Easy New Year's Eve Mocktails: Non-Alcoholic Libations to Ring In 2021

I can hardly believe it's almost New Year's Eve! While this isn't one of my all-time favorite holidays, I do love any excuse to eat festive food and dress up.

But for some people, NYE is mostly about the alcohol. That (along with the fact that I like to go to bed on the early side) is the main reason it's not on my list of top celebrations. For those who might not be aware, I don't drink – for a few different reasons. This does put me in the minority, but I'm glad that sober living is becoming more widely accepted. Still, I've gotten questions from well-intentioned folks about why I don't drink and have been at gatherings where there are next to no non-alcoholic options for guests. Plus, it's hard not to be surrounded by intoxicated people on New Year's Eve. And all of that tends to put a bit of a damper on things. 

The one nice thing about staying home this year is that you might get a bit more control over your New Year's Eve. Whether you're in recovery, you're an expectant mom, you're on a new medication, you're preparing for Dry January, or you simply don't like the taste of alcohol, holiday celebrations don't have to be boring. There are plenty of Near Year's Eve mocktail recipes out there that you might end up liking way more than options that contain alcohol. And even if alcohol is still part of your life, it's nice to know there are alternatives that everyone can enjoy.

To be honest, I don't get all that fancy with my mocktail recipes. I tend to like sparkling fruit juices and non-caffeinated sodas on their own. (I highly recommend Trader Joe's Sugar Plum sparkling beverage, sparkling grape juice or apple cider, ginger beer, IZZE, or Belvoir Fruit Farms cordials for this!) 

But I decided to try out a few non-alcoholic drinks that are *slightly* more complicated. I mean it when I say "slightly," as I'm not muddling fruit, making simple syrups, or using any specialty ingredients. Below, you'll find three different mocktails I tried out, along with a few others that are on my to-try list. 

Holiday Mocktail: Cranberry Apple Spritzer

This simple and seasonal non-alcoholic cocktail is a little sweet, a little tart, and a lot refreshing. Combine equal parts of apple cider and cranberry juice with your choice of lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or seltzer. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.

Non-Alcoholic Cocktail: Classic Shirley Temple

Although there may be more imaginative mocktails out there... who doesn't love a classic Shirley Temple? Fill a glass with ice and add about an ounce of grenadine (use more or less depending on your affinity for cherry flavor). Then, add ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and a squeeze of fresh lime. Add a lime slice and maraschino cherries, if you've got 'em, to finish.

Simple Mocktail Idea: Grapefruit Lime Refresher

If you're looking for a refreshing mocktail you can enjoy year-round, you might like this tantalizingly tart option. Over ice, add grapefruit juice, key lime LeCroix (or your choice of seltzer/sparkling water), and plenty of fresh lime juice. Kombucha might also be a welcome addition to this drink, especially if you miss the taste of alcohol! 

Here are a few other New Year's Eve mocktail recipes I want to try out this year:

• New York Sour Mocktail
• Lavender and Earl Grey Mocktail
• Sparkling Ginger Pear Mocktail

I'm obviously no mixologist! But I hope that if you're wanting to avoid alcohol – or you're trying to support sober loved ones in your life – this New Year's Eve, you might get some inspiration. I'd love it if you'd tell me about your favorite non-alcoholic beverage in the comments or on Instagram so I can grow my repertoire, too!

Have a happy, healthy, and safe New Year's Eve – and I'll see you in 2021!

The Soubrette Brunette's 2020 Holiday Gift Guides

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I'm pretty close to being done with mine, but I know you might still be looking for the perfect present for someone on your list. I've really enjoyed putting together gift guides over the past couple of years (like my gift guide for HSPs, introverts, and empaths, as well as my selection of fun gift guides from 2019!)... so I knew I had to do it again this year! 

This took me a lot longer than I anticipated, but I hope you'll find these guides to be helpful. In particular, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite small businesses, local makers, and budget-friendly picks – but I think there's something here for everyone! Although everything pictured here was in stock when I created these gift guides, products are selling quickly (and some shops are closing up for the holidays), so act quickly! Without further ado... here are my selections for this year!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Your Holiday Gift Guide For Parents 2020

Mom and Dad can be difficult to shop for, but this holiday gift guide for parents has some best-sellers, some memory-makers, and some time-passers that are sure to delight. 

a.  customized RetroViewer

b.  popcorn maker 

c.  Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics

d.  dog DNA test kit

e.  Homesick reed diffuser 

f.  celestial cheese serveware

g.  smart kitchen herb garden

h.  BBQ rub and sauce kit

i.  olive oil dipping bowl

j.  A Promised Land

k.  MLB stadium poster  

l.  honey bee wood trivet

m.  smartphone sanitizer

n.  "nevertheless, she persisted" puzzle

o.  hummingbird feeder  

Your Enneagram Gift Guide

Are you (or are your loved ones) obsessed with enneagram types? That's true for my circle! If you've been looking for gifts by enneagram type, I've compiled a few presents for each one in this enneagram gift guide. Let me know how accurate you think my selections are!

type 1

"your worth is not measured by your productivity" tee

wildflower 2021 planner

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

type 2

"kindness without boundaries is self-sabotage" sweatshirt

Big Blanket Co. original stretch blanket

the year of tea

type 3

the best journal ever

"you are worthy" sticker

little jar of big ideas

type 4

healing botanicals adult coloring book

"I may cry but I still get stuff done" sweatshirt

beginner's embroidery kit

type 5

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

MasterClass membership

cinephile: a card game

type 6

"fight your imposter syndrome" print

A Whole Book of Reasons You're My BFF

"you got this" candle

type 7

Universal Yums snack box subscription

"I plan on being spontaneous tomorrow" tote bag

cityscape ring

type 8

"empowered women empower women" sweatshirt

calm the hell down CBD salve

Our Time is Now

type 9

"all bodies are good bodies" sweatshirt

better together trinket box

phenomenal women timeline mug

Gift Guide Under $25

If you're shopping on a budget or you've set a spending limit with your besties, this holiday gift guide under 25 will help you find a great gift for less.

a.  literary mugs

b.  The One With All the Recipes

c.  floral tea towel

d.  Knope for President game

e.  punny produce bags 

f.  chai spice candle 

g.  book cover face mask 

h.  votes for women puzzle 

i.  Calm the Chaos journal  

j.  everything bagel seasoning trio  

k.  icons notecards  

l.  goodnight moon makeup eraser set  

m.  sugar cookies eyeshadow palette  

n.  Monet waterlilies neckerchief 

o.  fox slipper socks   

Small Business Gift Guide

Looking to shop small this holiday? I've compiled some of my personal favorites for this year's small business gift guide.

1.  Steve Kornacki tee by Kate Gabrielle 

2.  snowflake wire headband by Mane Message 

3.  roller perfume oil by Firebird Bath and Body

4.  total babe earrings by Midge Blitz 

5.  witch ghost enamel pin by Little Spooky Studio

6.  gelato truck bag by Vendula London

7.  reindeer mischief sweater by Mischief Made 

8.  "my size doesn't determine my worth" print by Fabulously Feminist 

9.  snowcat brooch by I Love Crafty  

10.  "nobody likes a soggy bottom" lapel pin by The Clever Clove  

11.  "which brew are you?" print by Water of Whimsy  

12.  wildflower chalk art print by Lily and Val 

13.  social media print by Girl Party Shop

14.  "swiss rolls not gender roles" pin from Bow Bow by Kyle

15.  clear confetti party clutch by Julie Mollo  

Secret Santa Gift Guide + White Elephant Gift Guide

If you're stumped on what to get your Secret Santa recipient or you're planning ahead for your annual white elephant gift exchange, this gift guide has all the novelty you need.

a.  The Golden Girls mini magnet set

b.  Mean Girls mini magnet set

c.  RuPaul notepad

d.  1,000 books to read before you die calendar

e.  votes for women bandana  

f.  Never Have I Ever game

g.  How to Not Always Be Working

h.  mini waffle maker

i.  Bob Ross heat-changing mug

j.  anecdote candles  

k.  upcycled record coasters

l.  ambition journal  

m.  Mister Rogers mini talking figurine  

n.  ranch cookbook 

o.  blush letterboard  

Local Love: Rochester NY Gifts

For my local followers (or those who just want a piece of the Flower City for themselves), check out this local gift guide featuring Rochester NY gifts from upstate makers.

1.  Weggies run t-shirt from Loco Love 

2.  floral guts wood-burned cheeseboard from Unstrung Studios  

3.  Rochester Flower City logo earrings from May and Birch  

4.  Rochester symbols cosmetic bag from Wolf and Honey 

5.  to the moon and back enamel pin from House of Roushey 

6.  "ROC is grim" mug from Shop Peppermint  

7.  Rochester sticker bundle from Ink & Pine Design

8.  The Little Theatre art print from Retro Sorrento 

9.  "home" camp mug from Anna Parade  

10.  "be merry" wood slice ornament from Salty Lemon Studio 

11.  york earrings from Charlie Blu   

12.  mini oval sunburst platter from Ritual Clay Company

13.  "protect your magic" print from Bless the Messy 

14.  Roc Love print from PS Enjoy Your Life  

15.  tea towel from Lisa Jane Smith 

Black Owned Business Gift Guide

Show your support with these incredible gifts from Black owned businesses this year. 

a.  abstract woman art print by Nonily Studio  
b.  Black Lives Matter mug by ATOU   
c.  half-moon dangle earrings by Talk Unique Designs  
d.  read and grow bookmark by K Ligg Co.  
e.  ginger and sandalwood candle by Natural Annie Essentials 
f.  yoga pose sweatshirt by The Trini Gee 
g.  triple body butter by Charmed Bath and Body
h.  "you will survive this" print from By Chenelle
i.  fried egg earrings by Crafty Little Dreams
j.  retro ladies face mask by ModMasks   
k.  "sounds of love" print by Lovely Earthlings  
l.  Black Lives Matter face mask by Bailey Ava Accessories  
m.  floral square scarf by Emma Make Studio  
n.  kitchen print by Godly Gorgeous 
o.  tomato leaf and basil candle by Paige's Candle Co.   

Broadway Gifts and Disney Gift Guide

For the Broadway fanatic or Disney fiend in your life, refer to this gift guide for the musically-inclined and the young-at-heart.

1.  favorite mansion tee 

2.  movie poster cookie jar 
3.  curtain call Broadway costume poster
4.  Waitress pie pin
5.  Madame Leota earrings
6.  Hamilton face mask
7.  Geek Out Disney trivia game
8.  Hamilton Minnie ears
9.  Pirate's Revenge candle
10.  Heathers enamel pin
11.  Company welcome mat
12.  Disneyland 65th anniversary backpack
13.  The Disney Princess book
14.  Broadway Theater District map print 
15.  "Let's Travel the World" face mask 

2020 Quarantine Gift Ideas

This year has been a total dumpster fire... but at least these quarantine gift ideas, work from home gifts, and political gifts will help us end 2020 with a laugh (and a long-distance hug).

a.  The Comfy 
b.  long-distance touch bracelet set 
c.  Cuomo Christmas ornament
d.  social distancing mug 
e.  Working From Home With a Cat
f.  good neighbor face mask  
g.  Zoom meeting ornament
h.  faux fur slippers  
i.  Camp Quarantine sweatshirt
j.  The Great British Baking Show: Love to Bake  
k.  2020 review candle
l.  hand sanitizer ornament
m.  foldaway seat cushion 
n.  44 and 46 button set  
o.  work from home survival kit

Did you find some gift inspiration for the holidays? Let me know what you'd like to see for future gift guides and happy shopping!

I LIKE YOU A LATKE: Hadassah Cookbook Latke Recipe

 Happy Chanukkah, friends! I'm quickly popping in to share my mom's amazing latke recipe with you (which actually comes from Rochester's Hadassah Cookbook). I may be biased, but I really do think her latkes are the best – and they really aren't all that difficult to make! I'm not a recipe blogger, so I stuck to the basics. Let me know if you make these or if you need clarification! (By the way, here's a link to my latke sweatshirt!)

Ingredients

6-8 red potatoes
1 medium white onion
2 Tbsp sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup bread crumbs
Vegetable oil (corn oil)
Extra sour cream and applesauce for serving

Directions

Peel and grate your potatoes, either by hand or in a blender/food processor. Transfer your grated potatoes into a large bowl. You can drain or wring out the excess water, but (and this is a VERY controversial opinion) you don't necessarily need to. Add the sour cream to keep the potatoes from turning brown. Then, add eggs and mix together. Add onion, flour, salt, and pepper and mix well. Pour a generous amount of vegetable oil into a large skillet (or two) on medium-high heat. When the oil is heated, add your potato mixture in cookie-sized portions and fry. They do not need to be neat! If they're freeform, they'll get those crispy edges. Flip once the latkes are golden brown on one side (you may need to flip them a second time to get them extra crispy!). When the latkes are done frying, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel. Repeat this process until all the potato mixture has been used (makes around 30 latkes). Serve with sour cream, applesauce, sugar and cinnamon, or toppings of your choice and enjoy!

[CLOSED] GIVEAWAY: Oh, Christmas Treats!

Now that December is here, it's time to start the holiday season festivities! Although our celebrations will look different this year, there's no reason why we can't enjoy treasured memories at home. I wanted to start off the season with something sweet – so I'm hosting a giveaway for a few holiday treats!

One (1) winner will receive the three prizes pictured above, which are:

- A cute Christmas mug

- Double chocolate hot cocoa mix

- Peppermint chocolate marshmallow dunkers

Giveaway Rules

Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway is open to the USA only and will run from now until 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. You must follow all entry requirements to be eligible. The winner will be chosen at random through the widget and contacted via email (so please make sure to include a valid email address and name so that I can match your blog post comment with your other entries). The winner must respond within 48 hours of being contacted to claim their prizes and coordinate receipt. If no response is received, a new winner will be chosen. Once confirmed, the winner will be announced via the widget. Best of luck and Happy Holidays!

a Rafflecopter giveaway