Ah, Thanksgiving. That special day when family and friends gather for food, drinks, and polite discourse. A day where all the world’s problems are solved at the dinner table… we wish.
Whether you’re offering mocktails to keep the peace or cutting calories, there are so many reasons to offer non-alcoholic and low-ABV cocktails at your Thanksgiving feast.
In this article, we’ll break down some reasons why it’s okay (and even better) to not consume alcohol in such large quantities, as well as some great non-alcoholic drinks for Thanksgiving you can make that will be a hit! With these nine vibrant and flavorful Thanksgiving mocktails, you can dial back the alcohol, show your body some gratitude, and still enjoy a beverage that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Jump to Section
- Why It’s Okay to Stay Sober (or Sober-ish) over Thanksgiving
- So What Do I Drink If I’m Not Drinking Booze?
- Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Mocktails
Why It’s Okay to Stay Sober (or Sober-ish) over Thanksgiving
There are a variety of reasons why it’s a good call to either stay sober or, at the very least, not drink quite so much over Thanksgiving weekend. Many of these reasons are practical in nature: you’ll save some money, definitely save some calories, and manage to keep a cooler head when your uncle starts talking politics over dinner. However, there are a number of more significant reasons, including:
- Safety - Staying sober means you’ll be infinitely safer on the road.
- Health - Alcohol has hundreds of calories per drink before sweeteners, mixers, or garnishes come into the mix. Save the calories for some extra turkey this year.
- Stress/Anxiety - Hangover anxiety is a very real thing, and emotions can run high when booze is involved. Save yourself some Sunday Blues or Sunday Scaries by staying sober this Thanksgiving. Speaking of hangovers…
- Clear Mind - You only get to see your family and hometown friends a few times a year. Cherish the weekend with them instead of spending your time hungover on the couch enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner of ibuprofen.
So What Do I Drink If I’m Not Drinking Booze?
No worries. Just because you might not be drinking (or at least drinking as much) this Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you’ll have to miss out on all the fun.
Ritual Zero Proof makes premium spirit alternatives that are non-alcoholic. These spirit replacements are made with premium botanical ingredients that deliver the same flavors, aromas, and even “bite,” without the negative side effects that come with alcohol. You can use these spirit replacements to make weaker cocktails!
Let’s take a look at some of the tasty non-alcoholic Thanksgiving drinks you can make using our Whiskey, Gin, Tequila, or Rum Alternatives!
Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Mocktails
Hot Toddy
First up, a warming holiday beverage that is as fun to say as it is to drink. The citrusy notes from the orange and lemon meld perfectly with the spice of the cinnamon and clove. It will bring you back to life after that family football game outside, or simply warm you up post-meal. We make ours zero proof by substituting traditional whiskey with Ritual Whiskey Alternative. That way, you can keep the toddies flowing well into the evening and still wake up early for Black Friday shopping.
Whiskey Bourbon Smash
Look, sometimes you just want a stiff mocktail. We get that. By subbing out traditional bourbon and using our Whiskey Alternative, add in some preserves or jam and an orange garnish to enjoy Thanksgiving in a glass!
Pomegranate Ginger Paloma
And finally, a crisp, fragrant drink that captures the taste of fall. The fresh ginger invigorates the senses and complements the tartness of the pomegranate and grapefruit. We make our paloma zero proof by swapping out traditional booze with our tequila substitute (Tequila Alternative), without losing the burn of liquor. Now you can indulge at meal time and still have some gas in the tank for that after-dinner turkey trot.
Orchard Swizzle
What exactly is a Swizzle, and why is it in an orchard you might ask? It’s your chance to bring the joys of the pumpkin patch in autumn to your dinner table this Thanksgiving. Incorporating our Rum Alternative, the fresh apple and cinnamon garnish pairs best with an open window and the football on the living room TV.
Cranberry Gimlet
Personally speaking, we don’t think there’s a single thing wrong with getting into the holiday spirit a little early. Using our Gin Alternative mixed with some lime and cranberry juice, this refreshing mocktail pairs best with the Michael Bublé Christmas album playing softly in the background. Add some fresh rosemary for a fun holiday-inspired garnish!
Apple Cider Spiced Rum
Fall and apple cider go hand-in-hand. This particular mocktail gives you a little bit of both. Made with our Rum Alternative, add some locally made apple cider and a cinnamon stick garnish for a post-dinner delight.
Bloody Maria
This makes for an excellent brunch cocktail the day after Thanksgiving as you prepare for Black Friday shopping or holiday decorating. Made with our Tequila Alternative, this drink pairs wonderfully with some bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. It also works great for mornings when you’re feeling a little rough from last night’s festivities.
Espresso Martini
Depending on what time you eat dinner, this can be an excellent post-meal pick-me-up. Mix your favorite coffee pour with a splash of our Rum Alternative and some coffee liqueur to settle in for the rest of the evening. Don’t forget the three coffee beans!
PLEASE NOTE: Depending on the liqueur you use, this drink may also contain small amounts of alcohol.
Thanksgiving can be a great holiday to let loose and have some fun towards the end of the year. Whether you’re looking to keep a clear head over Thanksgiving weekend or maybe just want to consume a little less booze, consider adding some Ritual Zero Proof-based drinks to your lineup!
Head on over to our Ritual Zero Proof products page to stock up on all your holiday needs this Thanksgiving!
