Mocktail Ideas for a Sober Holiday Gathering

Dec 23, 2021 | Addiction Treatment Programs, Drug Rehab, Rehab Programs, Sobriety

How do people in recovery deal with huge celebrations after they’ve been discharged from alcohol addiction rehab? They prepare for the worst and cherish every moment for enjoyment that happens.

With so many parties and reunions that will likely have alcoholic drinks around, the holidays can be a difficult time of the year for those that are working on maintaining sobriety. If you’re having trouble dealing with the holiday season as a former alcoholic, reach out to Casco Bay Recovery. Call us at 844.956.3520 or contact our team online.

Can Sober Holidays Be Enjoyable?

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Most envision the typical sober holiday gathering as one that counts among its exciting points the introduction of the results of mocktail ideas. While this may be different from how you celebrated holidays before, it’s wholesome and family-friendly — which is what holiday celebrations should usually be. Traditions like getting drunk with your friends can be memorable but they don’t form the foundations of most holiday celebrations. It may take time for you to get used to your new way of celebrating, but eventually, it will be enjoyable.

During the holidays, stressors such as busy schedules, financial strain, unhealthy eating, and unrealistic expectations may affect you and most of the people around you. You might feel like you’re more vulnerable to relapsing. If you’re especially worried, you can put yourself first and decline party invitations. You can host a sober holiday gathering so you can set the rules of the party and make sure that you serve only mocktails you like.

5 Mocktail Ideas for Sober Holiday Gatherings

1. Hot Apple Cider

For this recipe, you’ll need:

10 oz apple cider
1 tsp pumpkin butter

Heat the apple cider and then stir in the teaspoon of pumpkin butter. That’s it! This recipe makes only one serving. You can garnish the drink with cinnamon and star anise to make it more festive.

2. Spiced Apple Cider

For this recipe, you’ll need:

64 oz apple cider
2 tsp ground cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
4 whole cloves
1 orange, cut into slices

Spiced apple cider is the perfect replacement for boozy mulled cider, hot toddies, or mulled wine. Add everything and stir while it’s simmering over low heat. This toasty drink is good for keeping you warm while keeping you clear-headed. You can add whipped cream for more enjoyment and extra cinnamon sticks as a garnish to every serving of this drink.

3. Nonalcoholic Buttered Rum

For this recipe, you’ll need:

1/2 cup of softened butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup sugar or sugar substitute
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cardamom
1/16 tsp ground cloves
Half-and-half or heavy cream

Combine the butter, both types of sugar, and all the spices in a mixing bowl. Beat until everything is thoroughly combined. When you’re making a single serving of this mocktail, scoop 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp of the butter mixture into a mug. Pour about 1/4 cup of boiling water over the top and then add one or two tbsp of half-and-half or heavy cream. You can also stir to combine everything before serving.

4. Cranberry Spice

For this recipe, you’ll need:

1.5 oz sparkling water
2 oz cranberry juice
4 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
2.5 oz apple cider
10 cranberries, plus additional ones for garnishing
Orange wedge

Muddle the cranberries and orange wedge in cranberry juice, and then pour in the rest of the ingredients. Stir everything with a spoon. Garnish with cranberries and orange peel and then serve on ice.

5. Nonalcoholic Eggnog

For this recipe, you’ll need:

2 cups milk
5 whole cloves
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sweetened, condensed milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp ground nutmeg, plus more for garnishing
1 tsp vanilla extract

Combine the milk, cloves, cinnamon, and condensed milk over low heat in a saucepan. Stir until the mixture is heated through. Slowly increase the heat to medium. Bring the mixture to a low boil. In a bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat eggs until they’re fluffy. Temper the eggs by adding about 1 tbsp at a time of the hot milk mixture slowly into the egg-and-sugar mixture.

Once all the milk is in the egg-and-sugar mixture, pour the entire combination back into the saucepan. Heat over medium heat for three to five minutes, stirring until it’s thickened enough to leave a clean line on the back of a spoon. Add the heavy whipping cream, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir but don’t bring to a boil. Strain the mixture using a fine-mesh strainer. Place in an airtight container and let cool for at least one hour in the refrigerator. Serve cold. You can garnish each serving with additional nutmeg.

What Do You Do When Celebrating the Holidays Triggers Your Alcohol Addiction?

If you feel tempted or triggered at a holiday event, use your prepared exit strategy. You can fib and say that you have to wake up early the next day for an appointment. You can arrange for a friend or family member to call and add credence to your exit. If you’re comfortable telling the host the truth, you can explain exactly why you need to leave.

Not comfortable with social interactions when you’re already triggered? You can do the “Irish goodbye” and sneak out without telling anyone. While this may seem rude, it might be necessary if you feel that your sobriety is in jeopardy.

Go to a therapy session or a support group meeting afterward. It’s easier to get over the temptation and triggering when you’re surrounded and supported by people who understand how you feel.