Non-Alcoholic Christmas Drinks & Hosting Tips for a Festive Season (Minus the Hangover)
It’s Christmas in Aotearoa - the BBQs are firing, the whānau’s rolling in, and someone’s already queued up the Boney M playlist. Traditionally, December’s a month of clinking glasses, but if you’re keen to keep the good times rolling and wake up clear-headed, you’re in good company. Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks are fast becoming the Kiwi classic. More hosts are offering non-alc options alongside the bubbles and beers. The latest stats show 1 in 4 Kiwis plan to drink less over the silly season - it’s not just about health, it’s about genuinely good times and even better mornings.
What Makes a Great Non-Alc Christmas Drink?
Festive Flavours: Summer fruits, fresh herbs, a hint of spice (think: berries, citrus, ginger, mint).
Bubbles & Colour: Make it feel special - plenty of fizz, fresh fruit, and garnishes.
Easy to Serve: Big jugs, punch bowls, or pre-batched bottles - less fuss, more fun.
Hosting Tips for a Legendary (Hangover-Free) Christmas
Mocktail Station: Set up a “DIY” bar with mixers, fresh fruit, herbs, and a selection of Terps & Co drinks. Let guests mix, match, and garnish their own.
Welcome Drink Ritual: Kick things off with a signature non-alc serve (UnWind with a sprig of rosemary, anyone?).
Festive Playlist: Good tunes = good vibes. Start with the classics, end with a Terps & Co playlist - check out our tunes on Spotify.
Games & Traditions: Bring back the Christmas crackers, backyard cricket, or a best-dressed comp - connection is the real gift.
Easy Non-Alcoholic Christmas Drink Recipes
Merry Rum Mule
Ingredients:
100ml premium ginger beer (alcohol-free)
Squeeze of fresh lime
1 slice of cucumber
Fresh mint sprig
Ice
How to make it:
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Add Terps & Co Rum-Like Spirit and ginger beer.
Squeeze in fresh lime juice.
Add a cucumber slice and gently clap a few mint leaves before dropping them in.
Stir gently, garnish with extra mint, and serve with a festive grin.
Pro tip
Swap in Gin-Like or Tequila-Style for a new twist - same method, different mood. Cheers to a merry, mindful Christmas!
Summer Spritz
Dash of elderflower cordial
Sliced strawberries
Lemon wheel, lots of ice
Festive Berry Chill
UnWind (blueberry, mango, juniper)
Handful of frozen berries
Rosemary Sprig
Sparkling water top-up
Orange twist
Why Go Alcohol-Free? The Real Gift
Less next-day regret, more present moments. Plus, you’ll actually remember all the family yarns, bad dad jokes, and magic of the season. Choosing functional drinks means you can match every mood - relax, uplift, or socialise - without missing a beat.
More Cheers, Less Hangover
This Christmas, make every toast count (and remember it, too). Stock your chilly bin with non-alcoholic options, set the scene with festive rituals, and let Terps & Co keep the energy high. Here’s to a silly season full of flavour, connection, and no regrets.