After writing negatively about pumpkin spice everything, I wanted to continue the bah-humbug series with an anti-eggnog article—but the New York Times beat me to it! The newspaper published this editorial: “Admit It. Eggnog is Terrible.” And I agree. So here we offer a variety of non-alcoholic merry mocktails, valiantly tested by the University Communications team (and their families). Ideal for designated drivers, these holiday drinks are so good everyone will want to partake. Cheers!

Holiday Punch

A blend of sweet and tart fruit juices mixed with lemon-lime soda or sparkling water, this crimson delight is a beautiful red. Fresh cranberries and oranges add color and texture. – Adapted from Rebecca Hubbell of sugarandsoul.com

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 2 cups lemon-lime soda (substitute sparkling water for less sweetness)
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 oranges, sliced
• Pomegranate seeds (optional)

Combine cranberry, orange, and pomegranate juices (can be done ahead of time). Place fresh fruit in punchbowl or pitcher. Add lemon-lime soda or sparkling water before serving.

Seedlip Spice Sour

This one requires the oddly named Seedlip Spice, a non-alcoholic aromatic spirit with a complex blend of unique ingredients, including allspice, cardamom, lemon and grapefruit peel, and two barks. Not for the timid, this concoction is bright and tart. – from Seedlip Spice 

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Seedlip Spice 94
• 1 oz lemon juice
• Dash of sugar
• 1 egg white
• 1 dash of white wine vinegar

Pour all ingredients into a shaker over ice. Shake well (for egg white to get foamy). Sift drink through a strainer when pouring.

Cranberry Spice

A recipe that calls for muddling, which is fun to say and do. The apple cider adds a subtle, crisp flavor, and the bitters give it some tang. The warm amber color is festive without being too bright. – Adapted from Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz sparkling water
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 4 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
• 2.5 oz apple cider
• 10 cranberries (plus additional for garnish)
• Orange wedge

Muddle cranberries and orange wedge in cranberry juice. Pour in the rest of the ingredients and stir. Garnish with cranberries and orange peel.

Apple Cranberry Spritzer

A sweeter version of Cranberry Spice, this spritzer combines ingredients that are easy to find (except for the sprig of fresh rosemary). With its combination of red and green, it’s also perfect for parties. – Adapted from Jekyll Island Club Resort

Ingredients:

• Apple juice
• Cranberry juice
• Sprite
• Cranberries
• Rosemary

Mix equal parts apple and cranberry juices. Add a dash of Sprite. Garnish with cranberries and sprig of fresh rosemary.

Pear Punch

Not too sweet but not too adventurous either, this refreshing bubbly punch features pear and ginger ale. The sliced pear adds a lovely touch. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pear juice
• Juice from 1 lemon
• ½ cup sugar (reduce or omit for less sweetness)
• 2 liters ginger ale
• Sliced fresh pear

Pour pear juice into large bowl. Add lemon juice. Stir in sugar. Add ginger ale before serving. Serve with sliced pear in the glass.