Not every celebration needs alcohol to feel special. This Winter Sour Mocktail delivers the same warm, citrusy balance as the original, making it a beautiful option for anyone looking for refined New Year’s Eve mocktails that still feel grown-up and celebratory. It’s crisp, lightly spiced, and ideal for toasting at midnight.
🍐 Ingredients
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1 oz Spiced Pear Syrup or Pear Juice
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1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
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3–4 dashes Watkins Aromatic Bitters (non-alcoholic)
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2–3 oz Sparkling Water or Club Soda
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Ice
For garnish:
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Cinnamon stick
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Lemon zest
🍋 How to Make the Winter Sour Mocktail
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
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Add spiced pear syrup (or pear juice), Watkins Vanilla Flavoring Syrup, lemon juice, and aromatic bitters.
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Shake well until chilled.
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Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
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Top with sparkling water or club soda.
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Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a twist of lemon zest.
We are including another variation with this recipe:
💗 Winter Sour Mocktail (Valentine’s Edition)
A bright, citrus-forward winter sour mocktail with a silky foam, subtle herbal notes, and a romantic finish—perfect for Valentine’s Day or cozy winter evenings.
✨ Ingredients (1 serving)
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Ice (for shaking)
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2 oz fresh citrus juice (lemon, or half lemon + half orange for softer acidity)
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1 oz simple syrup or honey syrup (adjust to taste)
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1½ oz aquafaba (chickpea liquid, egg-free foam)
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2–3 dashes Watkins Aromatic Bitters
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Optional: ½ oz cranberry juice or pomegranate juice (for a blush winter hue)
Garnish
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Dried orange slice
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Fresh rosemary sprig
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Optional: superfine sugar for brushing rosemary
🥂 Instructions
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Chill the Glass
Place a coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the mocktail. -
Add Ice & Citrus
In a shaker, add ice, then pour in the freshly squeezed citrus juice. Let the aroma bloom for a moment. -
Build the Mocktail
Add simple syrup, aquafaba, optional cranberry juice, and Watkins Aromatic Bitters. -
Shake for Foam
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and frothy. You should hear a soft, rhythmic shake and feel the texture thicken. -
Strain & Pour
Discard ice from the coupe glass. Double-strain the mocktail into the chilled glass, allowing the silky foam to settle on top. -
Garnish with Romance
Garnish with a dried orange slice and a rosemary sprig lightly brushed with sugar for a frosted winter look. -
Serve & Enjoy
Let condensation form on the glass and serve immediately for the full winter sour experience.
🌿 Flavor Notes
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Bright & tangy citrus balanced with gentle sweetness
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Silky foam without egg whites
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Warm, complex depth from Watkins Aromatic Bitters
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Herbal winter aroma from rosemary and orange
✨ Why This Works for NYE & Valentine's
This mocktail fits perfectly into your list of NYE mocktails and festive New Year’s drink ideas. It’s not overly sweet, has layers of flavor, and looks just as elegant as traditional New Year’s Eve cocktails—making it a great choice for inclusive celebrations.
For extra sparkle, rim the glass with sugar or add a touch of edible shimmer if you’re serving glitter cocktails alongside your non-alcoholic options.
🥂 Serving Tip
Serve this Winter Sour Mocktail in the same glassware as your cocktails so everyone feels part of the celebration. It’s especially nice as a pre-midnight drink or paired with appetizers during the countdown.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own. I am not a professional, and the information shared should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Please use your own judgment before trying any recipes, tips, or recommendations. This blog may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support.
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