Mocktails This Christmas: Why Skipping That Extra Drink Is a Win for Your Health
The holiday season is here, and with it comes the inevitable swirl of festive drinks. But what if skipping that extra drink could actually help you feel, look, and perform better, without missing out on the fun?
Many people don’t understand why you’re not drinking during the holidays, or they assume you should follow their drinking habits. Saying “no” can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to. Choosing alcohol-free options allows you to stay comfortable, confident, and included—without the pressure.
If cutting out alcohol entirely feels unrealistic this Christmas, there are simple ways to support your liver and reduce the impact when you do choose to drink.
Alcohol-Free Alternatives That Don’t Feel Like a Compromise
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy festive drinks without alcohol:
Bonsoy Sparkling Coconut Water range
Cococoast Coconut Water range
Remedy Drinks range
Mellows Functional Drinks range
DIY mocktails: Mix Lakewood’s pure cranberry or blueberry juice concentrates with sparkling water, mint, and lime for a festive drink that blends right in with everyone else’s cocktail.
Why Cutting or Reducing Alcohol Matters
Alcohol isn’t just empty calories, it can impact your body in ways you might not see right away:
Slows collagen production and weakens skin integrity
Disrupts natural detox pathways, leading to breakouts, dullness, and inflammation
Increases oxidative stress, accelerating aging from the inside out (think fine lines, puffiness, redness)
Strains your liver, which is crucial for clearing hormones, toxins, and metabolic waste
Disrupts sleep, blood sugar balance, and gut health, key players in your skin, mood, and energy
Lowers inhibitions, making it easier to overeat, skip meals, or reach for sugary foods
Tips to Reduce Alcohol Impact This Christmas
If you can’t cut it out completely, these practical strategies can help you manage your intake and support your body:
Browse the mocktail menu: Most places offer alcohol-free options now. You don’t even need to say it’s a mocktail, just point to what you want. You’ll feel included, and no one will question why you’re not drinking.
Limit drinking to one day per week: If you find yourself wanting alcohol often, it might be worth exploring the bigger picture.
Set a spending limit: Decide on a budget before you go out—this helps curb overspending on drinks.
Hydrate between drinks: Drink 200ml of water between every alcoholic drink to support liver function.
Hydrate before bed: Have a big glass of water with lemon juice when you get home to help your liver detox.
Consider NAC powder: Taking N-acetylcysteine (NAC) after a night out can support liver detoxification, because let’s be honest, drinking isn’t exactly a health-forward move.
This Christmas, choosing a mocktail or reducing your alcohol intake isn’t about missing out—it’s about showing up for your health, skin, mood, and energy while still enjoying the festive spirit. Cheers to a vibrant, confident, and glowing holiday season!