The Rise of Christmas Mocktails: Brits Toast to a Drier Festive Season

Christmas mocktails are set to take centre stage this year, as new research suggests the UK could be heading for its driest festive season yet. Two-fifths of adults (40 per cent) say they plan to cut back on alcohol this December, with Gen Z leading the charge — one in five (20 per cent) are going completely alcohol-free.

It’s not just about ditching the booze. The survey shows nearly 40 per cent want to prioritise their health, while 33 per cent admit rising costs are influencing their choices. Another 38 per cent plan to drink more mindfully this Christmas, leaving the hangovers of holidays past behind.

The Cocktail Envy Conundrum

Swapping wine for water isn’t always straightforward. More than half (52 per cent) of drinkers admit their plans to stick to soft drinks at parties often collapse midway through the celebrations.

The research found:

• 38% feel “cocktail envy” when they see others sipping festive drinks
• 24% think non-alcoholic options are too boring
• 21% say there simply aren’t enough mocktails on offer

And there’s social pressure too — 30 per cent admit being asked why they aren’t drinking, while one in five (19 per cent) have even ordered soft drinks disguised to look alcoholic.

Christmas Mocktails to the Rescue

Cue Rich Woods, better known as “The Cocktail Guy,” who has whipped up a sparkling menu of festive drinks to save us from another night of flat cola and orange juice.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy a special drink this Christmas, whether it’s low alcohol or completely alcohol-free,” said Woods.
“And when you have a SodaStream in your kitchen, it’s so easy to create your very own exciting sparkling drinks, just the way you like them. I hope people enjoy my sparkling creations!”

The Fizztive Mocktail Menu

🥃 Warming and Wintry Whisky & Ginger (serve in a highball)

• SodaStream Ginger Ale infused with cinnamon
• SodaStream sparkling water
• 25ml Scotch whisky (optional)
• Apple fan garnish
• Ice

Infuse ginger ale with cinnamon sticks, carbonate your water, and top with ice, whisky, and apple garnish.

🍊 Christmas Clementine Gin & Tonic (serve in a highball)

• SodaStream Diet Tonic
• SodaStream sparkling water
• 25ml clementine skin-infused gin (or alcohol-free gin)
• Ice
• Clementine leaves garnish

Infuse gin with clementine zest, carbonate water, pour over ice, and garnish.

🍹 Festive Aperol Spritz (serve in a wine glass)

• 25ml Aperol
• Juice from 2 clementines
• SodaPress Co Kombucha (Passionfruit & Mandarin)
• Approx. 75ml prosecco
• SodaStream sparkling water
• Ice

Combine Aperol, clementine juice, prosecco, and top with kombucha sparkling water.

🍷 White (Christmas) Sangria (serve in a wine glass)

• 50ml non-alcoholic cider cordial (apple & blackberry infused)
• SodaStream sparkling water
• Blackberries, apple slices, mint sprig garnish
• Ice

Reduce non-alcoholic cider with fruit to make a cordial, mix with sparkling water, and serve over ice.

Why Hosts Are Nervous About Mocktails

Despite the growing demand for Christmas mocktails, 51 per cent of hosts admit they’re not confident making them. A third say they wouldn’t know where to start, leading many to serve “safe but boring” drinks like tea, coffee, or plain fizzy pop.

Tiago Alves, Managing Director UK & IE of SodaStream, wants hosts to be bolder:
“The festive season is back in full swing, and it’s great to see that many people will be socialising more this December.

Whether you’re planning to cut back a little on alcohol or would like to balance drinking with an exciting sparkling drink option, with SodaStream, it’s easy to create a whole host of delicious drinks at the push of a button.

There really is something for everyone. We challenge anyone who isn’t confident of their mocktail-making skills to just give one of these recipes a try. You’ll have fun and impress your guests all at the same time.”

A Healthier Holiday on the Horizon

The trend towards mindful drinking doesn’t mean people are hibernating. Nearly a fifth (17 per cent) say they’ll be attending more social events this Christmas than in previous years.

With vibrant, alcohol-free alternatives becoming easier to make at home, Christmas mocktails could finally banish the tired old stereotype of orange juice and cola.

Instead, expect glasses filled with sparkling sangria, ginger warmth, and clementine zest — festive drinks with all the cheer and none of the hangover.