Nothing says gratitude and togetherness more than making sure that your upcoming holiday celebrations are inclusive for all guests—including those who don’t drink alcohol. In this post, we’ll explore creative ways to make sure your home is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their beverage preferences.
Choose Diverse Beverage Options
While wine and cocktails are often the focus of a holiday menu, providing alternatives such as sparkling water, pre-mixed mocktails, fruit teas, fresh-squeezed juices, and various non-alcoholic punches can cater to a wider audience.
From there, create a DIY mixology station equipped with fresh fruits, herbs, and all the bar implements they’d need so that guests can place a sprig here or do a muddle there if wanted. Citrus slices, fresh berries, mint leaves, and cucumber can all add a refreshing touch and give your guests some variety.
Pro Tip: Clearly label each non-alcoholic beverage option to make it easy for guests to identify what’s available. Include any unique ingredients or flavors. Ex: If you’re serving Better Than Booze, snag the tasting notes directly from each product page and hand-print them on little cards for a special touch.
Don’t Forget Fancy Glassware
Setting the right atmosphere is crucial in making non-alcoholic drinkers feel included. Consider using elegant glassware for non-alcoholic beverages to convey the importance and sophistication of these choices. Stemmed glasses, mason jars, or decorative glassware can make non-alcoholic drinks feel special and festive.
Provide different types of ice: Crushed ice, round ice created from a special mold, or flavored ice cubes infused with fresh juices or fruit. This adds texture and can enhance the overall sipping experience.
Create Thoughtful Pairings
Consider the pairing of non-alcoholic beverages with your next holiday feast. Just as wines complement different dishes, carefully curated non-alcoholic pairings can enhance the dining experience. Again, provide tasting notes and recommendations to help guests make informed choices and discover new favorites.
Elderberry G&T Non-Alcoholic Mocktail
Crisp, botanical flavors coupled with effervescent bubbles create a refreshing and versatile beverage. When considering traditional Thanksgiving foods, our G&T can be a refreshing sidekick for pre-dinner appetizers.
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- Cheese and Charcuterie Platter: The botanical complexity of this beverage can complement a variety of cheeses and cured meats, making it an excellent choice for a pre-dinner snack.
- Hummus with Pita Chips: The citrusy kick of lemon in hummus can enhance the overall citrus profile of the G&T, while the pita chips provide a satisfying crunch.
- Herb-Marinated Olives: Marinated olives with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and citrus zest can complement the herbal undertones of this drink.
While a Mint Mojito may not be the most traditional Thanksgiving cocktail, its refreshing and minty profile can pair well with certain Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts, particularly those with herbal or citrusy elements.
- Cranberry Salad: The minty and slightly sweet flavor of a Mint Mojito can provide a refreshing contrast to the tartness of cranberry salad.
- Herb-Infused Gravy: If your Thanksgiving gravy is infused with herbs like mint, parsley, or cilantro, a Mint Mojito can accentuate those herbal notes.
- Fruit Desserts: If your holiday dessert table features fruit-based desserts such as a mint-infused fruit salad or a key-lime pie, a Mint Mojito can be a delightful accompaniment.
Our take on the Ginger Mule is a refreshing and effervescent hemp-infused mocktail that can pair well with various Thanksgiving dishes and provide a calming sensation. Plus, this cocktail’s zesty and sharp flavor profile makes it a versatile choice to go along with a number of hearty dishes.
- Spicy Pumpkin or Squash Dishes: If you have spicy pumpkin or squash dishes on your Thanksgiving table, the incredibly subtle heat from our mule can harmonize with these flavors.
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Whether it’s Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans, the ginger kick in the cocktail can complement the smoky or roasted notes of grilled or roasted vegetables.
- Glazed or Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The tang from the lime notes in this mocktail can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of glazed or mashed sweet potatoes.
Our Rosemary Paloma brings a delightful, alcohol-free herbal twist to the traditional cocktail. The rosemary adds a fragrant and savory element that can complement many of the main players present at your next feast:
- Herb-Roasted Turkey: The savory notes of rosemary in the cocktail can complement the flavors of herb-roasted turkey. The herbal infusion can enhance the overall richness of the Thanksgiving centerpiece.
- Orange-Glazed Ham: If ham is part of your Thanksgiving spread, an orange-glazed ham can be complemented by the citrusy profile of a Paloma. The cocktail’s grapefruit and lime elements can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory ham.
- Citrus-Infused Stuffing: If your stuffing features citrus elements like orange zest or lemon juice, a Paloma can enhance those flavors with its grapefruit and lime components. Even better: This mocktail’s acidity can cut through the savory notes of the stuffing.
Communicate Openly
Lastly, open communication is key. Prior to your next holiday gathering, reach out to your guests and inquire about their beverage preferences. This simple gesture not only demonstrates consideration for their choices but also allows you to tailor the celebration to accommodate everyone’s needs.
This holiday season, let’s embrace the spirit of inclusivity by ensuring that our celebrations cater to the diverse preferences of our guests, including non-alcoholic drinkers.
From a well-curated beverage selection to engaging activities and a welcoming atmosphere, small thoughtful touches can make a significant difference. By fostering an environment that celebrates diversity, we can create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds that make the holidays truly special.
