Mouthwatering Mocktails for Fall Fun
Every year we have patients stumble bleary-eyed into January 1st and go…that’s it - I’m good on drinking for a while.
Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration (or not)…but we always do seem to have a lot of people who say they feel bloated, inflamed, poorly rested, and maybe even a bit anxious after the holiday highs wear off. The older we get, the more many of us seem to notice that alcohol just might be worth the trade-off (it is a neurotoxin after all).
So this year when we started seeing all the “Sober October” plugs and posts, I was honestly excited to add some mocktail recipes to the blog! I’m determined to show that sober does not equal somber!
Although sometimes that’s the vibe we get from society, this fall can be fun, festive, and full of social engagements without alcohol, if that’s something you’re interested in trying for your health. As a side note, if you’re still happily drinking your way through corn mazes and hayrides, you’re in good company. Check back before Thanksgiving for our blog post about our best recommendations for drinking clean (and minimizing inflammation and hormone havoc) for the holidays.
At the heart of our mission at Navigate Wellness is the emphasis on helping you become educated and empowered with the information you need to make your own best decisions for your health! Whether that includes alcohol or sobriety (either short or long-term), we want to provide the best information for you to make that decision for yourself.
So without further ado…my [Dr. K’s] top mocktail recipes.
…and if a “mocktail” or a “zero proof craft cocktail” just honestly sounds like a lot of work for an NA drink - check out last week’s article on all our favorite non-alcoholic options and brands that totally pass the vibe check. Click the link below to hop straight to that guide (especially if making drinks from scratch isn’t your thing)!
Take me to the Sober October: Fun, NA & Anti-Inflammatory Drink Options blog post!
Hosting & Halloween Mocktail Recipes
One of the things I also appreciate about all the recipes we’ve included here is that they could all easily be spiked if you are hosting for both the sober and libacious crowds (might have just made up a word there, but you know - the drinkers)!
“Witches Brew” - Elderflower Lavender Blackberry Smash
We actually just tested this one with a side of Hocus Pocus (the movie, not witchcraft) & Mexican takeout for girls’ night and it was great (part of me wanted to say it “slapped” but I just couldn’t bring myself to type it…older millennial problems). Easy to make, and you can sub simple syrup out for the elderflower syrup or add in mint or basil to your tastes (or what’s in your kitchen)! Play around with what sounds good to you, that’s half the fun of making drinks at home - you get to doctor them up however you like best!
Ingredients
6 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice
2 (12 ounce) cans orange seltzer
¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
2 oranges, sliced
2 apples, sliced
1/3 cup maraschino cherries
1 cup ginger ale or ginger beer
Autumn Apple Cider “Sangria”
One of my favorites.
Ingredients
6 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice
2 (12 ounce) cans orange seltzer
¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
2 oranges, sliced
2 apples, sliced
1/3 cup maraschino cherries
1 cup ginger ale or ginger beer
Rosemary Pear Cooler
This one is great because it can be batched and it can go either way - serve over ice for a great NA option, or set it out with some spirits and allow those who wish to imbibe play mixologist with their favorite [clean] liquor (we like Hanson’s, but we might be biased since they’re a local distillery).
Ingredients
6 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice
2 (12 ounce) cans orange seltzer
¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
2 oranges, sliced
2 apples, sliced
1/3 cup maraschino cherries
1 cup ginger ale or ginger beer
Enchanted Lemonade (Kid Favorite)
Showcasing the “magic” color-changing concoction that comes from combining Butterfly Pea Flower Powder or Butterfly Pea Tea with acid from lemonade or limeade. The joy of this comes in the preparation, otherwise your guests or little ghouls won’t be able to watch it change color (it still tastes great, but especially if this is for little ones pay attention to the order of adding ingredients)!
This is also one that guests could easily add something like vodka to if you’re
Ingredients
6 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice
2 (12 ounce) cans orange seltzer
¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
2 oranges, sliced
2 apples, sliced
1/3 cup maraschino cherries
1 cup ginger ale or ginger beer
Hocus Pocus Punch
Now why we didn’t make this one for movie night, is honestly just because its more work for only a few people... but for a party, it’s a perfect fit to fill a pumpkin shaped punchbowl and look nice and festive!
Ingredients
6 cups apple cider
2 cups cranberry juice
2 (12 ounce) cans orange seltzer
¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
2 oranges, sliced
2 apples, sliced
1/3 cup maraschino cherries
1 cup ginger ale or ginger beer
If you like these ideas and wish someone would just pack your cooler for you this Halloween, make sure you get our weekly insider tips in “the Doctor’s note” newsletter:
