The Holiday Drinks That Won’t Wreck Your Morning

What if you could toast to the season and support your health without spending the next morning glued to your couch, regretting everything?

Gen Z and millennials have basically said “no thanks” to traditional drinking culture. Americans choosing non-alcoholic beverages have jumped from 6% to 13% in just a few years. The mocktail revolution is here to stay, driven by people who want to prioritize their health and wellbeing during the holidays.

The Math Actually Makes Sense

A typical holiday cocktail? Easily 300+ calories, sometimes more depending on what’s used to mix. Meanwhile, a well-made mocktail or glass of dealcoholized wine clocks in around 20-60 calories. The difference adds up fast.

Beyond calorie count, there’s real nutritious value here—antioxidants from fresh fruits, vitamin C from citrus, anti-inflammatory compounds from spices. You’re giving your body something beneficial instead of empty calories.

Interesting facts: The mocktail scene has grown up. We’re talking botanical ingredients—rosemary, lavender, basil—that create legitimately complex flavors. Spicy honey combinations, kombucha bases that do something for your gut health.

On the dealcoholized wine side, I was skeptical too, but some of these low-ABV sparklers and full-bodied reds don’t taste like disappointment anymore. The crisp whites especially have nailed the citrus notes.

Start 2026 Strong with my favorite DIY Mocktails recipes:

CRANBERRY SPARKLER FIZZ

Mix 1/4 cup cranberry juice, 1 oz orange juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, and 1 tsp maple syrup. Shake, strain over ice, top with sparkling water. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary.

WARM SPICED APPLE MULLED MOCKTAIL

Simmer 2 cups apple cider with a cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, 2 star anise, an orange slice, and 1 tsp maple syrup for 10 minutes. Strain into mugs, grate fresh nutmeg on top.

Both run 60-80 calories and actually taste good.

Cheers to 2026!

Written by Raksha Shah, MA, RDN (www.wisebitenutrition.com) on behalf of the Mayors Wellness Campaign Advisory Committee of the Chathams@