Donut Time for Merry Little Mocktails

Raise a toast this Yuletide season with some festive fizz. A Christmas celebration with loved ones is the perfect time to enjoy festive mocktails. With amazing flavours and Insta-worthy garnishes, today’s mocktails are adding sparkle and cheer to celebrations at home.

As staying sober is the new age wellness mantra, there are amazing varieties of mocktail recipes that ensure everyone can clink glasses together. Also, the fusion of local

ingredients is redefining beverages, making them flavour-rich and irresistible to today’s mindful consumers.

Sober Sips

A mocktail is an alcohol-free beverage with fresh juices, syrups, and herbs. For guests, it adds a sense of inclusivity and celebration. A well-designed mocktail elevates the dining experience with a vibrant, flavourful drink perfect for a family Christmas gathering. There are various types of fruit, herbal, and spicy ones. Blending and smoothness matter in a mocktail. “Blending helps mix all the ingredients smoothly and gives the drink a silky texture, ensures the flavours come together, and makes the drink balanced and refreshing. Layering is when different liquids are poured gently to sit on top of each other. This creates a beautiful visual effect with separated colours and makes the drink look artistic,” says Avanish Chaturvedi, Food & Beverage Manager, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai.

The key to a great mocktail is balance; the sour and sweet should not overpower. “Add sweetness slowly and adjust the sour in stages. Fresh citrus gives clean acidity, while natural sweeteners like fruit purées or syrups keep flavours rounded. Pre-chilled glassware and serving the drink at the right temperature ensure the flavours stay sharp,” says Aman Dua, Co-Founder, Crimson and Clover Hospitality India Pvt Ltd.

Presentation Matters

A well-presented mocktail builds excitement and enhances the overall drinking experience. “The right glassware sets the mood of the drink. Whether it’s a tall highball for a soda-based mocktail or a coupe for layers. Garnishes must connect with the flavour. Fresh citrus, seasonal fruits, herbs, and edible flowers add freshness, aroma, and character,” adds Aman Dua.

For kids, make the drinks attractive by adding fruit pieces (berries, grapes, mango) inside the ice cubes. “Dip the glass rim in honey and coat with coloured sugar or sprinkles. Skewer fruits, tiny candy canes, festive umbrellas, or star-shaped fruit pieces, adds Avanish.

Mix & Mingle

Desi mocktail flavours are making a comeback because they are rooted in nostalgia. Flavours like jamun, kala khatta, raw mango, chaat masala, Kokum, and rose take people back to their childhood. Especially during the festive season, guests look for comfort with a twist, something they connect with emotionally,” adds. Dua.

Xmas Flavours

Traditional Christmas flavours have evolved into more refined drinks. Classic notes like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom are now paired with botanicals and herbs for aromatic blends. Chocolate has elevated as brûlée lattes and pecan-pie inspired milkshakes, apple and orange are reimagined with fresh infusions and spiced accents,” says Sanoj Rai, Manager, The Bar Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre.

“Trending this season are Cranberry Rosemary Fizz: tart, herbal and sparkling with a sugared cranberry garnish. Gingerbread Cold Brew Tonic: warm spice meets chilled coffee magic, and Berry Cooler - spiced winter berries with orange and star anise,” adds Mahika de Souza, Mixologist - House of Nomad, Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa.

Mindful Indulgence

With wellness culture on the rise, mocktails are reshaping the beverage landscape. “Guests prefer options that offer the same flavour and experience, without the alcohol. Mixologists innovate with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and artisanal techniques, so mocktails have evolved into complex, gourmet beverages. For modern diners, mocktails are a must-have, and the industry is responding with exciting and creative menus,” adds Rai.

Fruitfully Yours

Fresh juices elevate the Christmas feast. Freeze juice into festive ice cubes (orange, cranberry, or watermelon) so drinks stay chilled without dilution. “Mix citrus juices with sparkling water for instant fizz, or blend watermelon, berries, or pineapple for colourful spritzers. Add herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary and rim glasses with sugar, cinnamon or Tajin. Keep a base pitcher with orange-cranberry, lime-mint, or apple-spice, and let guests top it up with soda or tonic,” adds Rai.

Let this year’s Christmas party at home be all about fun garnishes, fizzy bubbles and bold flavours

of mocktails.

Mock Tales

Here are some handy tips to enhance your mocktail sips

(Courtesy: Mahika de Souza, Mixologist, House of Nomad, Taj Holiday Village Resort, Goa)

• Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar or edible glitter

• Use themed ice, frozen cranberries, mint leaves, and star-shaped cubes.

• Add tiny ornaments: mini candy canes/gingerbread cookie clips

• Holiday stirrers + straws in red-white peppermint theme

• Dress the base of the glass with a sprig of pine or a ribbon bow.

Kala Khatta

(Courtesy Aman Dua,

Co-Founder, Crimson and Clover Hospitality India Pvt Ltd)

Ingredients

• Kala Khatta Syrup – 60 ml

• Fresh Ginger – Muddled

• Mango flavoured Soda

• Ice

• Mint – for garnish

Method

1. Muddle fresh ginger in a glass. Add Kala Khatta syrup, fill with

ice, and top up with soda.

2. Stir and serve chilled. Garnish with fresh Mint springs.

Virgin Cranberry Spritzer

Courtesy: Sanoj Rai, Manager, The Bar Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre)

Ingredients

• 1 cup cranberry juice

• 1/2 cup sparkling water

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice

• Slice of lime

• Fresh cranberries for garnish

Method

1. Mix juices, top with sparkling water.

2. Garnish with lime and cranberries.

Santa’s Apple Cinnamon Spritz

(Courtesy: Mahika de Souza, Mixologist - House of Nomad, Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa)

Ingredients

• 120 ml Apple juice

• 30 ml Cinnamon syrup

• Sparkling water to top

• Apple slices & cinnamon stick for garnish

Method

1. Chill the glass, and pour apple juice and cinnamon syrup. Stir gently.

2. Add sparkling water until the glass is three-fourths full. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.