The two years have been — eventful, to say the least. During this time, the NA and mindful drinking movements, which were beginning to catch on heavily as people became more health-conscious, were seemingly stopped in their tracks. Cocktail making became a fun quarantine pastime and people were sipping more, both to show off their newly-acquired skills and also because #pandemiclife.
But, now things are shifting again as people want to get back to being better to their bodies. Approach the holiday season with a mindful drinking twist by mixing up inventive adult beverages sans alcohol that are equally appealing — and delectable — as boozy renditions. Check out these recipes that are just as delicious as their alcoholic counterparts.
Jingle Brew
An Insta-worthy, NA Irish Coffee (single serving)
- ½ c. freshly brewed coffee
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. all spice
- ¼ c. oat milk (or traditional whipping cream)
- 1 T. agave or honey
- In a bell jar, combine all of the ingredients (except for the oat milk or cream). Stir (or shake with the lid on to combine).
- Warm the oat milk (or cream) in a small pan over low heat, being sure to continuously whisk it until a froth forms.
- Once a noticeable froth is present, pour coffee mixture into a fave coffee mug, adding the froth on top, plus an extra pinch of cinnamon for a photo finish.
*If craving a bit more complexity after the first few rounds, consider adding a ¼ cup of a nonalcoholic whiskey like Spiritless’s Kentucky 74 or Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey. Shop DRIZLY here using code SZNCHANGING.
Cranberry Mimosa (6-8 servings)
Festive version of a classic.
- ½ gallon orange juice
- 2 12 oz. bottle Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water or 50 cl bottle Pellegrino
- ½ c. cane sugar
- 1 ½ c. frozen cranberries
- 1 c. water
- Simmer water, sugar and cranberries in a sauce pan. Stir frequently, being sure to keep the heat temp to low, for 10 to 15 minutes. Then remove from heat, allowing to cool completely. (*This quick syrup can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use.)
- Once guests arrive, combine the orange juice and sparkling water in a large pitcher.
- Add a small amount of the cranberry syrup to the bottom each champagne flute before filling the rest of the glass with the OJ mixture.
*Can garnish with a spring of holly for extra dash of seasonal cheer!
Peppermint Chocolate Martini (1-2 servings)
Zero proof chocolate bliss in a glass.
- 1 peppermint candy cane
- 1 c. unsweetened almond milk (*Use whole milk or chocolate oat milk for a richer consistency)
- 2 T. Vanilla Syrup (Torani or Monin)
- 1 ½ T. non-dairy chocolate syrup or cocoa powder
- 2-3 ice cubes
- Combine milk, chocolate syrup (or powder), vanilla syrup and ice cubes in a martini shaker. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
- Next using a mortar and pestle, crush candy cane until it is in small shards or dust-like. Dip rim of martini glass into water, then dip into candy cane granules.
- Pour contents of the shaker into the prepared martini glass.
*Add a dash of the remaining candy cane pieces on top for additional flair.
Spiced Toddy (2-3 servings)
The NA night cap which never disappoints.
- 2-3 Good Earth sweet and spicy tea bags
- 3 c. water
- 1 ½ tsp. cloves
- 2 tsp. maple syrup or honey
- 2 tsp. lemon juice (or to taste)
- 2-3 lemon slice
- 2 -3 cinnamon sticks
- Bring the water to a high simmer in an electric kettle or teapot on stovetop. Then add the teabags once removed from heat source.
- Equal disperse the maple syrup (or honey), cloves, cinnamon sticks and lemon juice into 2-3 mugs.
- Add the tea to the mugs, stirring each until the maple syrup or honey is no longer distinguishable from the tea.
*Insert the lemon round for an extra burst of citrus—or as an edible adornment—if desired.
