Make rather merry this season with these festive, non-alcoholic beverages. Experiment with the growing trend of mocktails and raise a glass to holiday cheer.

Grinch Punch

2 quarts lime sherbet
2 liters ginger ale
1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice
Lemon slices
Lime slices
Maraschino cherries

In a punch bowl, add 2 quarts of lime sherbet. Add ginger ale and pineapple juice. Top with lemon and lime slices and maraschino cherries.

Melting Snowman

1 cup orange juice
1 – 10 oz. pkg. frozen strawberries, partially thawed
½ cup water
2 large scoops of vanilla ice cream
Garnish: Strawberries or orange slices

Combine juice, berries and water in a blender. Blend at medium speed for 30 seconds. Pour into tall glasses or goblets and add a scoop of ice cream to each.

Garnish with fruit, add straw and serve immediately. Makes two large glasses.

Mint Cookies & Cream Hot Chocolate

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa
½ cup sugar
1/3 cup water
Pinch of salt
4 cups whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 chocolate sandwich cookies
6 peppermint candies
Whipped topping
  • In a blender, crush cookies and mint candies until they become a powder.
  • In a sauce pot, combine cocoa powder, sugar, water, and salt.
  • Whisk over medium heat until mixture boils.
  • Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and cookie/mint mixture.
  • Heat to a light simmer.
  • Pour into your favorite mug.
  • Garnish with whipped topping.

Apple-tini

½ cup chilled apple cider
¼ cup chilled orange juice
Splash of pomegranate juice
Cinnamon stick (optional)

Pour the three ingredients into a martini glass and stir. Add a cinnamon stick for garnish if desired.

Mock Sangria

4 c. cranberry-grape juice
1 c. orange juice
¼ c. fresh lemon juice
Diced pear and apple
3 c. lemon-lime soda

Combine all ingredients in large pitcher. Add ice and serve.

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