As the end of the year approaches, many individuals will be hosting or attending gatherings. Alexis LaPietra, DO, FACEP, Medical Director of the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery (IFPR) and Director of Addiction Medicine for Emergency & Hospitalist Services at RWJBarnabas Health, encourages everyone to put their health first and add seasonal mocktails to the menu.
Mocktails are a fun and flavorful alternative to alcoholic beverages. They allow you to enjoy the social aspect of savoring a delicious drink without the potential health risks of alcohol.
Dr. LaPietra shares, “Over time, alcohol consumption can lead to serious health issues, especially for those who drink regularly and have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart disease or liver disease.” Even those who drink within the daily recommended limits—one drink or less a day for women and two drinks or less a day for men—face potential long-term health effects.
“We also know that alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States and that your risks increase with regular alcohol consumption,” explains Dr. LaPietra. “Given the public’s increased awareness around alcohol’s connection to cancer, mocktails have become a popular alternative,” says Dr. LaPietra. These flavorful drinks are a great alternative to help you reduce your alcohol intake and lower your health risks.
Additionally, for individuals starting or maintaining recovery, serving mocktails provides beverage options that are fun for everyone. “Individuals in recovery are not always comfortable sharing their journey and can feel left out of social gatherings that center around alcohol,” states Dr. LaPietra. Including mocktails on your menu offers all your guests—no matter their reason for reducing or abstaining—an alternative to alcoholic beverages without sparing the fun.
“End-of-year celebrations are about gathering with loved ones, deepening our connections and making memories,” adds Dr. LaPietra. “Incorporating more options—or even opting for an alcohol-free celebration—can help you and your guests get back to what really matters: community and connection. “
For those looking to reduce their alcohol use, our team can help support you. Contact IFPR’s Peer Recovery Program at 848-303-0008 to speak with a certified recovery specialist. Recovery specialists can help you build healthier coping skills, reduce your use of substances and cultivate a supportive community. You can also visit rwjbh.org/preventionandrecovery to learn more about the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery.
Toast to the new year and your health this season. Try one or more of these festive mocktail recipes—created by Jennifer Klein, MS, RDN, Regional Nutrition Manager with Monmouth Medical Center's LiveWell Center—at your next gathering! For more healthy recipes, visit the LiveWell.
Mocktail Recipes
Citrus Ginger Mocktail
Prep Time 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 70 cal
Ingredients
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, cut into thin slices
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 3 oz orange juice
- ⅓ cup ginger ale, ginger beer or sparkling water
- Orange slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the ginger and lemon juice to a shaker and muddle until the ginger is lightly crushed and juices are released.
- Add the orange juice and a few cubes of ice. Place the lid on the shaker and shake well.
- Add some ice to your glass and strain the mixture in. Garnish with orange slices. Enjoy!
Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Calories: 45 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Squeeze of lime to taste
- Crushed ice to fill glass
- 4 oz sparkling water (plain, lime or cranberry lime flavored)
- Fresh lime thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Add cranberry juice, honey, if using, and lime juice to the bottom of a tall glass.
- Add crushed ice to fill the glass, then pour in your sparkling water. Garnish with lime slices and enjoy!
Pomegranate Mint Mocktail
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Calories: 60 kcal
Ingredients
- ½ lime cut into 4 pieces
- 4 –6 fresh mint leaves
- 3 oz pomegranate juice
- 4oz seltzer to top (plain or flavored)
- Pomegranate arils and mint (optional: to garnish)
Instructions
- Place lime and mint in the bottom of a shaker and muddle gently to release the juices.
- Add the pomegranate juice and a few cubes of ice. Place the lid on the shaker and shake until well mixed.
- Pour over a glass filled with ice.
- Top with seltzer, stir gently, garnish with pomegranate arils and mint, then serve.