6 Mocktails for 2026

Equestrian Sports Nutrition, General Health & Wellness, Uncategorized

December 21, 2025

Cheers to the New Year: 6 Festive Mocktails for 2026

Between late-night barn checks, early morning rides, and celebrating with barn friends, the holidays often come with a drink (or two) in hand. Whether you’re hosting a casual barn party, heading to a New Year’s gathering, or simply looking for an alternative that won’t leave you feeling sluggish in the saddle the next day, these mocktails are for you.

I’m excited to share 6 festive, alcohol-free drinks to ring in 2026—designed for equestrians who want something fun and celebratory without overdoing it. These mocktails fit right in at a barn party, give you something enjoyable to sip, and still support recovery, hydration, and energy for riding.

Each recipe uses flavorful, nourishing ingredients with simple steps, so they’re easy to make whether you’re mixing a big batch for friends or winding down at home. They’re a great option if you’re cutting back, pacing yourself, or just want a drink that won’t interfere with how you feel (or ride) the next day.

First up is Mango Cardamom Spritz

The Mango Cardamom Spritz is bright, refreshing, and lightly spiced. With sweet mango, zesty lime, and a hint of cardamom, it brings a sunny, festive flavor that’s perfect to sip after chores, around the barn aisle, or while celebrating the season with barn friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich in Antioxidants – Mango purée is packed with vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Gentle Spice – A pinch of cardamom adds a warm touch and supports digestion.
Effortlessly Elegant – Sparkling water and fresh garnish make this feel like a celebration.

Recipe: Mango Cardamom Spritz

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mango purée or mango nectar (chilled)
  • 1/2 fresh lime, juiced
  • 1/8 tsp ground cardamom (just a pinch – adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wheels and mint sprigs, for garnish
Preparation & Serving:

Prep:

  1. Juice the lime and chill the mango purée or nectar.

Make:

  1. In a small pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine mango purée, lime juice, and cardamom. Stir or shake well. This can be prepared up to a day ahead and kept chilled.
  2. Add sparkling water and gently stir to keep the bubbles intact

Serve:

  1. Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
  2. Divide the mixture evenly.
  3. Garnish with a lime wheel or sprig of mint.
 Why This Recipe is Great:
  • Simple & Quick: Just a few ingredients and no prep stress.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the base early and add bubbles when ready to serve.
  • Customizable: Use mango nectar or purée to suit your taste.
Click here for a video tutorial: Mango Cardamom Spritz

Next we have a Grapefruit and Rosemary Refresher.

This mocktail blends tart cherry juice with bright citrus and a touch of rosemary for a crisp, herbal sip that’s perfect for a winter barn party or winding down after chores. With its ruby-red color and refreshing bubbles, it’s festive, light, and easy to enjoy—whether you’re sharing it with barn friends or sipping solo at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Antioxidant-Rich – Tart cherry juice and grapefruit are both packed with vitamin C and polyphenols.
Herb-Infused Flavor – Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant twist that pairs beautifully with citrus.
Festive Without the Fuss – Easy to prep ahead and lovely in the glass.

Recipe: Grapefruit and Rosemary Refresher

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice (about 2 grapefruits)
  • 1/4 cup tart cherry juice
  • 1 tsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (plus more for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water (chilled)
  • Crushed ice
  • Optional garnish: fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries, pitted or twist of grapefruit

Preparation & Serving:

Infuse the Base:

  1. In a small saucepan, warm the grapefruit juice, cherry juice, agave syrup, and 1 rosemary sprig over low heat for 2–3 minutes. Do not boil.
  2. Remove from heat and let steep for 5–10 minutes to infuse.
  3. Discard rosemary and chill the mixture until cold.

Assemble the Drink:

  1. Fill two glasses with crushed ice.
  2. Divide the juice mixture evenly between glasses.
  3. Top with 1/4 cup sparkling water per glass and stir gently.

Garnish:

  • Add a rosemary sprig to each glass.
  • Skewer 2–3 cherries or drop them into the drink.
  • Optional: add a twist of grapefruit peel for extra flair.

Why This Recipe is Great:

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Infuse the juice base early and chill until you’re ready to serve.
  • Beautiful Presentation: The color and garnishes make this mocktail visually stunning.
  • Customizable: Adjust sweetness to your taste

Click here for video tutorial: Grapefruit and Rosemary Refresher

Our Third recipe is the Blood Orange Vanilla Mocktail.

Fresh blood orange juice is blended with pure vanilla extract for a smooth, lightly sweet mocktail that feels festive without being over the top—perfect for a winter barn party or a relaxed night after chores. Finished with sugar-free cream soda and an optional cinnamon-sugar rim, it adds just the right touch of holiday warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Vitamin C Boost – Blood oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Smooth Flavor – Vanilla and citrus pair beautifully for a comforting, balanced drink.
Festive Garnish Options – Optional cinnamon-sugar rim and orange slices add visual pop and flavor.

Recipe: Blood Orange Vanilla Mocktail

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh blood orange juice (about 3–4 oranges; Cara Cara works too)
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free cream soda (like Olipop Vintage Vanilla), chilled
  • 2 orange slices (for garnish)
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: 1 shot non-alcoholic bourbon (pairs well with vanilla and spice)
  • Optional: 2 tsp cinnamon sugar for rim

Preparation & Serving:

Optional: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Rim

  1. Rub an orange wedge around the rim of each glass.
  2. Dip the rims into cinnamon sugar to coat. Set aside.

Build the Mocktail:

  1. In a small pitcher or shaker, combine blood orange juice and vanilla. Stir or shake well.
  2. Fill two glasses with ice.
  3. Divide the juice mixture between the glasses.
  4. Add 1/4 cup of cream soda to each and stir gently.
  5. Add non-alcoholic bourbon, if using, for a deeper vanilla-spice profile.

Garnish:

  • Add an orange slice to each glass for a festive touch. (Tip: make a small slit halfway through the slice so it fits on the rim)
Why This Recipe is Great:
  • Naturally Sweetened: Made with fruit juice and sugar-free soda for a light, clean, crisp taste.
  • Perfect for Brunch or Evening: Works well any time of day.
  • Easy to Personalize: Want to make it a boozy cocktail? Try it with bourbon for a warming touch.  

Check out the video tutorial here: Blood Orange Vanilla Mocktail

4th up is the Pear and Sage Sparkler with Allspice.

This mocktail blends pear nectar with lemon, warm winter spices, and fresh sage for a light yet grounding sip that’s perfect after a long day at the barn. Gently warmed to bring out the sage, then chilled and topped with bubbles, it’s a refreshing way to wind down—whether you’re hosting a small barn gathering or relaxing after chores.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Nutrient-Rich – Pear nectar offers fiber and gentle natural sweetness.
Fresh & Herbal – Sage adds a clean, earthy touch that pairs beautifully with pear.
Warm Spice – A touch of allspice brings cozy, seasonal flavor without overpowering.

Recipe: Pear and Sage Sparkler with Allspice

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup pear nectar or pear purée (chilled)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
  • 2 fresh sage leaves (plus more for garnish)
  • 1/16 tsp ground allspice (or a small pinch)
  • 1/2 cup non-alcoholic Prosecco or sparkling water (chilled)
  • Ice cubes

Preparation & Serving:

Infuse the Base:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine pear nectar, lemon juice, sage leaves, and allspice.
  2. Warm gently over low heat for 3–4 minutes. Do not boil.
  3. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Discard sage leaves and chill the mixture.

Assemble the Drink:

  1. Fill two glasses with ice.
  2. Divide the pear mixture evenly (about 1/2 cup each).
  3. Top with 1/4 cup sparkling water or non-alcoholic Prosecco. Stir gently.

Garnish:

  • Add a thin pear slice and a sprig of fresh sage to each glass.
  • Optional: add a twist of lemon peel for a little extra aroma.
Why This Recipe is Great:
  • Balanced Flavors: Sweet, tart, herbal, and spiced all in one glass.
  • Simple to Prep: The infused base can be made ahead and chilled.
  • Elegant Presentation: A beautiful drink that’s a real show stopper.  

Check out the video tutorial: Pear and Sage Sparkler with Allspice

5th in line is a classic Mulled Wine Mocktail

This non-alcoholic twist on a seasonal favorite—the Mulled Wine Mocktail—is made for cold barn nights and cozy gatherings with barn friends. Warm winter spices, citrus, and non-alcoholic red wine come together for a comforting sip that feels indulgent without the alcohol.

With cinnamon, cloves, orange, and a touch of maple syrup, it fills the kitchen (or tack room) with a cozy aroma as it simmers. It’s easy to make for a crowd—just warm, strain, serve, and enjoy.

Recipe: Mulled Wine Mocktail

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups dealcoholized red wine (see notes below)
  • 2 tsp maple syrup (to taste)
  • 1 small orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 small strip of orange peel
  • Optional: 2 oz Lyre’s Italian Orange non-alcoholic Campari

Preparation & Serving:

Simmer the Base:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine non-alcoholic wine, maple syrup, orange slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and orange peel.
  2. Warm gently over low heat for 20 minutes. Do not boil – let it simmer slowly so the flavors can infuse.

Strain & Serve:

  1. Strain the mixture to remove spices and fruit.
  2. Pour into glass mugs while warm.

Add Spirit (Optional):

  • Add 1 oz of non-alcoholic spirit per glass just before serving, if using.

Garnish:

  • Top with an orange wheel, cinnamon stick, or star anise for a festive finish.
Why This Recipe is Great:
  • Deep Flavor: Simmering gives the spices and citrus time to blend beautifully.
  • Naturally Alcohol-Free: All the flavor of classic mulled wine, none of the alcohol.
  • Elegant & Comforting: A beautiful drink to serve at holiday gatherings or enjoy on your own.

Check out this quick video of how to make the Mulled Wine Mocktail

Lastly, we have a Spiced Apple Pie Chai Fizz

This fun, flavorful mocktail is like dessert in a glass—perfect for winding down after a day at the barn or celebrating with barn friends. The Spiced Apple Pie Chai Fizz combines apple cider, chai tea, and warm spices, finished with bubbles for a fizzy, sweet sip full of personality.

The flavor develops as it steeps, but it’s easy to enjoy right away—or let it sit a little longer for an even richer taste. It’s a festive, feel-good drink to toast the end of the year, barn-style!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Naturally Sweet – Apple cider is seasonal this time of year, adding fruity notes and a touch of sweetness.  
Spiced & Comforting – Chai, cinnamon, and ginger give this drink its signature flavor.
Fun & Fizzy – Topped with ginger beer or sparkling water for a little sparkle in every sip.

Recipe: Spiced Apple Pie Chai Fizz

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup apple cider (chilled)
  • 1/2 cup brewed chai tea (strong, chilled)
  • 2 thin slices of fresh ginger
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 1/2 cup ginger beer (chilled) or sparkling water
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: non-alcoholic rum
  • Optional garnish: apple slices, extra cinnamon stick, star anise

Preparation & Serving:

Brew the Chai:

  1. Brew 4 chai tea bags (or 1 tsp loose-leaf) in 1/2 cup hot water for 5–7 minutes.
  2. Let it cool completely. Chill in the fridge to speed it up.

Infuse the Flavors:

  1. In a small pitcher or shaker, combine apple cider, cooled chai tea, fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, and star anise.
  2. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes to blend flavors. For a deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight.

Serve:

  1. Fill two glasses with ice.
  2. Strain the mixture and pour evenly into each glass.
  3. Top each with 1/4 cup ginger beer or sparkling water.
  4. Add non-alcoholic rum, if using. Stir gently.

Garnish (Optional):

  • Add a thin apple slice and an extra cinnamon stick to each glass.
  • A piece of star anise adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Why This Recipe is Great:
  • Layered Flavor: Spices and tea add depth while cider keeps it bright with a nostalgic touch.
  • Easy to Make Ahead:  Steep it in advance for a stronger flavor and less prep later.
  • Celebration-Ready:  A great mocktail for parties or a mellow night in.

Video tutorial here: Spiced Apple Chai Fizz

I hope these recipes have given you simple, flavorful ideas to enjoy this season—whether you’re celebrating with barn friends, winding down after chores, or just looking for a fun alcohol-free option.

If you try any of the recipes, drop a comment and let me know your favorite! I love hearing what’s working well for fellow riders and barn-goers.

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Meet the author

Equestrian Dietitian

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist 

Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist

I'm Doretta Wright

As a registered dietitian, I help clients turn their personal health goals into a realistic, customized nutrition plan. My one-on-one coaching focuses on practical steps—like how to plan, shop for, and prepare balanced meals—paired with supportive lifestyle and behavior strategies that make lasting change achievable.

While I have extensive experience working with equestrians and athletes, my approach works for anyone ready to build healthier habits. If you’ve landed here through one of my blog posts, welcome—I’m glad you’re here.

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