Ah the holiday season — twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, beautiful tablescapes, all centred around good food and sparkling drinks. And while champagne and cocktails often take centre stage at festive dinners and holiday parties, not everyone wants alcohol in their glass. Enter the Sparkling Cranberry & Thyme Mocktail: a bright, jewel-toned, sophisticated sipper that proves non-alcoholic cocktails can be just as elegant, celebratory, and downright delicious.

This festive drink brings together tart cranberry, sweet grape juice, and fragrant fresh thyme, all lifted with crisp sparkling water. It strikes that perfect holiday balance — refreshing yet cosy, simple yet special. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, planning a Christmas brunch, or just want something sparkling and alcohol-free to serve, this mocktail feels special without trying too hard.

Sparkling water, halved lemons, thyme, cranberry juice, grape juice, ice and wooden teaspoon measure on counter
Sparkling water, cranberry juice, grape juice, lemon and thyme — everything needed for a sparkling juicy mocktail
Hand placing ice cube in tall glass using gold tongs
Add ice to tall glass
Someone adding lemon juice to red drink with ice using a wooden measuring spoon
Add lemon juice to cranberry and grape mixture
Someone rubbing a sprig of thyme to release its flavour in front of a tall glass with red juice
Bruise thyme between your fingers to release its hidden flavour 🌿
Hand mixing juices with thyme using gold spoon
Mix everything together with the fresh thyme
Cranberry juice mocktail in a tall glass, sparkling water being poured into it
Top with sparkling water
Cranberry grape mocktail garnished with lemon and thyme
Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme and a lemon wedge 🌿 🍒 ✨

A Holiday Mocktail That Feels Like a Toast

When you bring guests together — whether family, friends, or a mix of both — having a thoughtful non-alcoholic option is such a gracious touch. More and more people are looking for elegant alcohol-free drinks during the holidays, for whatever reason.

This sparkling cranberry mocktail ticks every box:

  • Festive and colourful (omg that ruby hue)

  • Naturally sweetened, with no syrups or complicated steps

  • Lightly herbal and fragrant, thanks to fresh thyme

  • Bubbly and refreshing — a lovely palate cleanser between rich holiday bites

  • Easy to batch for a crowd

It’s the kind of drink that feels right at home beside roast vegetables, stuffing, glazed carrots, mashed potatoes, and everything else on the Thanksgiving table. And because it’s not too sweet, it pairs beautifully with classic holiday flavours like sage, thyme, maple, citrus, and cranberries.

Cranberry + Grape + Thyme: A Seasonal Trio

Cranberry and grape juice create a vibrant, fruity base that tastes like winter berries — sweet, tart, and super refreshing. A splash of fresh lemon juice keeps things bright and balanced, while thyme adds a subtle herbal note that feels a little fancy, a little woodsy, and perfectly seasonal.

Thyme is an underrated cocktail hero — it works beautifully with fruit and adds complexity without overpowering the drink. If you love drinks with a botanical twist, you’re going to love this one.

Pro tip: Lightly bruising the thyme between your fingers releases its essential oils and infuses the mocktail with gorgeous aroma and depth. Don’t skip that small step — it's the secret to making this simple drink feel handcrafted and luxurious.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Holiday Parties & Cosy Dinners

This mocktail is wonderfully versatile. Serve it:

  • As a Thanksgiving welcome drink when guests arrive

  • Alongside holiday nibbles and appetizers

  • At a festive brunch (pair with baked French toast, potato hash, or a veggie frittata)

  • For a fancy night in

  • During holiday movie nights or tree-decorating sessions

  • Anytime you want a sparkling alcohol-free drink that feels grown-up

You can even turn it into a holiday punch. Simply multiply the recipe, mix juices and thyme in a pitcher ahead of time, and top with sparkling water just before serving. Add fresh cranberries and blackberries for a garnish that looks like edible ornaments.

Make it Your Own

This recipe is quite flexible. Try:

  • Sparkling rosé water or lime-flavoured sparkling water for a twist

  • A tiny splash of orange or pomegranate juice

  • Garnishing with sugared cranberries for extra holiday sparkle

  • Swapping thyme for rosemary for a more pine-forward note

Want a lightly sweeter drink? Add a teaspoon of maple syrup.

A Toast to Cozy Gatherings & Inclusive Celebrations

The holidays are about connection, comfort, and shared joy. Offering a mocktail like this one ensures every guest can raise a glass with something festive and delicious, whether they drink alcohol or not. Fizzy, fruity, and finished with a whisper of thyme — this mocktail is a crowd-pleaser.

To gatherings filled with warmth, laughter, and a touch of holiday sparkle. 🍒✨ Cheers!