There are plenty of folks who like to unwind with a glass of wine. Of course, there are just as many who choose to abstain from alcohol. There’s nothing wrong with that; it just means when the cocktails come out, they’ll be sipping on something else. What, you ask? That’s what we’re here to answer today. For those with an aversion to alcohol, these six drinks will serve you well.
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Here are some non-alcoholic drinks for the holidays
Sweet Tea
Do you take sugar in your tea? If so, you’ve got something in common with the folks of the American South. Sweet tea is a quintessentially Southern take on iced tea. As the name suggests, it’s defined by the presence of sugar or simple syrup. The sweetener of choice can be added to the tea as it brews, or introduced after the fact. Sweet tea is typically served cold, and sometimes flavored with fruit, such as lemon slices or hunks of peach.
Hot Chocolate
When the temperature drops, it’s time to fire up the stovetop. Or simply snag a cup from your local coffee shop, if that’s more your speed. Also known as “hot cocoa,” this chocolatey drink traces its roots to millennia-old Mesoamerican civilizations. Nowadays, it’s a staple of the changing seasons, made by mixing hot milk with shaved chocolate or cocoa powder. If you’re feeling extra decadent, feel free to garnish your beverage with marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or a thick dollop of whipped cream.
Apple Cider
Speaking of cold weather faves, here’s a cider that won’t leave you with a hangover. Making apple cider is a simple, yet lengthy process. To begin, apples are ground to extract their liquid. Said juices are neither filtered nor sweetened; they are simply boiled until concentrated. This lends the drink a cloudier appearance and tangier taste than apple juice. Come winter, it’s most popular as “mulled apple cider” – a hot concoction essenced with orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Raspberry Lemonade
Classics are classics for a reason. That doesn’t mean there’s no room for improvement, though. Case and point: this fruity twist on a tasty summer favorite. Preparation couldn’t be simpler; all you have to do is mash up some raspberries, then leave them floating in some fresh-made lemonade. Over time, their pulp and juices will meld with the sweet-tart concoction, lending it an underlying berry flavor. One glass is all it takes to get you hooked, so make sure you make a lot.
Cucumber Water
It doesn’t get simpler, or more refreshing, than this. Water is an unparalleled thirst quencher. Introduce a few slices of cucumber to it, though, and it becomes so much more. The resulting beverage has a subtle, yet delightful flavor. Served chilled, it makes for the perfect palate cleanser, or a surefire cure for exhaustion. Not to mention you’ll be hard-pressed finding a better refreshment for your party.
Mango Lassi
Lassi is a dahi—a yogurt-based beverage—pioneered in the Punjab region. It consists of water, yogurt, and various spices, all blended to a milkshake-like consistency. The addition of sugar or salt can lend the mixture a sweet or salty taste. The best lassis, though, are those that add fruit to the mix. By far the most popular of these is mango lassi, which calls for milk and mango pulp. The result is a sweet, creamy beverage that’ll have you addicted from the first sip.
