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?
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Festive Flavours: Summer fruits, fresh herbs, a hint of spice (think: berries, citrus, ginger, mint).
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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
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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.
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Welcome Drink Ritual: Kick things off with a signature non-alc serve (UnWind with a sprig of rosemary, anyone?).
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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:
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100ml premium ginger beer (alcohol-free)
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Squeeze of fresh lime
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1 slice of cucumber
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Fresh mint sprig
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Ice
How to make it:
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Fill a tall glass with ice.
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Add Terps & Co Rum-Like Spirit and ginger beer.
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Squeeze in fresh lime juice.
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Add a cucumber slice and gently clap a few mint leaves before dropping them in.
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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
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Dash of elderflower cordial
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Sliced strawberries
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Lemon wheel, lots of ice
Festive Berry Chill
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UnWind (blueberry, mango, juniper)
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Handful of frozen berries
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Rosemary Sprig
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Sparkling water top-up
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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.
