Less & More: The WFH Mom Edit

With the holidays just about here, let’s get bright without the buzz…

Thanksgiving is within arm’s reach and then the holidays will follow right behind so it’s time to tip a glass and share a toast with loved ones, right?

For a million reasons, I stopped drinking alcohol nearly four (!) years ago. Even at zero proof, I LIVE for a fun beverage – just ask multiple friends and family who lovingly refer to me as a Beverage Goblin. Whether I’m at a holiday party with friends, doing Christmas movie night at home with my family, or just feeling festive while working I am going to have a fun little beveragino without the buzz. Bonus: I collect vintage cartoon glasses and jam jars. With every sip I get to allow my little glass babies to live out their life’s purpose.

I love a good mocktail but some recipes are overly complicated or require ingredients I just don’t keep on hand. So let’s make some of my easy, fun, budget friendly, and favorite bevs to sip on during the (hopefully) snowy and most magical season. 

Caramel Apple Bubbles

I need to confess that in the Fall of 2023 I got hooked on the caramel apple deliciousness that is Alani Witches Brew. I know, I know. Energy drinks are bad for us – and gave this anxious girlie the jitters – so I kicked the habit but missed that candy coated taste. Tada, I made my own! Just stir together flat or sparkling water with apple flavoring and mix in caramel drink syrup to taste. Simple to make and the perfect late Fall sip.  

Cranberry Lime Spritz

I have no idea what makes a spritz…bubbles? That’s a research project for another day but I love a good, bubbly drink and cranberry-lime is the perfect combination. This is my go to order at a party or when out for a festive feast. Lime sparkling water of your choice (I usually go Bubly because it is on sale when I shop), fresh cranberries, LOADS of lime juice, and a cute lil lime slice. 

Citrus Candy Cane

So I love a peppermint-citrus scented candle and didn’t know this isn’t really a “thing” until a friend said that was an odd combo. Is it just me and my cheap candle that know mint and orange are BFF? Sweet and refreshing, this is a holiday twist on regular iced tea. Brew your favorite peppermint tea and add as much fresh orange juice as you’d like. Serve hot or iced! The world is truly your oyster, hon.

Santa’s Dirty Soda

I don’t know if its TikTok trends or The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (probably both) but dirty soda continues to infiltrate my social feeds and brain folds. I save dirty sodas for special sweet treat and this Santa-themed Dr. Pepper is SO good. Like a white russian but if a sober Mrs. Claus were bartending, you know? Mix Dr. Pep (diet or regular, your call) with vanilla creamer and – secret ingredient – cookie dough syrup. Indulgent and delish.

Tried & True Special Cocoa

Like so many others, our family staple during the holidays is hot chocolate. Every year on my boys’ last day of school before winter break starts I make them a hot chocolate board with all the fixings for a sweet cup (more on that later). Elevate your ho-co with flavored whipped cream and sprinkles. Is it normal for people to have a favorite marshmallow company? Because I do. XO Marshmallow is a woman-owned small business based in Chicago and it is my FAVORITE addition to any cocoa (plus it is my go-to gift for colleagues and my kids’ teachers).  

What say you, fellow beverage goblins? What is your go-to mocktail for the holiday season?

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