Festive Mocktails with Herbs

Mocktails have moved far beyond being a simple substitute for alcohol. Today, they are a celebration of flavour, ritual, and mindful enjoyment—beautifully crafted drinks that invite us to slow down, savour, and connect without the effects of alcohol. Whether enjoyed at a gathering, a special dinner, or as part of a personal wind-down ritual, mocktails offer a way to participate fully while remaining present, clear-headed, and nourished. This is a favourite topic: "Festive Mocktails with Herbs". I hope you'll have fun with these ideas and feel inspired to create your own concoctions!!

Making herb-infused mocktails take 'mocktails'  idea one step further by weaving plant wisdom directly into the glass. When herbs are infused into syrups, teas, shrubs, or bitters, they bring not only complex flavour but also functional benefits rooted in traditional herbal practice.

Herbs like ginger, rosemary, mint, lavender, rose, hibiscus, tulsi, and elderberry add depth and character while gently supporting the body—whether that means aiding digestion, calming the nervous system, lifting the mood, or offering seasonal immune support.

Unlike conventional sugary beverages, herb-infused mocktails encourage a more intentional relationship with sweetness and balance. The natural bitterness, aromatics, and brightness of herbs help curb the need for excessive sugar while creating a satisfying, layered drink experience. The act of preparing an herb-infused mocktail—choosing herbs, crafting syrups, garnishing with fresh sprigs or edible flowers—becomes a form of self-care and sensory ritual in itself.

There are so many ways to make these libations, that today I am focused on making them using "herbal syrups"  I promise to share some other ideas soon. SO.. Herbal Syrups.. Here's an article about making herbal syrups.   Herb-Infused syrups are so easy to make -- just need that 1 step before assembling the mocktails..  For example, here's the link to my article about ginger syrup -

I love GINGER SYRUP so much -- it's easy + so versatile..  to make it super easy-- just head over to the DIY Herbal Syrups post to get started!

Check out these recipes: 

Ginger–Rose Fizz is our 1st one -- Here's a printable recipe for you!

Here are some more ideas for you!!

 Ginger–Lavender Cooler

Calming • Aromatic • Fresh

• 1 tablespoon ginger syrup

• 1 tablespoon lavender syrup

• 1 oz pear juice (optional but lovely)

• Ice

• Top with soda water

• Garnish: lavender sprig

 Ginger–Mint Sparkler

Refreshing • Uplifting • Simple.  I love Spearmint but other mints are fine too. 

• 1 tablespoon ginger syrup

• 1 tablespoon mint syrup

• Squeeze of lime

• Ice

• Top with sparkling water

• Garnish: fresh mint

 Ginger–Hibiscus Spritz

Tart • Vibrant • Crowd-pleasing
This is one of my favourites!! Combine the healing properties of ginger AND hibiscus (so high in Vit C) to really give yourself a boost!!!

• 1 tablespoon ginger syrup

• 1 tablespoon hibiscus syrup (or strong hibiscus tea + a bit more ginger syrup)

• Ice

• Top with soda

• Garnish: lime wheel or edible flower

 Ginger–Elderberry Tonic

Immune-supportive • Warming • Berries + spice

• 1 tablespoon ginger syrup

• 1 tablespoon elderberry syrup

• ½ tablespoon lemon

• Ice

• Top with ginger beer or sparkling water

• Garnish: orange slice + star anise

Ok.. For another look at different herbs and flavours -- Check out this luscious combination:

Cacao–Orange–Clove Mocktail

Bright, warming, lightly chocolatey — like a winter spritzer.

Ingredients
• 1 oz cacao–orange–clove syrup (recipe here)
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• ½ oz lemon juice
• 3 oz sparkling water
• Ice
• Orange wheel + 1 clove for garnish

Instructions

1. Add syrup, orange juice, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake well; strain into a glass with fresh ice.

3. Top with sparkling water.

4. Garnish with orange wheel studded with one clove.

Stay tuned for some more ideas -- AND if you are UP for learning more about herbs-- and happen to be a "gal", check out the wonderful fun-filled HerbGals membership group-- here. 

Perhaps most importantly, herb-infused mocktails honour inclusivity and choice.
They allow everyone at the table—non-drinkers, pregnant folks, those supporting their health, or anyone simply seeking a gentler way to celebrate—to feel equally considered.
These drinks remind us that nourishment and pleasure are not mutually exclusive.
With herbs as our allies, mocktails become more than a beverage; they become a beautiful meeting point of wellness, creativity, and connection.

Here's to our good health !! 
Here's to choices -- healthy choices for each of us -- and to our creative Spirits !!

Carol x