The holidays are upon us, so it’s time to get creative, especially when it comes to hosting sober celebrations. You don’t need alcohol to enjoy a great holiday, but most events tend to revolve around imbibing. However, there are plenty of mocktail options that will keep you on the road to recovery and still let you enjoy a festive drink. Crossroads offers these and other strategies to help the ladies in our care remain alcohol-free at our alcohol addiction treatment program. For more information, call 877.978.1667 today.
Staying Sober During the Holidays
One of the best tips for staying sober during the holiday season is not putting extra pressure on yourself. Plus, if you prepare yourself with simple solutions, like making your own mocktail, you won’t worry as much about slipping up and being triggered to drink at family gatherings or holiday parties.
Don’t be afraid to tell party hosts about your concerns. That way, you can avoid potentially uncomfortable situations when it comes to alcohol. Have a conversation so you know that it’s a situation where you will feel comfortable and see what sober-friendly options there will be. This is where bringing your own mocktail, or asking your host to come up with one, can be a lifesaver. Another option is to invite sober friends or sober supporters to have a holiday celebration with you. Maybe even ask each person to design their own mocktail for a little festive holiday party competition.
Holiday Mocktail Ideas
There is no shortage of fun recipes for tasty holiday mocktails. Here are some twists on classic party cocktails.
Sparkling Punch
Start with a non-alcoholic sparkling cider and add the juices and fruit to your liking. You can even go retro and add a fruit-filled bundt-pan ice ring. Before you pour yourself a glass, dip the top in water, then sugar, and top it off with a little extra fix with clear soda and some ice.
Mulled Cider
Hot cider can still have a kick with a little creativity. Try steeping tea in hot cider for a comforting and hand-warming seasonal drink. Don’t forget the cinnamon sticks and mulling spices.
Peppermint Julep
Take the classic mint julep and give it a holiday twist. Make a simple syrup with sugar and soda in a saucepan over medium heat and add lime juice and lemonade while heating. After the mixture is cool, add creme de menthe syrup, chill in the fridge and garnish with cherries.
Eggnog
This drink starts a bit like a dessert with eggs, sugar, salt, and milk in a saucepan on the stove. Once chilled, you stir in whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg. For even more flavor, combine your eggnog with another holiday favorite, hot cocoa.
Festive Mocktini
Steep some strawberries in a simple syrup and ginger beer. Add herbal essences like elderflower, chamomile, and mint leaves, along with citrus wedges of your choice. Shake in a cocktail shaker and strain into a glass. A crushed peppermint rim is the pièce de résistance.
Contact Crossroads to Learn More About Alcohol Addiction Treatment
For those in recovery, the idea of managing your sobriety at holiday gatherings can be very overwhelming. Social events at the holidays bring on feelings of anxiety, excitement, and in some cases, fear, especially for those dealing with alcohol addiction. Having a support network to help you through the holidays and dealing with family and friends in these social situations is key. Whether you’re hosting your own event or attending someone else’s, mocktails are a fun way to join in the festivities and support your sobriety at the same time. At Crossroads, our treatment programs arm you with the right tools to help maintain sobriety after treatment.
Our therapeutic approaches include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior treatment (DBT)
- Trauma therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
Contact Crossroads to learn more about how our alcohol addiction treatment center’s residential and outpatient services can support you.
