The holiday season is a time for celebration, but as people are becoming more and more health-aware, you are no longer socially obliged to involve alcohol! For those who prefer to stay sober, mocktails offer a festive and healthful alternative to traditional cocktails that set you up for success in the new year. Here are some of our favourite reasons to choose mocktails this Christmas, along with some delicious Christmas mocktail recipes for you to try!
Health Reasons to Avoid Alcohol
It’s no longer headline news that alcohol isn’t great for our health. 25% of adults aged 18-34 reported no alcohol consumption in the previous month, up from 17% in 2018, and this trend is increasing on a global scale. Regardless of whether you are teetotal or just trying to cut back, here are some of our favourite reasons to avoid alcohol:
- Promote Responsible Drinking: Mocktails provide a responsible and inclusive option for individuals who prefer not to consume alcohol or aren’t able to for health or age reasons. They allow everyone to partake in the merriment without anyone feeling like they are missing out.
- Support Gut Health: Opting for a mocktail over a cocktail can greatly benefit your gut health, as alcohol consumption can negatively impact the healthy flora in the stomach. By choosing mocktails, you can support your digestive system and overall well-being.
- Better Sleep Quality: It’s not just the hangover that gets you! Alcohol disrupts deep sleep cycles, leading to poor sleep quality. By choosing mocktails, you can enjoy better sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and energized. So much better than lying in till noon!
Health Benefits of Haskap Berries
Of course, not all mocktails are created equal in terms of flavour or health benefits! Yes, we’re biased, but the incredible health profile of haskap berries means they are a great way to amplify the impact of your healthy choice. Again, we could list benefits all day, but here are our top reasons why haskap berry juice should be a key ingredient in your mocktails.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Haskap berries are packed with antioxidants, which play a crucial role in fighting free radicals and supporting overall health. Incorporating Haskap berries into your mocktails can boost antioxidants, helping combat oxidative stress and promote well-being.
- Vitamin C Content: This is a biggie! Haskap berries are a great source of vitamin C, essential for immune function and overall health. We all know our holiday celebrations can take a toll on us – packed into rooms with more people than you’ve seen all year invariably leads to the sniffles! – so, by adding Haskap berry juice, you can enjoy the immune-boosting benefits of this vital nutrient.
- Vitality and Energy: The antioxidants in Haskap berries can help combat fatigue and support your energy levels, ensuring you stay vibrant and lively all night long without mainlining coffee late into the evening.
Delicious Haskap Berry Mocktail Recipes
Whether you want something simple or a crowd-pleasing classic, here are some of our top mocktail recipes to try this holiday season.
Pure Intentions
You won’t find a tastier boost for your immune system!
1.5 oz Haskapür 100% Haskap Berry Juice
0.5 oz Homemade Ginger Syrup*
1 tsp Molasses
Orange Zest
Preparation: Add all your ingredients to a shaker tin or mason jar except soda water, fill with ice and shake hard for 15 seconds. Open the shaker, top with soda water and strain or pour into a glass. Stir briefly if needed. Garnish with lime wedge or wheel.
Check out the full recipe page.
Virgin Sangria
Because everyone loves sangria at a party!
1 Litre Haskap Juice Drink
1 cup Orange Juice, chilled
2 cups Lemon Lime Soda, chilled
1 Orange, thinly sliced
2 Limes, thinly sliced
Preparation: Mix Haskap Juice Drink, orange juice and lemon-lime soda in a large pitcher. Stir in sliced orange & limes. Chill until serving.
Check out the full recipe page.
Haskap Watermelon Lemonade
A sophisticated twisted on a classic homemade lemonade.
2 cups watermelon, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
1 ounce Haskap juice
2 tbsp honey (add more for a sweeter lemonade or less for a tarter lemonade)
Mint, garnish
Preparation: Add chopped watermelon, Haskap, honey and lemon juice to a blender. Once well blended, strain ingredients with a strainer to strain out watermelon chunks if you want a smooth drink, or leave if you like some pulp. Set juice aside and chill if you wish. Fill glasses with ice, pour juice over the ice, garnish with mint and enjoy!
Check out the full recipe page.
‘Tis the Season!
We hope you embrace the joy of mocktails in your holiday celebrations this year and enjoy the festive spirit without the drawbacks of alcohol. Let’s make this Christmas a truly Haskappy one!
Enjoy a healthy, vibrant holiday season!
The team at Haskap Highland Orchard
