When you are planning food for Christmas Eve, it is easy to forget the drinks. A few fun christmas mocktails can make the night feel special even before dessert arrives. The best part is that these christmas eve drinks are all non alcoholic, so kids and adults can enjoy them together.
In this guide you will find cozy hot drinks and refreshing cold christmas mocktails built around four easy recipes:
- Hot chocolate bar
- Spiced apple cider
- Cranberry juice cocktail
- Iced peppermint latte
You can mix and match these christmas eve drinks to create a simple drink station that looks impressive but is very easy to set up.
Hot Christmas Eve Drinks
Hot christmas eve drinks are perfect for cold nights, movie marathons, and relaxing after dinner. These recipes are ideal if you want warm christmas mocktails everyone can sip all evening.
Hot Chocolate Bar
A hot chocolate bar is one of the most fun christmas mocktails ideas you can set up. You make a big pot of rich hot chocolate, then lay out different toppings so everyone can create their own mug.
Topping ideas:
- Marshmallows
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips or flakes
- Crushed candy canes
- Caramel sauce
- Sprinkles
This is one of those christmas eve drinks that feels like an activity as well as a drink. Kids especially love choosing their own toppings and decorating their mugs.
Why you will love it:
- Easy to make a big batch for a crowd
- Completely non alcoholic, ideal for family gatherings
- You can keep the hot chocolate warm in a slow cooker
👉 Full recipe and setup guide: Hot Chocolate Bar
Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced apple cider is a classic among christmas eve drinks. Apple juice or cider is gently heated with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices until warm and fragrant. It smells incredible and makes the whole house feel cozy.
If you are looking for warm christmas mocktails that taste like the holidays in a cup, this is perfect.
Why you will love it:
- Simple ingredients and very little work
- Can be kept warm in a pot or slow cooker
- Naturally alcohol free but still feels grown up
👉 Full recipe: Spiced Apple Cider
Cold Christmas Mocktails And Coffee
Not everyone wants something hot. These cold christmas mocktails are refreshing, pretty, and great for serving before or after dinner.
Cranberry Juice Cocktail
A cranberry juice cocktail is one of the easiest christmas mocktails to make, and it always looks festive. The deep red color is perfect for Christmas. You can mix cranberry juice with orange juice, sparkling water, or lemonade, then add ice and fresh fruit slices.
This drink works well as a welcome drink when guests arrive, and it looks beautiful in simple glasses.
Why you will love it:
- Only a few ingredients
- Easy to make a big jug for a crowd
- Perfect non alcoholic option that still feels like a special cocktail
👉 Full recipe: Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Iced Peppermint Latte
If you love coffee and want christmas mocktails with a café style twist, an iced peppermint latte is a great choice. Coffee, milk, ice, and peppermint flavor come together to make a cool and refreshing drink.
You can top it with whipped cream and a little cocoa powder or crushed candy cane to make it look even more festive. It is ideal for coffee lovers who want something different from the usual hot drinks.
Why you will love it:
- Feels like a seasonal coffee shop drink at home
- Easy to make with regular coffee or espresso
- Can be made with dairy or plant based milk
👉 Full recipe: Iced Peppermint Latte
How To Set Up A Simple Christmas Eve Drinks Station
You do not need to make complicated cocktails. With just a few christmas mocktails and the right setup, your christmas eve drinks station will look amazing.
Here is a simple plan:
- Choose one hot and one cold drink
- For example, spiced apple cider and cranberry juice cocktail
- Set out glasses and mugs
- Use clear glasses so the colors of your christmas mocktails show nicely
- Add toppings and garnishes
- Marshmallows, whipped cream, orange slices, cranberries, mint, candy canes
- Label drinks
- Small labels help guests know which christmas eve drinks are hot, cold, or coffee based
This setup lets everyone serve themselves, so you are not stuck pouring drinks all night.
Sample Christmas Mocktails Menu For Christmas Eve
Here are a few ready made combinations you can use.
Menu 1: Cozy and classic
- Hot chocolate bar
- Spiced apple cider
This menu is ideal for families and movie nights, full of warm christmas mocktails.
Menu 2: Refreshing and light
- Cranberry juice cocktail
- Iced peppermint latte
Great for earlier in the evening or after a big meal, when you want lighter christmas eve drinks.
Menu 3: Full Christmas Eve drink table
- Hot chocolate bar
- Spiced apple cider
- Cranberry juice cocktail
This mix gives your guests several christmas mocktails to choose from without being too much work.
Tips For Easy Christmas Eve Drinks
- Prep ahead:
Make cranberry cocktail and chill it in advance. Pre mix spices for apple cider. - Keep hot drinks warm:
Use a slow cooker or insulated pot for hot christmas eve drinks so you do not have to reheat. - Offer a water jug too:
A simple jug of water with lemon or berries keeps everyone hydrated between christmas mocktails. - Use fun garnishes:
Little touches like striped straws, sugared rims, and fresh herbs can turn simple recipes into impressive christmas eve drinks.
FAQs :
What is a nice non-alcoholic drink for Christmas?
A few cozy, festive picks are spiced apple cider, hot chocolate, cranberry-orange spritzer, and an iced peppermint latte. For a party-friendly option, serve a sparkling drink like cranberry juice topped with club soda and garnished with rosemary and fresh cranberries.
What is the most famous mocktail?
The Shirley Temple is one of the most famous and widely recognized mocktails. It’s typically lemon-lime soda or ginger ale with grenadine and a cherry garnish.
What’s in a Cinderella mocktail?
A classic Cinderella mocktail is a fruity blend, often made with:
Orange juice
Pineapple juice
A splash of lemon juice
Grenadine
Topped with club soda, sparkling water, or ginger ale
Garnish ideas: orange slice, cherry, or mint.
How to make a Christmas mocktail?
Start with a holiday flavor base, add bubbles, then garnish for a festive look:
Base: cranberry, pomegranate, apple cider, or orange-pineapple juice
Bubbles: ginger ale, sparkling water, lemon-lime soda
Holiday add-ins: cinnamon, rosemary, cloves, fresh citrus
Garnish: cranberries, orange slices, rosemary sprig, sugar-rimmed glass
Easy example: cranberry juice + orange juice + ginger ale, served over ice with rosemary and cranberries.