Alcohol Awareness Week: Four of The Best Christmas Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Alcohol Guidance

Who says you need booze to be merry? For many of us, the thought of the endless drinking that often happens in December fills us with dread. Sometimes, it can feel like with a combination of social pressure, and the sheer lack of non-alcoholic options on offer, there is no other option but to drink alcohol.

With the introduction of these tasty, festive drinks below, you can give the mulled wine a miss and still indulge!

Hot mulled apple juice

For when the air is crisp and you're in need of something to warm you through, why not try this delicious mulled apple juice? Bursting with sweetness and delicious spices, this will get you in the Christmas mood in no time!

Start by simmering around 1 litre of apple juice with strips of orange peel, a cinnamon stick and three cloves (you can adjust the amount of spices to taste) for 10 minutes. Add honey to taste. Garnish with orange peel or a cinnamon stick and enjoy!

Peppermint hot chocolate

If you're feeling in the mood for something sweet and creamy, then look no further than this decadent hot chocolate.

To make a serving for two, put 35g of plain chocolate into a pan with 200ml of milk, and stir over a low heat until all the chocolate has melted. Continue heating until the milk is steaming and remove from the heat (if you want a super creamy hot chocolate, you can add 50ml of cream at this stage).

Add sugar to taste, and serve the hot chocolate with candy canes - hang them on the side of the mugs and let the drinker stir as much pepperminty flavour into their drink as they wish!

Cranberry fizz

For a splash of festive colour and a fruity, refreshing zing, look no further than this cranberry fizz mocktail. Combine 4 cups of cranberry juice with 2 cups of orange juice and 2 cups of ginger beer. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime to give it a super refreshing kick, and you're good to go!

Nutmeg and orange coffee

For a super easy, Christmas inspired caffeine kick, try this great recipe for festive coffee! Put 4 tbsp of ground coffee, 1 small cinnamon stick, 2 pitted dates, a pinch of ground nutmeg, 2 cloves and a strip of pared orange zest into a cafetiere. Pour over 400ml of boiled water.

Stir gently, and then leave for 4 minutes to steep. Slowly push down the plunger, and voila! A great option for Christmas morning to perk you up before the celebrations kick off!