While I’ve never actually put up a Christmas tree in any of the homes I’ve lived in other than my parents (some traditions never die), this is the season where I want to host as much as possible. And with so many of my friends either pregnant, driving or simply cutting down on how much their drinking, my this year looks like Christmas party drinks without the alcohol. With my pantry (read: the cupboard under the stairs filled with firewood, old boxes I’m yet to recycle and half-empty paint tins) stocked with Mother Root, I’m ready to shake up some festive non-alcoholic drinks that aren’t just a simple serve of Mother Root & Soda. Some of these require a cocktail shaker, but we’ve tried to make all our recipes simple enough for you to master at home.

If you need to stock up on Mother Root or are curious to try – you can do so here.

Festive Non-Alcoholic Drinks

 

The Welcome Drink – Sun Smoke

Sometimes it’s nice to make your guests feel like they’re on a tropical holiday and not just bundled up in layers after walking in from a near-blizzard.

Ingredients:
  • 50 ml Mother Root Ginger
  • 50 ml pineapple juice
  • 5 ml lime juice
  • 10 ml orange juice
  • Pinch of chilli flakes
  • 1 tsp smoked salt
Method:

Mix juices and Mother Root with ice. Rim a glass with smoked salt and chilli flakes, then pour in the mixture. Add more ice if needed.

 

 

The Showstopper – Cosmic Fire

Make like Carrie Bradshaw with our take on the cosmopolitan. All you need is a tin of chickpeas (no, seriously) and some cranberry juice to mix with Mother Root.

Ingredients:
  • 25 ml Mother Root Ginger
  • 10 ml lime juice
  • 1 tbsp aquafaba
  • 100 ml cranberry juice
Method:

Add everything to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until silky and frothy. Pour into your favourite cocktail glass.

 

 

The Winter Warmer – Hibiscus Heat

For when you need a hit of something hot after dinner – this is a festively spiced Mother Root drink that keeps that slow burn going.

Ingredients:
  • 25 ml Mother Root Ginger
  • 1 hibiscus tea bag
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Juice of ¼ lemon
Method:

Steep the tea bag, star anise, and cinnamon in 200 ml freshly boiled water for a few minutes. Remove the tea bag (keep the spices), add Mother Root and a squeeze of lemon.

 

 

The Night Cap – Big Smoke

And for your guests that like their drinks a little strong, try our take on the penicillin – we use Lapsang Oolong tea for that subtle hint of smoke.

Ingredients:
  • 25 ml Mother Root Ginger
  • 15 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 15 ml 2:1 honey syrup
  • 100 ml cooled Lapsang tea
Method:

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a lowball glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.