14 Fall Mocktails to Celebrate the Season

When you're hosting a holiday gathering, generosity is your first priority–all are welcome, and there should be something for everyone. So, as well as shopping and cooking to provide a wonderful meal, be generous of spirit when you stock your bar. Those who aren't imbibing, for any number of reasons, should never feel like their needs and choices rank in second place. With non-drinkers in mind, mix up some fall mocktails, prepare a selection of garnishes, and have ice, stirrers, and garnishes at the ready.

These nonalcoholic drinks can be as simple as a base of syrup topped with sparkling water, tonic, or soda, but they need extra-special garnishes as much as fancy cocktails do. The market for attractive and sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks is expanding all the time, so play around with what's out there and make your own, too. Consider making a special syrup or base, such as the conversation starter orgeat.

Appreciate the nuanced aromatics and bright flavors that herbs and fruits can bring to the palate, and use our recipes to guide you as you welcome others to your home during the holiday season.

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Chai-Spiced Cider Spritzers

This autumnal refresher is a cool surprise; blend fresh apple cider with all the spices of chai and top with sparkling water if you like. Make a batch of spiced syrup ahead of time and mix this drink up as needed—the chai syrup will keep, refrigerated for weeks.

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Pomegranate Soda

Intensify pomegranate juice by cooking it down with sugar to make a ruby syrup. Now you've got the base for a bright, seasonal spritz. Just add sparkling water and the garnish of your choice.

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Mint, Lime, and Ginger Sparkler

A pitcher of drinks is a fantastic solution when hosting a party, allowing guests to serve themselves. This one is refreshing as it is pretty, with fresh mint and the kick of ginger.

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Grapefruit Sanbitter Spritz

An Aperol spritz without alcohol can be just as festive and fun as the real thing. This one hints at a Shirley Temple but gets its adult bitterness from a non-alcoholic aperitif and fresh grapefruit.

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Blackberry and Sage Shrub

Preserve the flavors of the herb garden by making a batch of this shrub base ahead of the big holiday. All you need to add at the bar is sparkling water for a healthful and invigorating drink.

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Blackcurrant Cider Sparklers

With its rosy hue and hint of cassis, this elegantly simple spritz will be the star of the bar. Blackcurrant juice is available at many large markets, look for it in the refrigerated aisle. If you can't find it, try making this fall mocktail with grape or pomegranate juice instead.

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Ginger Lime Fizz

Here's a special make-ahead mocktail you can prep weeks before the party. The homemade ginger syrup is the base of mix-your-own soda guests can adjust as they like.

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Apple Cider, Cranberry, and Ginger Punch

Fizzy, gingery, and tart, with freshly muddled cranberries, this is a sparkling fall mocktail everyone will want.

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Spiced Orangeade

Even the kids will be able to drink this bright, tart juice that's been spiked with coriander seeds. Make the syrup in advance and squeeze the juice in the morning—you'll be ready to pour at party time.

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Mediterranean Cucumber Tonic

The coolest, crispest mocktail on our list is also the most refreshing. Muddled fresh cucumber, lemon, and rosemary give us every excuse to sip and savor the herbaceous notes of a high-end tonic water.

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Pomegranate, Mint, and Citrus Fizz

Pomegranate, Mint & Citrus Fizz — Bryan Gardner

Sparkling juice becomes an adult soda, when it gets a slight hint of bitterness from dark, sweet-tart pomegranate molasses. A fresh mint muddle and a topping of sparkling water will make this a hit.

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Sparkling Cider and Cara Cara Orange Punch

glass of sparkling cider with cara cara orange punch

Get out your punch bowl to kick off the festive season with flair. If you want to make a splash, follow this recipe for a big bowl of freshly squeezed sparkle, and prepare individual glasses rimmed with crystallized ginger.

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Nonalcoholic Michelada

For those who like beer but want something else, we've doctored the favorite Mexican beachside drink. Kombucha mixed with a hint of tomato and lime is sure to satisfy people who like things a little bit on the savory side.

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Carrot Limeade

A bright orange carrot-ade will fit in nicely with the holiday party. It's not just for the little ones– this fresh drink will make even the most senior of us feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

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