Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

As we step into what many consider the most wonderful time of the year, thoughts can turn to hosting friends and family. The festive spirit is often reflected in the drinks we serve, yet too often the focus is on alcohol—wine, port, brandy, and the like.

While these are beloved staples for many, the designated drivers and non-drinkers in the room are left underwhelmed by little more than lemonade, fizzy soft drinks, or fruit juice.

This year let’s shake things up - pun intended - and create a drinks menu that feels inclusive, creative, and every bit as festive for both alcohol drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

Taking inspiration from the crisp, wintry landscapes and rugged beauty of North Yorkshire, here are some drink suggestions that capture the essence of the holidays while also offering something for everyone.

For alcohol drinkers

There's almost endless options for those who drink alcohol, but if you're looking for drinks with a festive twist, look no further.

Beer lovers: Why not try a malty ale from Black Sheep Brewery in Masham or a crisp lager from Magic Rock Brewing?

Prefer wine?: Yorkshire vineyards like Ryedale Vineyards offer delightful English whites.

Gin-drinkers: Think sloe gin cocktails using gin from Yorkshire distilleries like Ellers farm, Masons or Harrogate Tipple.

If you want a winter warmer: Don’t forget a glass of Yorkshire Whisky or hot mulled cider. 

Tea with a twist

Adding teas as the base for your festive beverages is a nod to both tradition and health, creating drinks that are versatile, delicious, and ideal for transitioning into January’s healthier mindset. 

Teas like green tea, black tea, pink tea, white tea, and even pine tea offer robust flavours that pair beautifully with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients.

Yorkshire spiced G&T with green tea: Infuse your favourite gin with green tea for a refreshing twist. To do this, steep a green tea bag in a small amount of gin for 30 minutes before mixing. 

Serve with tonic water, a splash of elderflower cordial, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of dried orange for a festive flourish.

Mulled wine with black tea: Take a classic mulled wine recipe up a notch by steeping black tea in the wine as it simmers. 

The tea adds depth and a subtle tannic complexity. Add the usual warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, plus a hint of North Yorkshire honey for a local touch.

Pine tea whisky sour: Brew pine tea (available at specialist shops or easily made with foraged pine needles) and cool it. Shake with whisky, fresh lemon juice, a touch of sugar syrup, and ice for a fragrant, earthy take on a classic whisky sour.

For those who don't drink alcohol

Green tea and cranberry sparkler: Brew and chill green tea, then mix with cranberry juice and top with soda water for some festive fizz. Add a handful of fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint for a show-stopping garnish.

White tea hot toddy: For a non-alcoholic take on this winter warmer, brew white tea with fresh ginger and mix it with lemon juice, a touch of honey, and a pinch of cinnamon. 

Serve steaming hot in a mug and garnish with a lemon wheel studded with cloves.

Spiced pine tea mocktail

Ingredients:

• ​1 cup brewed and cooled pine tea.
  
• ​100ml apple juice.
  
• ​50ml pomegranate juice.
  
• ​1 cinnamon stick.
  
• ​Pomegranate seeds and a sprig of thyme to garnish.
  

Instructions:

• ​Brew the pine tea and let it cool completely.
  
• ​In a shaker or jug, combine the cooled pine tea, apple juice, and pomegranate juice. Stir with the cinnamon stick to infuse the spice.
  
• ​​Pour over ice into a tall glass, or serve straight in a martini glass.
  
• ​Garnish with a scattering of pomegranate seeds and a small sprig of thyme for an elegant finish.
  

Looking ahead to 2025

While the holidays are a time of indulgence and celebration, many of us view January as a reset—an opportunity to recommit to healthier habits. Tea-based drinks offer a wonderful way to bridge this transition, balancing festivity with lightness and a touch of wellness.

This holiday season, let your drinks menu reflect both your creativity and your inclusivity, ensuring every guest—whether they prefer a spirited cocktail or a mindful mocktail—feels considered and celebrated.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with joy, warmth, and plenty of festive sips to toast the season.