As the holidays approach, one of the most prominent things on peoples' minds is menu planning. Food and drink are a huge part of what makes the holiday season special: gathering with family and friends to share a meal, talk, and reconnect. For many, imbibing a few seasonal cocktails or a glass of wine or two is a natural part of the socializing.
But for many young adults, a recent Gallup study shows, that isn't necessarily the case. People between the ages of 18 and 34 are choosing not to drink, or to drink less than older generations.
Until recently, non-drinkers often had to make do with ginger beer or ginger ale at holiday events. But no more! This Thanksgiving, supplement your usual cocktail menu with a few non alcoholic Thanksgiving drinks for the non-drinkers in your family.
Why are so many young people choosing to drink less alcohol? Is this an indication that alcohol is on the way out? Or simply a new fad that will fade over time?
There could be many reasons for the decline in consumption: the demographic makeup of young adults today is more diverse than it was a decade ago, and non-White Americans typically consume less alcohol than White Americans.
Young people also cite health concerns as a reason for abstaining. There is also speculation that the legalization of Marijuana has lead to a decline in alcohol consumption.
Whatever the reason, we think moderation is great! Whether you abstain completely from alcohol or are simply looking to cut back on your consumption this year, non alcoholic drink recipes are a great idea to add to your drink menu. They're also fun for kids!
Thanksgiving dinner isn't the only meal you eat on turkey day: many people also like to make a special breakfast or brunch, or put out snacks for grazing all day long. Couple that with a mimosa in the morning and a few beers throughout the afternoon, and suddenly your alcohol consumption has skyrocketed! Replacing a few of those drinks with some non alcoholic Thanksgiving drinks instead is a great way to regulate your intake.
Let's dive in!
Fall flavors like ginger, cinnamon, orange, and brown sugar are always a safe bet when it comes to a Thanksgiving mocktail recipe. This drink is dead easy to make, using only three ingredients, and a hit with kids and adults alike.
Stir together orange juice, ginger beer and pineapple juice. Serve over ice.
Apple cider is such a fall staple that we couldn't not include it on this list. While mulled apple cider might be your preferred festive drink for a cold day of apple picking or pumpkin carving, this chilled apple cider shandy is a crisp, refreshing Thanksgiving mocktail that will perfectly complement your Thanksgiving dinner.
The best part is, you can make this drink as alcoholic or non-alcoholic as you like by changing the amount of hard apple cider you include in the recipe. Make it a family friendly drink by excluding the hard cider completely, or make it a full-on cocktail by adding more.
Chill and combine hard apple cider and sparkling apple juice in 2 pint glasses. Float 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice over each, and stir. Garnish with thin lemon wheels and green apple slices.
This mocktail is a "shrub" - an old-timey drink that's made a resurgence in recent years as bartenders have embraced craft cocktails. It's vinegar-based, but don't let that throw you! The apple cider vinegar in this recipe is subtle and gives it a tangy, fruity quality that may scratch that itch for an alcohol kick (if that's what you're into!)
It's a little more complicated to pull off, but with garnish and the right glass, it's a show-stopping drink that is sure to impress. This is another drink you can make alcoholic by adding whiskey if you like.
The hot toddy is a classic Thanksgiving drink that no winter season should be without. The classic recipe calls for just hot water, whiskey, lemon juice, and honey - but you can make a delicious non alcoholic version by substituting some tea and spices for the whiskey flavor.
This recipe is a favorite of kids and a delicious alternative to hot tea. It's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time and stored in bulk until needed, like punch. Fun fact: this also makes a great summer drink for kids!
What would a Thanksgiving mocktail list be without a drink that uses cranberry juice? This recipe uses low-sugar juice and club soda, so it's healthy and delicious. Best of all, it uses only two ingredients, so it's extremely easy to make.
Combine the two ingredients to taste and serve over crushed ice. Garnish with flowers, fresh rosemary sprigs or a cinnamon stick.
Show your support for the non-drinkers in your life by hosting a non-alcoholic Thanksgiving this year. Your kids and non-drinking family members will thank you (and so might your waistline!) After all - fewer calories consumed through alcohol means more calories spare to enjoy that second helping of pumpkin pie! And to tie it all off? Cozy up in some of the softest, most comfortable pajamas on the market!