Mulled Cranberry Mocktail for Holiday Sipping (dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free)

As the holidays arrive, it’s time to celebrate with festive drinks that warm the soul, lift the spirits, and bring loved ones together. This year, skip the store-bought drinks and try this virgin cranberry-orange mocktail!

This non-alcoholic holiday drink is a beautiful blend of tart and sweet. The flavour is surprisingly complex with the addition of fennel. Easy to make, this non-alcoholic cocktail is also dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. Whether served hot or cold, this cranberry mocktail is a crowd-pleaser!

Do you love cranberries for their festive ruby-red color, or do you tend to pass on this tart berry at the dinner table? Either way, this cranberry mocktail will change your mind about this versatile fruit, making it a go-to for holiday sipping. And if not, well, more for me!

Why Use Cranberries in Your Holiday Drinks?

Cranberries are at their peak during the fall season, making them ideal for holiday cooking and baking. In my area, we can buy fresh, local cranberries from Bala, Ontario—one of the best sources for quality berries in Canada.

Aside from their stunning colour, cranberries are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are naturally high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

All of which support our winter wellness health care, making them a great addition to your diet as we head into the colder months.

Health Benefits of Cranberries

We often hear about cranberry juice for urinary tract infections (UTIs). It’s not a magic cure, but it can certainly help in some cases. Medical News Today reported on some of the latest research about the treatment of UTIs with cranberries earlier this year.

Cranberries may prevent certain bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls, particularly E. coli, which is responsible for many urinary tract infections. Consuming cranberries or unsweetened cranberry juice can help your body create an environment that’s less friendly to harmful bacteria.

However, it’s important to note that while cranberries may help, you’d need to consume a significant amount of unsweetened cranberry juice to see measurable benefits. You might be better off taking supplemental capsules instead.

If you do have an active UTI, avoid sweetened cranberry cocktails or drinks, as excess sugar can exacerbate UTI symptoms.

Why This Cranberry Mocktail Is a Must-Try for the Holidays

This virgin cranberry-orange cocktail is a refreshing take on traditional holiday drinks. It’s perfect for kids and young adults, designated drivers, and anyone looking for a non-alcoholic holiday drink with flair. The combination of real cranberries and oranges gives this drink a vibrant, tart flavour that you can sweeten to your liking. And did I mention that it’s so simple to make?

For those who love bubbles, I love to add sparkling water for a fizzy treat, or swap it for champagne if you’re in the mood to celebrate. This versatile drink can be served hot or cold, making it ideal for everything from cozy fireside gatherings to lively New Year’s Eve parties.

Why Use Fresh Ingredients?

I’m relying on real, whole foods (real cranberries) instead of store-bought juice cocktail for this recipe. Store-bought juice is usually loaded with sugar and processed at high heat, which destroys heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C. Using whole fruits also allows you to avoid unnecessary additives.

Fennel might seem like an unusual ingredient for this cranbery mocktail, but it creates a delightful drink that’s both complex and refreshing. I love the delicate licorice-flavour matched up against the cranberries and the oranges, which are a natural flavour pairing.

The cocktail recipe as written is fairly tart. But another benefit of making your own cranberry mocktail is that you can adjust the sweetness to your taste. Whether you prefer a more tart or sweeter drink, you’re the boss!

Here’s how to make my Mulled Orange & Cranberry Mocktail:

Creative Ways to Serve Your Cranberry Mocktail

This versatile drink can be adapted in several ways:

• Serve warm: For a cozy winter drink, keep the cocktail warm in a slow cooker and let guests serve themselves.
• Make it bubbly: For a refreshing twist, add sparkling water or soda just before serving to make it a fizzy virgin cranberry cocktail.
• Turn it into a spritzer: Mix equal parts of the cocktail with your favorite non-alcoholic sparkling wine for a celebratory drink.
• Switch up the herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a cinnamon stick can add a fragrant, festive flair to your cranberry mocktail.

A New Favourite Holiday Mocktail

Whether you serve it at a holiday potluck or sip it while wrapping presents, this mulled cranberry-orange mocktail captures the season.

Not only is this a festive non-alcoholic holiday drink, it’s also a healthier alternative to many sugary holiday beverages.

Give it a try at your next holiday gathering!

What’s your favourite holiday drink this time of year?

Life is a plate… eat up!

Ashleigh

P.S. Looking for more festive holiday-friendly drinks? You might like this Magical Matcha Green Tea Latte, or this Chai-spiced Turmeric Latte (make it warm).

And while you sip on your virgin cranberry cocktail, why not check out my healthy holiday baking tips?

This post was updated with new sources and information in October 2024.