Holiday Parties Without Alcohol: A Guide for Hosts and Guests
How to host and enjoy holiday parties without alcohol: our picks, a host's checklist, guest tips, Christmas dinner and a non-alcoholic mulled wine.
You can enjoy every holiday party without alcohol, whether you’re hosting or a guest. As a host, make the non-alcoholic drinks as good as everything else on the table. As a guest, bring a bottle you like and keep a glass in hand. Here are our picks for the season, a host’s checklist, tips for office parties and family dinners, and a warm mulled drink for the cold nights.
Our picks for the holidays
- <0.5%
- Denmark, France, Germany, South Korea, United States
- 0.0%
- Never Alcoholized
- United States
Bringing a gift? Browse gift-worthy bottles and sets.
Hosting: a party everyone can enjoy
- Make it a real drink. Serve non-alcoholic wine, sparkling or cocktails, not just soda and water.
- Same glasses for everyone. A flute or a wine glass makes no one stand out.
- Put it out front. Set the non-alcoholic bottles on ice next to the others, labeled, so guests can help themselves.
- Have a signature drink. A pitcher of something festive that works with or without alcohol: a spritz, a punch or mulled wine.
- Don’t ask why. Pregnancy, medication, driving, faith, training or preference: offer the drink and leave it there.
- Feed people. Plenty of food keeps the night about the company, not the bar.
Going as a guest
- Bring your own bottle. A non-alcoholic sparkling or red you like is a good gift and guarantees you a drink.
- Keep a glass in hand. It ends most offers before they start.
- Have an easy answer. “I’m good with this one” or “I’m driving” is enough; see what to say when someone asks.
- Give yourself a job. Music, photos or helping in the kitchen keeps you in the middle of things.
- Leave when you like. Plan your ride and your exit time before you go.
The office party
Order a non-alcoholic beer or ask the bar for a mocktail early, so you’re set before rounds start. Toast with whatever is in your glass; nobody’s checking. If you’re organizing it, ask the venue for at least one non-alcoholic wine and beer, and put them on the menu by name.
Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner
- The toast: a non-alcoholic sparkling at the start sets the tone. Browse non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
- With turkey: a light red, such as a Pinot Noir or a light red blend, or a fuller white. See what food goes with red wine.
- For family who drink: open a non-alcoholic bottle alongside the regular one and let everyone choose.
Warm mulled wine, without alcohol
1. Warm
Pour a bottle of non-alcoholic red into a pan with an orange, sliced, a cinnamon stick, a few cloves and a star anise.
2. Steep
Heat gently for 15 to 20 minutes, without boiling, so the spices infuse.
3. Sweeten
Taste, and add a spoonful of honey or brown sugar if you like it sweeter.
4. Serve
Strain into mugs and add a fresh orange slice.
If someone you love isn’t drinking
A drink in their hand and no questions is the kindest thing you can do. Our guide to supporting alcohol-free friends and family has more. Planning ahead? See a non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve, Dry January and birthday party ideas.
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Common questions
How do you enjoy a holiday party without drinking?
Bring a non-alcoholic bottle you like, keep a glass in hand, have an easy answer ready, give yourself a job like music or photos, and plan your ride home before you go.
How do I host a party for guests who don't drink?
Serve real non-alcoholic wine, sparkling or cocktails, use the same glasses for everyone, put the bottles out front and labeled, offer a signature drink, and don't ask why someone isn't drinking.
What can I drink at Christmas instead of alcohol?
Non-alcoholic sparkling for the toast, a light non-alcoholic red with turkey, sparkling tea or canned non-alcoholic cocktails at the party, and warm non-alcoholic mulled wine on cold nights.
How do you make non-alcoholic mulled wine?
Warm a bottle of non-alcoholic red with orange slices, a cinnamon stick, cloves and star anise for 15 to 20 minutes without boiling, sweeten to taste, then strain and serve.
