10 Festive Holiday Mocktails to Sip All Season Long

We’re now in an age when, thankfully, the options for non-alcoholic beverages span more than simply a glass of club soda with a squeeze of lemon or lime. While changing tastes over the past few years have brought hard seltzer, hard kombucha, and yes, even hard water, into the limelight, there’s been a simultaneous shift toward the rise of brands making delicious, refreshing, and beautifully packaged zero-alcohol drinks. And running parallel to this, thankfully, holiday mocktail recipes abound.

10 Holiday Mocktail Recipes to Celebrate the Season

Call it fatigue from the Covid-era, booze-heavy virtual happy hours, or perhaps an increase in the sober-curious among us—or any of the other many reasons we might turn down a drink. Whatever the cause, we’re wanting more from the now-trendy mocktail. To help keep your creativity flowing, we’ve found the best holiday mocktail recipes that are fruity, fizzy, and meant to be shared with family and friends. Cue the Hallmark Christmas movie vibes. Forget the hangover.

Minty Pomegranate Punch

Why We Love It: Pomegranates are the fleeting, ever-elusive ingredient that we try to use as much as we can between now and the end of December—and this recipe does the ruby-red fruit justice. Muddling the pomegranate seeds with the blueberries and mint leaves balances out their tart flavor, giving just enough sweetness to make this taste like the best take on a non-boozy mojito you’ve ever had.

Hero Ingredient: The bunch of fresh mint leaves lends a lingering coolness to offset the fruit-forward flavor of this colorful drink.

Salty Dog Mocktail

Salty Dog Mocktail

Why We Love It: Technically, Camille developed this as a cocktail recipe. But because she knows we all like a little variety in our lives, she also included a mocktail twist—and it couldn’t be easier. Grapefruit serves as the base of this drink, and on its own gives such a delicious, juicy flavor. Because of that, all you have to do is swap in some lime juice to replace the vodka or gin and add a little more grapefruit sparkling water. The recipe in its entirety calls for just three simple steps.

Hero Ingredient: I love a little garnish for added color and flavor. A rosemary sprig is perfectly festive without going overboard.

Minty Green Kombucha Smash Mocktail

Minty Green Kombucha Smash Mocktail

Why We Love It: If you’re looking for holiday mocktail recipes that pack significant health benefits as well, this is the one to make. The foundation of this recipe is a slightly-sweet green juice that you can make in large batches. What’s more, you don’t even need a juicer to make this—simply pull out your Vitamix, blend your ingredients, and push the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Friendly reminder that you don’t need to wait until January to start practicing the habits that help you feel your best.

Hero Ingredient: Spinach is the base of many a green juice, and while you can’t taste it here thanks to the addition of plenty of other just-sweet-enough ingredients, it gives the juice its beautiful bright green color (not to mention plenty of fiber and antioxidants).

Peppermint Espresso Mocktini

Peppermint Espresso Mocktini from Olivia Noceda

Why We Love It: We couldn’t call this the definitive list of holiday mocktail recipes without including a Christmas-favorite flavor. When the mood calls for a drink that’s cool and creamy (and you’re told that the eggnog contains rum), here’s what you need. Pretty, pepperminty, and just as deliciously indulgent as any Christmas cookie you can find, this drink epitomizes holiday fun.

Hero Ingredient: Crushed candy canes on the rim add texture and just enough festive flair.

Rosemary Pom Spritzer from Pinch of Yum

Why We Love It: If you’ve ever thought that mocktails are a second-rate substitute for the “real deal,” this recipe will have you changing your tune. Rasy to prep and fit for a crowd, this recipe checks off all of our boxes. You can make the drink in individual glasses for a small get-together with friends or mix up an entire pitcher if your plans involve a few more guests. Either way, everyone will be asking how you did it.

Hero Ingredient: Pomegranate juice gives this drink its distinctive color and flavor. Be sure to taste before going all in on the rosemary simple syrup.

Sparkling Grapefruit Mocktail

Sparkling Grapefruit Mocktail from The Grumpy Olive

Why We Love It: Grapefruits are such a stunning, but often overlooked, seasonal treat. That’s why, come the holidays, I’m looking to incorporate them into everything I eat—my favorite holiday mocktail recipes included. If you can, opt for fresh grapefruit juice. It makes all the difference.

Hero Ingredient: A slice of grapefruit as garnish confirms: this mocktail is deliciously puckery.

Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail

Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail from What’s Gaby Cooking

Why We Love It: If you’ve been led to believe that apple cider belongs solely in the fall, this holiday mocktail is here to convince you otherwise. It’s bright, sparkly, and goes way beyond nursing your glass of Martinelli’s. Trust me.

Hero Ingredient: Pomegranate arils add a welcome bit of tang to this sweet mocktail.

Festive Sangria Mocktail

Festive Sangria Mocktail from Little Spice Jar

Why We Love It: Sangria has the unfortunate, albeit sometimes deserved status of being named the drink of choice at many college parties. This booze-free, grown-up version adds a good amount of sophistication with a mixed medley of sliced seasonal fruits and pomegranate arils. The result is a stunning sangria that, when served with a splash of sparkling water, is celebratory enough for any party.

Hero Ingredient: Pomegranate juice is my favorite mixer. Not only for its vibrant and complex flavor but also the beautifully deep hue it lends this mocktail.

1 Minute Christmas Mimosa Mocktails

1 Minute Christmas Mimosa Mocktails from The Mindful Mocktail

Why We Love It: Sign me up for any drink that takes a minute or less to mix up. I love this less-is-more approach, especially when it comes to hosting a crowd. Two ingredients, a gorgeous color, and simple garnishes that seal the deal. This might be my ideal holiday mocktail.

Hero Ingredient: With only two ingredients to choose from, I’ll give this recipe a tie. Non-alcoholic sparkling wine and cranberry are a perfect pairing.

Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail

Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail from Get Inspired Everyday

Why We Love It: We’re low-key obsessed with this drink’s impressive color. It packs all of our favorite hues and flavors that we expect from the holiday season and even weaves in a vibrant hit of orange thanks to the garnish. Too pretty to drink? Take a picture, add to your Insta story, and sip away.

Hero Ingredient: ICYMI, kombucha isn’t just for height-of-summer poolside hangs. You can use any flavor in this recipe and the result will satisfy your craving for something bubbly. Full of probiotics that are good for your gut, this drink’s base of kombucha makes it so you’ll still feel virtuous even while going up for a second glass.

This post was last updated on November 16, 2021.

A Dermatologist Spills: How to Get the Long Lashes of Your Doe-Eyed Dreams

I couldn’t pay attention to anything my friend across the brunch table was saying. I was too distracted by the long, enviable, Bambi-like eyelashes fluttering before me. “I hope this is OK to ask, but your eyelashes… are they… ” Before I could finish, she whispered it like a secret, “Latisse.”  Since its FDA approval in 2008, the Allergan product has been the gold standard for women wondering: how to grow eyelashes. (Seriously, those Brook Shields commercials are cemented in my mind.)

“Latisse’s active ingredient is bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog, which has been shown in clinical studies to make eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker,” shares board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “It works by lengthening the time the follicle stays in the growth phase.”

But even 15 years later, Latisse is still only available with a prescription. So for anyone looking for alternatives—and answers on how to make eyelashes grow—we tapped Dr. King. In return, she answered with all the tips, secrets, products, serums, treatments, and natural remedies to boost eyelash growth.

Featured image from our interview with Cyndi Ramirez by Belathée Photography.

The Best Lash Growth Serums

Hands down, the best option is Latisse. But if you’re looking to try something over-the-counter, eyelash serums from brands like GrandeLASH and Dr. Lara Devgan regularly earn rave reviews.

Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Image by Michelle Nash

Another Over-the-Counter Lash Growth Option

Though Dr. King generally warns against over-the-counter cosmetics advertised as increasing the length and fullness of eyebrows and lashes (their efficacy has not been critically evaluated), if you are using a product, be sure to apply them to a completely cleansed lash line with an equally clean brush.

“Latisse provides disposable single-use applicator brushes because this is the safest way to ensure minimum risk of bacterial or fungal contamination and infection,” Dr. King notes.

The dermatologist does point out another promising option when it comes to what makes eyelashes grow. However, the potential side effects may outweigh the gains.

Based on a 2012 Journal of Dermatology study, “Rogaine appears to modestly increase eyebrow growth and is comparable to Latisse,” says Dr. King, who notes that a subsequent study concluded that Rogaine can be a safe and effective treatment for brows.

“However, Rogaine often causes irritation when applied to the scalp, and the eyelid skin area is generally more sensitive, so this is also possible when used for the eyelashes,” she adds. “Side effects from applying Rogaine to the eyebrow area include burning, dryness, itchiness, redness, and scaling.”

Image by Claire Huntsberger

Go the All-Natural Route

Looking to avoid chemicals and the Sephora fuss altogether? A potential eyelash growth aid can likely be found somewhere in your home. Vitamin-dense products like aloe vera gels, olive oil, and green tea can reportedly support strong, long eyelash growth while moisturizing agents like shea butter and coconut oil nourish strands and prevent breakage.

But the most prominent home remedy for stimulating eyelash growth is castor oil. And while no studies have been able to prove castor oil causes hair growth, it certainly can’t hurt.

“Castor oil is not damaging to the hair and can provide some conditioning that improves the flexibility of the hair fiber. Castor oil has also been shown in a study to increase hair luster,” shares Dr. King.

Image by Teal Thomsen

Consider a Lash Lift or Perm

The trendy treatment has all the permanence of eyelash extensions without damaging adhesives. Plus, it cuts down on the use of potentially damaging curling devices. (Even Camille is a lash lift regular.)

Protect Your Eyelashes

It doesn’t matter how much attention and care (or money) you put into your lashes if you aren’t taking preventative measures to keep them healthy. Because really, when it comes to what makes eyelashes grow, what don’t do can be just as crucial as the healthy steps you take to promote eyelash growth.

  • Remove mascara before bed so lashes don’t break off onto your pillow.
  • Speaking of pillows, consider a silk pillowcase for less lash-compromising friction.
  • Limit the use of false eyelashes or eyelash extensions since adhesives may weaken lashes and cause breakage.
  • Regularly brush out your eyelashes to distribute natural oils.
  • Eat a healthy diet with plenty of protein, iron, and biotin.
  • Try a solid hair growth supplement (that extends to brows and eyelashes). Nutrifol is nutritionist-approved.

“As Long As It’s Intentional, the Day Feels Whole” —Adriene Mishler on the Transformative Power of Movement

Find Your Ritual

From the way we drink our coffee in the morning to how we set the table and invite others to gather around it, rituals are a cue to show up fully and find beauty in each moment. Here’s how some of our favorite people weave rituals into their daily lives. See All

We’re big fans of Adriene Mishler, who you likely know in the online world as Yoga with Adriene. With over 12 million YouTube subscribers, a community of 1.3 million on Instagram, (and countless devotees across the world), we feel pretty lucky to have gotten a little behind the scenes of the very talented Find What Feels Good CEO’s daily rituals.

Adriene’s outlook on routines and finding time for herself amidst a busy schedule is refreshing, approachable, and—zero surprise—full of feel-good moments. Ahead, she shares what she’s learned by committing herself to supportive practices, connecting with others, and living out her intentions each day. There’s wisdom to be found in all of her words, and we can’t wait to weave every bit of it into our own lives.

What’s something you’re committed to doing every single day, no matter what?

No matter what, I am committed to saying a prayer and moving my body each day, both with intention. The approach may change from day to day—but as long as it is intentional, the day feels whole.  

What’s the first thing you do each morning?

First thing in the morning, I drink water and take care of Benji and my plants. Watering myself, opening the blinds for the plants to receive their light, and tending to my darling friend is honestly how I begin. In that short little time I get to check in. I am not saying I don’t hustle some mornings, but through that sweet holy trinity of movement I can at least take stock of how I want to move into the day. And the days are usually full, so focusing on the how is a real gift. I encourage all of my friends to focus on that because how you move influences how you feel in any given moment. 

How you move influences how you feel in any given moment. 

Are there any daily or weekly “chores” you always enjoy?

I clean like my grandma Emma Martinez—deep, daily, with pleasure, and with a high bar. But this is because I rely on my space to reflect back to me an environment that resembles how I want my energy to be. Unhurried, present, clutter-, and chaos-free. I love to sweep and I enjoy making my bed. I do not enjoy putting laundry away.  

Is there a scent you use to relax?

I love a classic, comforting sandalwood. It grounds the space while also giving it some character.  

Does music play a part in your daily life?

Music plays a huge part in my daily life. I am definitely one of those people who have some sort of soundtrack playing almost all hours of the day. Music is such a powerful tool for bolstering an energy, a focus, and helping to build an environment.

I think the fact that my parents had music in the house a lot and growing up in Austin has led me to value the role music plays in our lives. I love to put together soundscapes for projects and playlists for people and places, and I enjoy working with music playing. I think the only time I prefer quiet is while reading, sleeping, or in Savasana to end my yoga practice.  

How do you keep yourself energized throughout the day?

Mostly by remembering to build in breaks. When I do not have short breaks in between meetings or tasks, I notice the toll. Just because I can do it, doesn’t mean I should. I find that when I remember to build in those little breaks to step away for a snack, to water the garden, move my body, or help a friend, I am able to return to my work tasks with a better sense of self and the energy I want to offer.  

On the weekends or days off, I love to recharge over slow meals, long walks, and sometimes massage. Doing this on the days off plays a big part in my staying energized later in the week—especially when I have to be ON for many hours of the day. 

Where do you turn for inspiration when you’re feeling creatively blocked?

Oh so many places to turn! My best ideas come when I am driving on a long road trip. I love this setup as I cannot be distracted too much, I can listen to podcasts, music, and be with my thoughts following them wherever they go as I drive and drive. Same goes for being in nature, though this can take some time if I have been spinning a lot of plates.

I am also truly very inspired by my friends and community. When I see someone put their heart into something and think for themselves from that place, I am in awe and admiration. It gives me great hope. Finally, I have a background in film and theatre, so going to the movies, a play, or sitting down for a film night can also get my wheels turning. In fact, I am thinking of producing a play again in Austin. Should we do it?  

What do you do to prioritize health and wellness?

Remembering that I am a role model helps me prioritize my health and wellness. And before anyone goes rolling their eyes, I think it is important to remember that we are all role models! We model our approach to life for the young people in our lives, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our community at large. It’s a sweet realization to remember: you matter. In this season my life, keeping that affirmation at the forefront has helped me give more time on the calendar back to myself and my health. Without guilt, shame, or difficulty.  

What’s the best career advice anyone has ever given you?

The best career advice anyone gave me was when I was acting professionally and considering whether or not to move to LA after I had worked on a David Gordon Green movie here in Austin with Nic Cage. The advice was to seek an environment to have a voice in that could work in tandem with my acting. The idea being that if I can own my voice somewhere, I will always have something I care about to pour into.

As a working actor, you often shape shift at other’s demand and call. This advice to me as a young, hustling actor really empowered me to continue to cultivate myself outside of working to pay the bills. (Truly, I did so much commercial work back then and it was a  hustle.) It also helped me discover that my passion is truly where creativity and service come together. It turns out that this advice would serve me well beyond auditions and being on set. It came with me onto the Yoga With Adriene YouTube channel, where the second-best career advice came to me and that was the note to do it again, but this time, just be yourself.  

How would you describe your work/life balance?

I would describe my work/life balance as a work in process. Currently in a major renovation.  

What’s the best spot in your house?

In the humble breakfast nook with Benji at my feet.  

What’s one self-care product you can’t live without?

Any arnica or magnesium balm. I love it. I use it on the usual tight places, but I also love to use these guys before a workout or practice. Camphor or eucalyptus with a little arnica or mag-boom puts me in the mood to be in my body and breathe more consciously.  

Also, [Living Libations’] Seabuckthorn Best Skin Ever and a hair tie or scrunchie.  

You need to unwind after a long day. What’s your go-to method?

My go-to method for transitioning from a long day is to soak in an Epsom salt bath with a book. Then shower off, jump in bed, and pick up the book wherever I left off. 

What’s your favorite time of day?

Sunset. I love this time of day wherever I am in the world. It’s poetic if you take the time to pause. This is also the time of day when we are usually cooking dinner. I love cooking with my partner while the sun sets. Favorite time of day indeed.  

What’s one thing you’d love everyone to know about yoga?  

Usually, I would say that I would want everyone to know that you don’t have to be good at yoga to do yoga! But these days I really lean in to remind myself and others that yoga is a sacred practice. Let it be that for you. Let it be. Soften, slow down, and remember that yoga is a time to connect with the divine. At-home yoga can be a perfect setup for just that.