Banting Mocktails and Drinks (Festive Edition)

The holidays have always been my favourite time of year. I love everything about them — the decorations going up, the slower pace, the long afternoons spent chatting in the kitchen, and, of course, the food and drinks that seem to magically appear everywhere. There’s just something special about holding a festive drink in your hand while laughing with family or sitting outside on a warm evening.

When I started following the Banting lifestyle, though, festive drinks suddenly became a bit of a problem. Almost every “holiday drink” I grew up with was basically liquid sugar: fruit juices, fizzy drinks, cocktails, punches, and all sorts of syrups. I quickly realised that even if my meals were perfectly Banting-friendly, a few sugary drinks could undo all that effort in no time.

Instead of feeling sorry for myself or skipping drinks altogether, I decided to get creative. I started experimenting in my kitchen, testing flavours, playing with herbs and spices, and figuring out how to make drinks that still felt special — without the sugar overload. The result? A small collection of Banting-friendly mocktails and festive drinks that I genuinely look forward to making every holiday season 

Why Banting-Friendly Drinks Matter?

Banting is about keeping carbohydrates low and focusing on real, nourishing foods. What many people don’t realise is that drinks are often the biggest hidden source of carbs, especially during the holidays. A single glass of fruit juice or a festive punch can contain more sugar than an entire meal.

For me, making Banting-friendly drinks is about more than just sticking to the plan. It’s about enjoying the season fully, without guilt, bloating, or energy crashes. When I make my own mocktails, I know exactly what’s going into them. I can adjust the sweetness, keep the carbs in check, and still serve something that feels indulgent and celebratory.

Another bonus is that these drinks are incredibly inclusive. Everyone can enjoy them — kids, non-drinkers, designated drivers, and anyone who just wants something refreshing without alcohol. No one feels left out, and no one even realises they’re drinking something “low-carb.”

My Favourite Holiday Banting Mocktails

These are the drinks I find myself making again and again during the festive season. They’re simple, flexible, and easy to scale up if you’re hosting guests.

1. Sparkling Citrus Ginger Mocktail

This is usually the first drink I make when guests arrive. It’s light, bubbly, and immediately feels festive. I start with chilled sparkling water as the base. Then I add a squeeze of fresh lemon and just a small splash of orange juice for flavour — remembering that oranges are on the Yellow List and should be used in moderation.

Fresh ginger is what really makes this drink shine. I grate a little bit directly into the glass or steep it briefly in hot water and add a splash of that ginger infusion. The result is refreshing with a gentle warmth at the back of your throat.

If I want a bit of sweetness, I add a few drops of stevia or another Banting-approved sweetener. Served over ice with a slice of lemon or a sprig of rosemary, it looks just as good as it tastes.

2. Berry Mint Cooler

Berries are one of my favourite ingredients for Banting drinks. They’re lower in carbs than most fruits but packed with flavour and colour. For this mocktail, I gently muddle a few raspberries and blueberries with fresh mint leaves at the bottom of a glass.

I add ice, top it with soda water, and give it a gentle stir. That’s it. The berries give the drink a beautiful deep red colour, and the mint keeps it fresh and cooling — perfect for hot holiday afternoons.

This is one of those drinks that looks far more complicated than it actually is. Guests always comment on how “fancy” it looks, even though it takes less than two minutes to make.

3. Spiced Apple Fizz

This drink feels like Christmas in a glass. I use a small amount of sugar-free apple juice, diluted heavily with sparkling water. Apples are also on the Yellow List, so moderation is key here, but the flavour goes a long way.

I add a pinch of cinnamon and sometimes a tiny pinch of nutmeg. Even just the smell of this drink feels festive. A thin slice of fresh apple on the rim makes it look extra special, but you can skip it if you prefer to keep carbs as low as possible.

This is a great option for family gatherings because both adults and kids love it. It feels like a proper treat without being overly sweet.

4. Creamy Vanilla Chai Latte (Iced or Warm)

Not every festive drink needs bubbles. On cooler evenings or when I want something comforting, this chai latte is my go-to. I brew a strong chai tea using whole spices or good-quality tea bags. Then I add a splash of unsweetened almond milk or a bit of heavy cream, depending on how indulgent I feel.

A few drops of vanilla essence and a touch of stevia transform it into something really special. You can serve it warm for cozy nights or pour it over ice for a refreshing iced version during warmer weather.

This drink feels indulgent and satisfying — the kind of thing you sip slowly while relaxing, rather than gulping down.

Simple Tips to Make Drinks Feel Festive

Presentation really does make a difference. Even the simplest drink feels more special with a few thoughtful touches:

• Garnishes: Fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme add fragrance and instantly elevate the look of a drink.
• Fruit accents: Thin slices of lemon, a few berries, or even pomegranate seeds (used sparingly) make drinks visually appealing.
• Glassware: You don’t need anything fancy. Mason jars, wine glasses, or even vintage cups can make a drink feel celebratory.
• Rimmed glasses: Lightly wet the rim with lemon and dip it into a sugar-free sweetener mixed with cinnamon for a festive effect.

Final Thoughts

Following a Banting lifestyle during the holidays doesn’t mean missing out on the fun. If anything, it’s taught me to be more creative and intentional. These drinks prove that you can enjoy festive flavours, beautiful presentation, and special moments — all without loading your body with sugar.

This holiday season, you’ll probably find me sipping on a Sparkling Citrus Ginger Mocktail while decorating the tree or pouring Berry Mint Coolers for friends on a sunny afternoon. It feels just as indulgent as the sugary drinks I used to have, but I feel so much better afterwards.

If you’re hosting, attending a party, or simply treating yourself, I hope these Banting-friendly mocktails inspire you to raise a glass and celebrate in a way that aligns with your goals. Here’s to a joyful, flavour-filled, and guilt-free festive season — cheers!