Non-Alcoholic Equivalents for Spirit-Based Drinks: Christmas Cocktail Making at Home

As the festive season approaches, Christmas parties and gatherings are at the forefront of our minds. While traditional Christmas cocktails often feature spirits like gin, rum, and whisky, more people are opting for non-alcoholic alternatives.

 Whether it's for health reasons, personal preference, or simply wanting to enjoy a flavourful drink without the alcohol, there’s no need to miss out on the fun. Here’s a guide to making non-alcoholic versions of your favourite spirit-based Christmas cocktails at home.

1. Non-Alcoholic Gin Alternatives

Gin is often at the heart of many festive cocktails, such as the classic Gin & Tonic or the more adventurous Christmas Punch. Thankfully, non-alcoholic gin alternatives are readily available in many supermarkets and online retailers.

What to try:

Seedlip Garden 108 is an excellent alcohol-free gin alternative with herbal notes that complement tonic or soda water.

Ceder’s Crisp offers a refreshing blend of juniper, citrus, and cucumber, perfect for light, festive cocktails.

Recipe idea:

Non-Alcoholic Christmas Gin Punch

50ml Seedlip Garden 108

50ml cranberry juice

A squeeze of lime

Top with tonic water

Garnish with fresh rosemary and a few frozen cranberries

This refreshing and festive cocktail delivers all the botanical flavours of a gin punch without the alcohol.

2. Rum Substitutes

Rum-based drinks like the Mojito or Eggnog often find their way into Christmas celebrations. For those looking for non-alcoholic rum substitutes, there are some fantastic options available.

What to try:

Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit provides a great alternative to dark rum, with notes of caramel, molasses, and spice.

RumISH is another non-alcoholic option that replicates the sweet and spicy elements of rum, making it ideal for classic festive drinks.

Recipe idea:

Non-Alcoholic Spiced Eggnog

50ml Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit

200ml almond or oat milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon

A dollop of whipped cream to top

This rich and creamy alternative to traditional Eggnog brings all the warmth and comfort of the season without the booze.

3. Non-Alcoholic Whisky Options

Whisky is synonymous with the colder months, and it’s a star ingredient in many Christmas cocktails, like the Old Fashioned or Whisky Sour. Fortunately, there are non-alcoholic alternatives that allow you to enjoy the depth and complexity of whisky without the alcohol.

What to try:

Lyre’s American Malt offers a solid non-alcoholic substitute, with flavours of oak, vanilla, and caramel, perfect for whisky-based cocktails.

Spirit of Bourbon by Free Spirits is another great option with a similar profile to bourbon, making it suitable for Christmas classics.

Recipe idea:

Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned

50ml Lyre’s American Malt

1 tsp brown sugar

A few dashes of Angostura bitters (you can find non-alcoholic bitters too!)

A splash of water

Garnish with an orange peel and a maraschino cherry

This non-alcoholic take on the Old Fashioned is just as rich and smooth as the original, providing a warming and festive drink.

4. Tequila Alternatives for Festive Margaritas

Tequila-based drinks may not be the first thing that comes to mind for Christmas, but with their bright and citrusy flavours, they can provide a refreshing contrast to the heavier winter fare.

What to try:

Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit is a non-alcoholic alternative that mimics the agave-based spirit, making it perfect for margaritas and Palomas.

Mockingbird Spirit is another non-alcoholic option with a tequila-inspired taste profile, ideal for festive twists on classic cocktails.

Recipe idea:

Non-Alcoholic Festive Margarita

50ml Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit

25ml lime juice

25ml cranberry juice

10ml agave syrup

Salt rim for garnish

This festive twist on the classic margarita combines the zesty lime and refreshing agave flavours, perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to your Christmas celebrations.

5. Vodka Substitutes for Christmas Cocktails

Vodka is a versatile spirit that appears in many festive cocktails, from the classic Moscow Mule to the Christmas Cosmo. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic vodka alternative, you’ll find some excellent options to recreate these drinks.

What to try:

Stryyk Not Vodka is a popular non-alcoholic vodka substitute that blends seamlessly into your favourite cocktails.

CleanCo Clean V is another fantastic alcohol-free vodka alternative, with a smooth and neutral flavour profile.

Recipe idea:

Non-Alcoholic Christmas Cosmo

50ml Stryyk Not Vodka

25ml cranberry juice

10ml fresh lime juice

10ml orange juice

Garnish with an orange twist

This non-alcoholic Cosmo retains all the tart, citrusy flavours of the original while keeping things alcohol-free.

Conclusion

Christmas is a time for celebration, and with so many great non-alcoholic alternatives to spirits, you don’t need to miss out on the festive fun. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these alcohol-free cocktails are sure to bring some sparkle to your Christmas season. Cheers to a merry and mindful holiday!