Grape Mocktail
Sweet, tart, and perfectly spiced, this cheers-worthy mocktail comes together with just a handful of ingredients. You’ll start by mulling together Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, and white grape juice for the base of the drink. Then, top each glass with ginger beer and garnishes of your choice.
5. Apple Cider Shrub Mocktail
Mixing up a mocktail prior to guests’ arrival makes for stress-free hosting when the doorbell rings. This big-batch apple cider shrub mocktail actually gets better the longer you let it sit in the fridge. Make sure you let it chill for at least 24 hours before enjoying the tangy and spicy drink.
6. Pure Cranberry Mocktail
This easy mocktail was made for last-minute hosting. All you need is Ocean Spray’s Pure Cranberry juice and ginger beer. Garnish with a lime and you’re good to go; no cocktail shakers or special syrup-making required.
Fall mocktail recipes
Fall flavors are some of the best of the whole year, in my opinion. You’ve got warming spices like cinnamon and clove, plus refreshing fruits like apple and pear. Below, find seven fall mocktail recipes that will impress guests this autumn.
7. Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail
Nothing says fall quite like apple cider, and this bubbly riff off the classic drink will bring the sweetness of the season to the forefront with just one sip. There’s no prep needed, and it’s as easy as mixing together a few store-bought ingredients.
8. Pumpkin Martini
If you live and breathe pumpkins in the fall (guilty!), you’re going to love this pumpkin martini mocktail. It features pumpkin spice flavors and deliciously smooth maple syrup. Crushed graham crackers on the rim are a clever, crunchy touch.
9. Autumn Aperol Apple Cider Margarita
If you love an ice-cold margarita in the summer, you can’t go wrong with this autumnal twist on the crowd-pleasing cocktail. To make it a mocktail, simply skip the spirits and add a couple extra tablespoons of apple cider. Mix it with some orange juice and vanilla extract and you’ve got yourself a flavorful new favorite.
10. Sparkling Fall Mocktail
For your next girls night, lean into the coziness of the season with this easy mocktail recipe that features all-star autumnal flavors: apple cider, cinnamon, pear, and orange all in one effervescent drink. It’s refreshing, crisp, and comforting all at once.
11. Apple Caramel Espresso Martini
You can’t go wrong with an espresso martini, but this time of year, why not add some autumnal flair? This apple caramel espresso martini mocktail combines rich caramel and coffee flavors with tart apple for a sweet and smooth taste. Bonus: It’s dairy free and vegan.
12. Wassail
There’s a reason classic cocktails have stood the test of time. If you’ve never made wassail, here’s your excuse to try the hot apple cider drink that never goes out of style. It’s the coziest companion for chilly nights at home—or Thanksgiving morning. Plus, it fills your home with delightful smells while it simmers.
13. Thanksgiving Punch Recipe
This delicious fall punch is so cute, it doubles as a centerpiece. It’s highly-impressive appearance is misleading, because it’s one of those super easy mocktail recipes that is bound to become a staple. Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl and chill until it’s time to serve. It’ll easily become your go-to mocktail for autumnal gatherings.
14. Easy Pumpkin Mocktail
If you didn’t get the chance to go to the pumpkin patch this year, making this pumpkin drink is a tasty alternative. This mocktail recipe uses actual pumpkin puree as the base while bringing in other notes like maple and cinnamon. Top it off with rosemary and a cinnamon stick for a pretty pumpkin pick.
Winter mocktail recipes
Winter mocktails are all about the pretty garnishes. Cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and thyme all keep with the Christmas spirit, whereas marshmallows and whipped cream lean into the decadence of the season.
15. Holiday Cranberry Mojito
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or a cookie exchange, these cranberry mojitos are just the drink to start the party off right. They’re simple, refreshing, and the cranberry syrup is homemade, which makes it feel extra special. Swap the rum for extra sparkling water to make it a mocktail.
16. Mexican Hot Chocolate Mocktail
On a cozy night at home during winter, there’s nothing that hits quite like a hot chocolate. Made in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for bigger groups. It also happens to be gluten and dairy free! Top with marshmallows and chocolate shavings.
17. Festive Snow Punch
Let it snow! The base of this drink is a creamy banana mixture that gets topped with soda and vanilla ice cream for a delicious fizz. If you want to go one extra step with the presentation, create a freshly-fallen snow look on each glass by dipping the rim in frosting and shaved coconut.
18. Merry Christmas Mocktails
Made with cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger beer, these christmas mocktails are packed with holiday flavor. They’re incredibly easy to whip up and can be pre-batched for bigger holiday parties. Sprinkle some pomegranate seeds or cranberries and a sprig of thyme for a holly jolly moment.
19. Iced Peppermint Mocha
Hosting a Christmas movie marathon? This iced peppermint mocha is the sweetest treat to sip on while watching your favorite flicks. To make it a mocktail, swap the peppermint schnapps with a half teaspoon of peppermint extract and a little more coffee and creamer.
20. Bubbly New Year’s Eve Mocktail
New Year’s Eve has always been one of my favorite holidays because it’s oh-so sparkly. This effervescent mocktail looks like champagne but has no alcohol, so everyone can toast the new year with a fizzy drink in hand.
Lauren Barnhill, Contributing Writer
Lauren Barnhill is a freelance writer with a passion for all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Beyond The Everygirl, Lauren has written for top outlets including Real Simple, SUCCESS, and BuzzFeed. She is also the voice behind Leisurely, a Substack newsletter all about living an unhurried, intentional life.
