The holidays have a way of awakening all our senses—the scent of pine, the glow of candlelight, the sound of laughter, and, of course, the taste of special drinks that define the season. But look closely at many of those festive beverages, and you’ll often find a hidden ingredient: plastic. The red plastic stirrer in the cocktail, the single-use cup for the eggnog, the disposable straw in the punch.
This year, let’s make a toast to something better. Let’s create drinks that delight our taste buds without leaving a trail of trash. The magic of a truly festive drink isn’t just in the flavor; it’s in the experience—the clink of real glass, the elegance of a reusable garnish, and the knowledge that your celebration isn’t costing the planet.
Here are five recipes designed to sparkle without the plastic, from the first stir to the last sip.
1. The Evergreen Sparkler: A Non-Alcoholic Stunner
Imagine capturing the crisp, clean scent of a winter forest in your glass. That’s the magic of the Evergreen Sparkler—it’s refreshing, sophisticated, and a vibrant welcome for guests of all ages.
To make it, simply combine 4 cups of chilled sparkling water with ½ cup of fresh rosemary simple syrup* and the juice of two lemons in a beautiful glass pitcher.
When serving, pour it over ice into individual glasses and garnish each with a fresh rosemary sprig and a thin slice of lemon.
The rosemary isn’t just pretty; it acts as your natural, fragrant stirrer, making any plastic utensil utterly unnecessary.
For the Rosemary Simple Syrup: Simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar (or coconut sugar), and 4 rosemary sprigs for 10 minutes. Cool completely, strain, and store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
2. Spiced Orange Old Fashioned: A Warm, Whiskey Embrace
This is a cozy twist on a classic, perfect for those quiet evenings by the fire. The scent of citrus and spice will fill the room as you make it.
For each drink, start by placing a teaspoon of your spiced orange syrup* and two dashes of aromatic bitters in a glass.
Add 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon or rye whiskey and a large, clear ice cube.
Stir it all gently with a bar spoon or, for an extra festive touch, a cinnamon stick.
To finish, express the oils of an orange peel over the drink before dropping it in. Serving it with that cinnamon stick “stirrer” makes the ritual of drinking it part of the gift.
For the Spiced Orange Syrup: Simmer 1 cup fresh orange juice, ½ cup sugar, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 5 whole cloves until slightly thickened. Strain and let it cool.
3. The Ruby Clementine Punch: A Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece
This vibrant, fruity punch is destined to be the life of the party. Served in a beautiful glass bowl or drink dispenser, it becomes a stunning, self-serve centerpiece that completely eliminates the need for individual plastic cups.
To create this ruby-red delight, combine 4 cups of strong, chilled hibiscus tea with 3 cups of fresh clementine juice (from about 12 clementines), 1 cup of cranberry juice (opt for one in a glass bottle), and 2 cups of sparkling water.
For a beautiful and functional presentation, add a reusable ice ring (try freezing edible flowers or citrus slices in a bundt pan) to keep it cold without dilution, then float thin clementine slices and fresh cranberries on top.
Just provide a glass ladle and real cups, and let guests serve themselves.
4. White Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A Cozy, Creamy Dream
This isn’t your average hot chocolate from a packet. This is rich, creamy, and perfect for sipping after a winter walk. It feels wonderfully indulgent but is proudly free from plastic packaging.
To make it, heat 4 cups of whole milk or oat milk in a saucepan until it’s steaming but not boiling.
Then, whisk in 8 ounces of finely chopped white chocolate until it’s completely melted and smooth, and stir in a teaspoon of pure peppermint extract.
Pour the silky mixture into pre-warmed mugs and top with a cloud of freshly whipped cream (made in a glass or metal bowl) and a light dusting of crushed candy cane (unwrapped from its paper, not plastic).
The best part? The mug’s own handle means there’s no need for a disposable sleeve.
5. The Gingerbread Sparkle: A Festive Fizz
This drink truly tastes like Christmas in a glass—spicy, sweet, and delightfully effervescent. It works wonderfully as an alcohol-free cocktail or a vibrant mixer.
Making it is simple: for each drink, add 2 tablespoons of gingerbread syrup* to a champagne flute and slowly top it with 4-5 ounces of dry sparkling wine, prosecco, or non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider.
The presentation is where the whimsy shines: garnish with a tiny homemade gingerbread cookie perched on the rim (use a dot of syrup as glue) or a simple dusting of cinnamon.
It’s a festive touch that’s completely plastic-free.
For the Gingerbread Syrup: Simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup molasses, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon each of cloves and nutmeg for 15 minutes. Strain and let it cool.
The Final, Essential Ingredient: Sip Sustainably
The perfect finish to any of these drinks is a tool that honors their craftsmanship. This is where our Stainless Steel Metal Straws complete the experience. They’re the elegant, permanent answer to the plastic straw problem. A set of these on your bar cart or in a pretty jar says you care about the details. They make every drink—from the bubbly Ruby Punch to the creamy Hot Chocolate—feel more special, and the included cleaning brush makes care a breeze.
Creating a plastic-free holiday bar is about intention, not deprivation. It’s about choosing real garnishes over plastic picks, glass over plastic cups, and flavors made in your kitchen over those from a plastic-lined packet. When you raise your glass this season, let it be in a true toast—to joy, to connection, and to a celebration that leaves behind nothing but good memories.
Ready to toast to a greener holiday?
Build your sustainable barware collection with our elegant, reusable Stainless Steel Straws and explore more tools for conscious hosting here.