The holidays are stressful enough without adding a hangover to the mix. Between endless gift wrapping, remembering which kid has a tree nut allergy at the class party, and pretending you have it together at family gatherings, more moms are opting out of the wine and cocktail-fueled chaos. Good for us.
Enter Peloton strength instructor Callie Gullickson and her debut cookbook, Mocktail Hour: 70 Sips for Anytime Delights and Hangover-Free Nights. With millions tuning into her classes each month, Gullickson has built a loyal following not just for her workouts, but for her genuine approach to wellness that extends beyond the gym. From Trader Joe’s hauls to colorful nail art to mocktail recipes, she’s the kind of instructor who feels less like a fitness guru and more like your friend who actually has her life together (and doesn’t rudely gatekeep her secrets). Currently pregnant with her second child—she welcomed son Cash in March 2024—she’s living proof that you can prioritize feeling good without sacrificing the fun parts of life.
Gullickson’s approach to mocktails comes from the same place as her approach to fitness—doing what actually makes you feel good. “As someone who puts in the work to feel my best everyday, there was a point in my life where I decided alcohol was doing the exact opposite,” she says. Translation: sometimes the thing everyone says helps you “relax” actually makes everything worse. Revolutionary concept.
The sober-curious trend is catching on, especially among moms who’ve realized that three glasses of prosecco at the neighborhood holiday party generally doesn’t get them out of waking at 5:47 AM with the toddler. “There has definitely been a shift in individuals choosing to cut back or eliminate drinking, which is exciting for me to see,” Gullickson notes. She admits she initially felt pressure to drink at social events—because nothing says “fun” like peer pressure from other adults, right?
If you’re worried about being judged for not drinking, remember, you’re a grown woman who can do what she pleases. Second, according to Gullickson, “We sometimes build it up that people care and in reality people don’t, but if they do that says more about them than you. Sip and slay that mocktail proudly!” Most importantly, no one has more right to feel smug than the woman who has a super fun and social evening and then wakes up without feeling like her head is sewn to the pillow before drifting into whatever her day has planned, headache-free. Who has time for hangovers when there is literally no time for hangovers–because kids do not give a single hoot that you feel like death warmed over.
Callie’s holiday mocktail hot tips
Ready to get your holiday mocktail menu together? Gullickson’s recipes don’t require you to be a mixologist or own seventeen specialty syrups. She breaks down her pantry essentials into three simple groups. “Start with base liquids such as sparkling water, coconut water and teas. Then think of your favorite juices and mixers to add flavor such as lemon, lime, orange and specifically cranberry and tart cherry for the holiday season.”
And the secret weapon? “Lastly, do not skip on the garnishes or fun rims such as rosemary, citrus wheels, or a crushed peppermint rim.” Because as she points out, “Drinking most of the time isn’t about the taste but more so the presentation and the company you keep.” In other words: throw some rosemary in there, add a fancy rim, and suddenly you’re not just surviving the holidays—you’re thriving.
We’ve got a sneak peek at three of her holiday faves that work for a variety of gatherings as well as quiet nights (or even mornings!) in. You can have your festive drink and remember the entire evening too. No judgment, no hangover, no problem.
Carols and Cosmos
A cranberry-citrus situation that looks impressive but takes about five minutes to make. Perfect for when the kids are finally asleep and you have exactly one free hand.
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cranberry juice
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Juice of ½ lime
- Ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons sparkling water
Garnish:
- 1 lime wedge
- 1½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 frozen cranberries
- 1 rosemary sprig
Instructions:
- Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a martini glass. Place sugar on a small plate, then dip the rim to coat.
- Add cranberry juice, orange juice, and lime juice to a shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into the glass and top with sparkling water. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprig.
Spiced and Nice Cider
This one cooks itself in a slow cooker while making your house smell like absolute cozy heaven. Gullickson says it’s the mocktail she’d drink all season, and honestly, anything we can throw in a crockpot and forget about is a total score.
Serves 8
Ingredients:
- 10 pears, quartered
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cups cranberries
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 12 whole cloves
- 1 whole nutmeg
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup agave syrup
Garnish:
- Apple slices, cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
- Add pears, orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg to a slow cooker.
- Add water, turn to low, and cook 4-5 hours.
- One hour before ready, mash fruits to release flavors. Strain through fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Discard fruit.
- Return strained cider to slow cooker. Add agave and stir.
- Serve with garnishes displayed nearby.
Forever Young Wellness Shots
For those mornings after you’ve stayed up too late wrapping presents, there’s the Forever Young Wellness Shot—a spicy ginger-lemon-turmeric combo that’s basically a hug for your immune system.
Serves 8
Ingredients:
- One 6 to 8-inch piece ginger, peeled
- 4 cups water
- Juice of 6-8 lemons
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons cayenne
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend until ginger is fully broken down.
- Strain through fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag into a bowl.
- Divide among shot glasses and enjoy.
Excerpted from Mocktail Hour reprinted by permission of DK, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2025 by Callie Gullickson