More and more people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol for their health, for clarity, or simply to try something new. I’ve noticed that as I get older, my body seems to take a little longer to recover from even just one evening nightcap. So, these days, I often find myself reaching for a non-alcoholic cocktail or a glass of something sparkling instead. And let me tell you, choosing to celebrate sober doesn’t mean missing out on the magic of a truly great drink.
When I think of winter cocktails, whiskey drinks immediately come to mind. There’s something about their warming, complex flavors that feels like the perfect match for cold evenings and holiday gatherings. Inspired by that idea, I hosted a dinner party with willing (and thirsty) volunteers to explore non-alcoholic versions of these seasonal favorites. We made and sampled over 15 different winter-inspired mocktails, each crafted with those cozy whiskey vibes in mind—well, except for the Apple Cider Mimosa, which stood out as a bubbly, brunch-perfect addition. After much toasting, laughing, and debating, these four recipes rose to the top. They’re everything you want in a winter drink: festive, flavorful, and alcohol-free.
Apple Cider Mimosa
Perfect for brunch or any celebratory toast, this bubbly cocktail is simplicity at its finest. My favorite NA Sparkling Whites are Thomson & Scott Noughty Alcohol-Free Sparkling Chardonnay and Leitz - Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Riesling Non-Alcoholic White Wine
Ingredients:
1–2 oz fresh apple cider
Non-alcoholic champagne
Instructions: Pour the apple cider into a champagne glass and top with non-alcoholic champagne. Cheers to keeping it festive and refreshing!
Golden Hour Highball
This cocktail features The Pathfinder Hemp & Root Spirit, my absolute favorite winter spirit. Its rich, complex flavor is reminiscent of whiskey and shines in this highball recipe.
Ingredients:
2 oz The Pathfinder Hemp & Root Spirit
½ oz fresh lemon juice
Dry ginger beer to top
Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions: Fill a highball glass with ice, add The Pathfinder and lemon juice, then top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lemon wedge and enjoy the perfect balance of zesty and warming flavors.
Pathfinder E&T
Surprise your taste buds with this bold and full-bodied cocktail. Even if you’re not a fan of coffee (like me!), you might find yourself reaching for seconds. This one’s perfect for a cozy brunch or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
2 oz The Pathfinder Hemp & Root Spirit
½ oz espresso or strong coffee
¼ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Tonic water to top
Instructions: Pour The Pathfinder, coffee, and simple syrup over ice in a highball glass. Stir gently and top with tonic water for a delightful blend of depth and fizz.
Smoky Cinnamon Sipper
This cocktail is a bit more involved, but it’s worth every step. Inspired by an Old Fashioned, it’s the ultimate warming drink for cold nights. The apple simple syrup is delicious and could certainly be added to any of the cocktails listed.
Smoky Cinnamon Sipper Ingredients:
Ginger beer to top
1/2 oz. Honeycrisp simple syrup; add more if you want it sweeter
1 cinnamon stick (for smoking and stirring)
Instructions:
Light one end of the cinnamon stick as you would a match, extinguish, and cover with an overturned rocks glass to capture the smoke.
Right the glass, add a large ice cube, and pour in Smoky No.56 and Honeycrisp simply syrup.
Stir using the charred end of the cinnamon stick, then top with a float of ginger beer.
Pro Tip: Remove the cinnamon stick after stirring to avoid an overly smoky flavor.
Apple Simple Syrup:
1 Honeycrisp apple, diced (you can include peel and core in syrup)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp cloves
pinch of nutmeg
1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a small pot and cook on low for 30–60 minutes.
Strain and cool the syrup before using.
Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for 3–4 weeks.
These winter mocktails prove that you can enjoy the warming, complex flavors of whiskey-inspired cocktails without a drop of alcohol. Whether you’re toasting with a crisp Apple Cider Mimosa or unwinding with the depth of a Smoky Cinnamon Sipper, these recipes will keep you warm and glowing all season long. Cheers!