Non Alcoholic Holiday Drink: Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it’s easy to get hyper-focused on what sides to make, how to do the turkey this year, and what desserts will steal the show.  But what about the drinks?  Sure there might be a few bottles of wine opened, but how about a fresh colorful alternative for the beverage table?  How about a non-alcoholic holiday drink?  Think Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic.

Why Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic?

This is a celebration in a glass that’s not only refreshing but colorful too!  Tonic water (or club soda if you’d rather) is festive all by itself with a decazillion of minuscule bubbles wiggling their way up to pop and tickle your nose. 

Looking for something a little sweeter?  Replace the tonic water with ginger ale or give it a kick with a splash of ginger beer.

Rosemary’s deep herbal scent dances beautifully with the bright acidity of the grapefruit.  Plus, now that grapefruit is in season, we have our pick of sweet ruby reds!

This Non Alcoholic Holiday Drink Pulls Triple Duty

A Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic serves 3 purposes at your holiday party.  1) It’s a gorgeous alternative to alcoholic beverages, 2) it gives kids something to sip on that’s special and festive and 3) well… it makes a killer Gin & Tonic for those who want to add a dash gin.

Tips on How to make a Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic

I know it seems silly to outline this out, but there are just a couple tips to really bring out the aromatics of this beverage.

1. Before putting the rosemary in the pitcher, crush it in your hands.  This releases the oils and makes it smell divine!
2. Wait until everyone arrives before pouring the tonic (or club soda) in the pitcher.  Your bubbles will last longer.
3. Squeeze a few grapefruit wedges into the pitcher for extra flavor, then drop a few in for color.
4. Keep a bowl of fresh cut grapefruit next to the pitcher so people can add more to their glass if they’d like.

Fun Alternative: For a real show stopper… first light the rosemary on fire, blow out the flame, while the rosemary is still smoking, rub it around the glass, then continue with the rest of the mocktail.  This brings a deeper flavor profile to the beverage and makes for a lovely presentation.

Colorful variation: To get a festive shade, use a dollop of grenadine, pomegranate juice or cranberry juice.

More Inspiration…

Here’s a link for 14 additional ideas for beautiful non alcoholic holiday drinks that will keep you in a festive spirit!  Keep these on hand because they’d be lovely to have on hand all year round.

Cheers!  And Happy Thanksgiving!