When the days get shorter and the weather grows cooler, we know the season is coming where we’ll be spending more time with friends and family – indoors and at social gatherings. As exciting as this time can be, there is often a pressure to engage in activities which might lead us down dangerous paths. We tend to do these things anyway because we don’t want to miss out on the fun, festive drinks & activities our friends and family are enjoying.
But let’s face it: high alcohol content ruins the natural fun of these holidays and get-togethers.
Don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of some delicious alcohol-free alternatives which are sure to satisfy any craving, please your guests, and look great on your table.
1. Red Wine: Jukes 6
Jukes 6 is the perfect red wine substitute for your full-bodied holiday meals. Blackcurrant & blackberries lead the way, which is evident in the luscious color of this drink. While layers of complexity are introduced thanks to the red fruit – raspberries, strawberries and plums – which give an extra dimension and depth of flavor.
Beyond these familiar fruit notes, there are sensitive additions of earthy vegetable and deeply flavored spices which resonate on the finish – adding power, length, and richness. Jukes 6 is based on the flavors of a multitude of different red wine styles which makes it the perfect match to your dinner entrée.
2. White Wine: Jukes 1
Jukes 1 is your finest white wine alternative. Built on a theme of peach blossom, refreshing cucumber, top quality plums, tart apples and pineapple husk, this is a fragrant drink with a full flavor on the palate and, crucially a long, tart, lemon zest-tinged finish.
The apple cider vinegar allows each ingredient to fully express themselves thanks to Jukes’ delicate maceration techniques. Jukes 1 is based on the flavors of a multitude of different white wine styles, which enables it to match with a wide range of dishes and desserts.
3. Light/Lager Beer: Heineken® 0.0
Heineken® 0.0 is a refreshing non-alcoholic lager, brewed with a unique recipe for a distinct balanced taste, which now allows you to enjoy a light beer at any time of day. Heineken® challenged their Master Brewers to apply all their expertise to brew the best possible non-alcohol beer using just natural ingredients. The result is a 0.0 beer brewed for beer lovers, by beer lovers.
Double-brewed Heineken® 0.0% has a perfectly balanced taste with refreshing fruity notes and soft malty body.
4. Hoppy/Full-Bodied Beer: Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher
Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher is a fresh take on an old tradition: an IPA-inspired refreshment that’s zero-alcohol, zero-carbohydrate, and zero-calorie, made using everything they know about hops. It’s chock-full of Citra, Equinox, and Centennial hops, as well as some natural flavors and a pinch of brewer’s yeast to biotransform the hops to achieve just the right flavor.
Try one by itself, or use it as a non-alcoholic replacement for other cocktails and beverages!
5. Fruity/Festive Mixed Drink: Apple Pie Punch
Apple pie is a classic fall flavor, and this easy punch is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. This simple recipe makes 14 8-ounce servings. Having lots of company? Make sure to double the recipe!
Ingredients
- 32 ounces apple cider
- 16 ounces sparkling apple pear cider
- 2 liters ginger ale
- Ice
- Sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for garnish
Instructions
- In a punch bowl, combine the apple cider, apple-pear cider, and ginger ale.
- Add the ice and stir.
- Float sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and star anise on the punch as garnish.
6. Fruity/Festive Mixed Drink: Fall Flavors Punch
This fizzy orange-cranberry punch is festive, delicious, and pretty. Following this recipe will yield 16 8-ounce servings. We recommend a large punch bowl as your guests will love it as the centerpiece of your entertaining or dinner spread.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces cranberry juice
- 32 ounces orange juice
- 2 liters lemon-lime soda
- Ice
- Orange slices and fresh cranberries
Instructions
- In a punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice, orange juice, soda, and ice. Stir.
- Garnish with lots of orange slices and fresh cranberries.
7. Fruity/Festive Mixed Drink: Ginger Cranberry Sparkler
Cranberry is a classic Thanksgiving flavor, and this nonalcoholic sparkler is tasty and festive. The blend of cranberry and ginger will surely get you into a festive mood, bringing out the complimentary notes of these flavors. Your friends and family will appreciate the decorative look of the cranberries and rosemary sprigs!
Ingredients
- Ice
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- 3 ounces ginger ale
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a stemless wine glass with ice cubes.
- Add the cranberry juice and ginger ale. Stir.
- Garnish with cranberries and fresh rosemary sprigs.
Hopefully the list above gives you some inspiration to liven up your holiday gatherings in a fun, safe, and festive way.
Still feeling the season’s stress and temptation? You’re not alone.
Our team of experienced counselors have helped hundreds of people just like you to conquer their cravings and feel comfortable going out (or staying in) with the ones they love & care about – happy, secure, and alcohol-free. Call us – we’re standing by.
