What to Drink When You’re Not Drinking This Holiday Season

The holidays bring celebration, cozy get-togethers, awkward moments, and a whole lot of situations where a drink is just handed to you before you even take your coat off. I spent more than two decades working in bars and restaurants, long enough to learn that most people have a complicated relationship with alcohol, even if they never say it out loud. Avoiding alcohol during the holidays, or simply drinking less, isn’t about perfection or labels. For many people, whether they’re in recovery, exploring multiple pathways, or leaning into a healthy lifestyle, it’s about choosing to feel steady, present, and grounded in a time that can get overwhelming fast. If that sounds familiar, you are in a completely normal place.

Making the Holidays Feel Manageable—Your Way

There’s a misconception that choosing not to drink at holiday events has to come with an explanation. It doesn’t. Sometimes it’s just a personal choice, a way to protect your energy, or a small boundary that helps you feel more like yourself. That’s true whether you’re actively working a recovery plan, experimenting with new habits, or simply trying to make it through a busy month without adding extra stress. Suppose you’re wondering how toavoid alcohol during the holidays in a way that feels natural and sustainable. In that case, one of the easiest strategies is to have something in your hand that feels intentional—something you actually want to drin

Simple Sips for the Season

Below are three simple, seasonal drinks that feel a little more elevated than a club soda with lime. They’re easy to build at home, use regular grocery-store ingredients, and I’ve included a quick note on why each one actually helps your body out a bit. Think of them as small acts of care that also taste good. They fit any approach: recovery, moderation, sober curiosity, harm reduction, or just needing a break this year.

1. Ginger Citrus Cooler
Bright, aromatic, and quietly energizing

Why it works 
Ginger settles the stomach and adds a clean snap. Citrus brings lift and a little natural brightness, which can help when winter starts leaning heavy. It’s refreshing enough to bring to a party and subtle enough to sip during moments when you’d rather not navigate questions about why you’re avoiding alcohol at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
• Non-alcoholic ginger beer or ginger ale
• Fresh orange slices
• Lime juice
• Ice
Preparation
Fill a glass with ice. Add a squeeze of lime and two thin orange slices. Pour the ginger beer over the top and give it a small stir.
 
2. CinnamonHoneyChamomile Latte
Warm, calming, and great for slowing the pace
 
Why it works 
Chamomile encourages relaxation. Honey adds gentle sweetness without overwhelming the senses. Cinnamon brings warmth that can settle both the body and the mind. This one is perfect for quiet nights, early mornings, or any moment when you want to step back from the holiday rush and stay connected to your intentions, whether that’s staying sober during holiday stress, cutting back, or simply letting your nervous system breathe.
Ingredients
• Strong chamomile tea
• Milk of your choice
• Honey
• Cinnamon
Preparation
Brew chamomile tea and let it steep a little longer for depth. Warm a splash of milk and whisk in a teaspoon of honey. Combine the two and finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
 
3. Pomegranate Rosemary Spritz
Crisp, refreshing, and a little fancy without trying too hard

Why it works
Pomegranate offers antioxidants and a beautiful color. Rosemary adds a fragrant lift, making this drink feel more intentional than it is. It’s a great option when you want something festive that doesn’t draw attention, ideal for anyone looking for holiday drink alternatives without alcohol or a simple way to keep social pressure at bay.
Ingredients
• Pomegranatejuice
• Club soda
• Fresh rosemary sprig
• Ice
Preparation
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add pomegranate juice until the glass is half full. Top with club soda. Add a small rosemary sprig and press it gently to release its aroma.

Choosing What Helps You Feel Steady This Season

Choosing a non-alcoholic drink during the holidays is not a grand statement. It is simply one way to move through the season with a little more clarity and comfort. Whether you’re practicing sober-curious holiday habits, following a recovery path that works for you, or just experimenting with how to navigate holiday parties without drinking, these small rituals can make the season feel more manageable. If any of these drinks bring a moment of ease or enjoyment, then they’ve done what they are meant to do.

By Jeff Dew, CPFS Data and Triage Manager, Serenity Recovery Connection