The Christmas season brings families together for joyful events and creates cherished memories. While adults may enjoy indulging in festive adult beverages, it's important to provide kid-friendly non-alcoholic drink options as well. A Christmas party is more fun when all guests, young and old, can participate with a holiday drink in hand. This list highlights 7 delicious non-alcoholic Christmas drinks that are perfectly suited for children. Whether hot or cold, fruity or spiced, these Christmas drinks will get everyone, of all ages, in the spirit of the season without any spirits added.
1. Hot Chocolate
- Ingredients: Cocoa powder, sugar, milk or water, mini marshmallows
- Time to prepare: 5 minutes
Coming in as the top non-alcoholic Christmas drink for kids is everyone's favorite cozy beverage - hot chocolate. On cold winter nights, nothing warms the soul like curling up with a mug of rich, melted chocolate.
The basics of hot cocoa are simple - just cocoa powder, sugar, milk or cream, and a splash of vanilla. But in that simplicity lies the drink's enduring charm. Kids love the chocolaty taste, while its warming properties make it a true comfort food.
Of course, getting creative with toppings is part of the fun. Mini marshmallows are a classic for dunking, but you can also opt for candy canes, sprinkles, or whipped cream. Some families like adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra festive flavor.
Serving hot chocolate is a wonderful way to get kids involved in holiday prep too. Let them help measure ingredients and customize their own mugs. Later, gathering by the fireplace or Christmas tree with a warm mug clinches hot cocoa's status as a cherished tradition.
Whether you favor scratch batches or convenient mixes, no kids' Christmas celebration is complete without this cozy classic. Hot chocolate tops our list as the ultimate festive drink to get everyone, young and old, in a spirit of warmth, comfort, and joy this holiday season.
2. Apple Cider
- Ingredients: Apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices
- Time to prepare: 10 minutes
Nothing says Christmas quite like the aroma of mulled apple cider wafting through the air. As the second top pick, this warm seasonal drink is beloved by kids and adults alike.
The foundation is simple - just heat fresh-pressed cider until steaming. But it's the blend of warming spices that makes it truly festive. Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg are classic additions to lightly steep in the cider, infusing it with classic winter flavors. You can also experiment with extras like vanilla extract, orange slices, or cinnamon sugar for rimming the mug.
Best enjoyed outdoors on frosty evenings, cider is a great accompaniment for winter activities like building a snowman, sledding, or skating. Kids will love sampling seasonal flavors as they keep toasty next to a crackling fire or Christmas tree.
For an extra festive presentation, serve cider buffet-style so families can customize their own perfect mugs. Float cinnamon sticks or candy canes for stirring. Don't forget marshmallows or whipped cream for topping off each serving.
3. Eggnog Alternative
- Ingredients: Plant-based milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup
- Time to prepare: 5 minutes
Another classic non-alcoholic Christmas drink that many families enjoy is undoubtedly Eggnog. However, regular eggnog poses a problem as it typically contains a high amount of alcohol, making it unsuitable for children. If you want to include eggnog as part of your children's Christmas drinking experience, a perfect option is a non-alcoholic eggnog alternative. This homemade version replicates the rich and creamy texture and warming spices of traditional eggnog without any alcohol.
To make this eggnog alternative, you will separate the egg yolks from the whites. In a medium bowl, beat the yolks until light and fluffy. Then, add milk or cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until fully combined. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Pour the finished eggnog into cups and sprinkle additional cinnamon and nutmeg on top, if desired.
Enjoy this frothy, eggnog-flavored beverage chilled after refrigerating for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop further. The kids are sure to love sipping on this festive non-alcoholic Christmas drink without any worries about alcohol content. It makes a wonderful addition to your kids' holiday drink selection!
4. Gingerbread Latte
- Ingredients: Coffee, gingerbread syrup, whipped cream
- Time to prepare: 5 minutes
Nothing puts you directly in the heart of the holiday cheer quite like a warm gingerbread latte. This festive twist on the cafe favorite captures all the flavors of kids' - and big kids' - most beloved Christmas treat.
To make the perfect gingerbread-spiced syrup to drizzle over steamed milk and shots of espresso, start by simmering fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in brown sugar syrup until fragrant. Let cool before storing in the fridge. The aromatics will infuse the simple syrup with authentic gingerbread flavor.
When you're ready to indulge, steam milk as usual and pour it into mugs along with a shot of coffee. Then comes the magical part - drizzling the dark brown gingerbread syrup in a zigzag pattern atop the foamy milk. For extra festive flair, garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon dusting for that iconic gingerbread house effect.
Kids especially love that this cozy drink allows them to experience all the warmth of their favorite holiday cookie in liquid form. The subtle spicy sweetness of ginger transports you straight to the North Pole kitchen.
Whether you keep it traditional or get creative with flavored syrups like peppermint or eggnog, the gingerbread latte is a true Christmas treat. Serving a round to family and friends guarantees oohs and aahs of delight like it's Christmas morning. So grab your favorite mug and snuggle up with this indulgent seasonal classic.
5. Candy Cane Smoothie
- Ingredients: Bananas, ice cream, crushed candy canes
- Time to prepare: 5 minutes
What's more festive than incorporating the classic candy cane into a chilled non-alcoholic Christmas drink? This festive smoothie brings cool mint flavor to satisfy kids' holiday cravings.
The ingredients are simple - milk or yogurt, ice, and a handful of crushed candy canes for a delightful pop of peppermint. Blend until frothy and pour into festive striped straws or Christmas mugs.
For extra fun, set out bowls of candy cane pieces, sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or homemade whipped cream so kids can customize their own designs. Stripes of crushed candy cane and drizzles of cream make each smoothie a show-stopping treat.
The burst of cool mint from the candy canes pairs perfectly with creamy milk or yogurt for a refreshing alternative to hot drinks. It's the ideal chilled companion after playing outside in winter weather.
For an indulgent twist, blend in crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes. Or infuse milk with peppermint extract before blending for an extra punch of flavor.
This pop of Christmas in a glass brings out the kid in everyone. With its vibrant colors and zippy mint zing, the candy cane smoothie is sure to become a new favorite festive treat.
6. Peppermint Mocha
- Ingredients: Chocolate milk or plant milk, coffee, peppermint extract
- Time to prepare: 5 minutes
Who doesn't love a classic mocha? But we're spicing things up this season with a cool, minty twist everyone is sure to love. The Peppermint Mocha combines the cozy warmth of chocolate with a refreshing burst of peppermint for a perfect non-alcoholic Christmas drinks.
Making the homemade syrup is super easy. Just add a splash of peppermint extract to some simple syrup and heat it up until it's nice and thick. Then drizzle a bit into your steamed milk and espresso shots. Yum!
For an extra special touch, dissolve some chocolate or peppermint-flavored cocoa powder or sauce and stir until it's all smooth and cozy. Pile on some fluffy whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces. Kids will have fun hunting for sparkly candy bits hidden in the cream. Providing striped straws or candy cane stirrers adds more holiday fun.
With chocolate, coffee, and mint all dancing together in your cup, one sip will transport you to a snowy wonderland. This drink hits the spot whether you like sweet treats or your morning java.
7. Cranberry Slushy
- Ingredients: Cranberry juice, coconut water, ice
- Time to prepare: 10 minutes
At the forefront of the coveted selection of non-alcoholic Christmas drinks for children stands the Cranberry Slushy, a concoction that embodies the essence of festive joy through a symphony of flavors and a visual spectacle that captivates the imagination. This delightful beverage is a masterful blend of contrasting elements that come together harmoniously to create a drink that not only quenches thirst but also invigorates the spirit of the holiday season.
The star of this beverage is, undoubtedly, the cranberry. Whether sourced fresh or retrieved from the frosty confines of the freezer, these vibrant berries contribute a pronounced tartness that is both invigorating and characteristic of the winter season.
Paired with the natural sweetness of cranberry juice and a hint of citrusy brightness from orange juice, the Cranberry Slushy strikes a perfect balance on the palate. However, to transform this medley of flavors into a symphony, a blend of water and granulated sugar is introduced, lending a nuanced sweetness that ensures every sip is a journey through a winter wonderland of taste.
What truly sets the Cranberry Slushy apart is its visual allure. The rich, red hue of this beverage mirrors the festive colors that adorn the holiday season. Served over glistening ice cubes, it becomes a beacon of refreshment and joy. Optional garnishes, such as the zesty slices of orange or lemon, add a touch of elegance, while mint leaves provide a hint of herbaceous freshness that complements the overall composition.
In conclusion, these delightful non-alcoholic Christmas drinks are sure to bring joy and cheer to your children during the holiday season. From classic favorites like Hot Chocolate and Apple Cider to creative concoctions like the Candy Cane Mocktail, there's something for every young palate to enjoy. These festive beverages not only taste delicious but also add an extra touch of magic to your family gatherings and celebrations. So, whip up a batch of these delightful drinks, gather around the fireplace, and create lasting memories with your little ones. Cheers to a season filled with love, laughter, and delicious sips that will make this Christmas truly unforgettable for your children.