Vegan And Gluten-Free Christmas Drinks

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Discover 18 delicious vegan and gluten-free Christmas drinks. Celebrate the season with festive flavors while sipping responsibly!

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the blog below, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.


Why Vegan and Gluten-Free Holiday Drinks Matter

The holiday season is about indulgence, inclusivity, and connection. Vegan and gluten-free Christmas drinks are surging in popularity because they:

  • Cater to all guests — no one is left out of the toast.

  • Embrace sustainability — plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free options tread lighter on the planet.

  • Support wellness — fresh ingredients and alternatives like almond milk, coconut cream, and maple syrup keep drinks lighter but still festive.

No more dull alternatives. These cocktails and mocktails deliver flavour, flair, and festive cheer.

Pantry Essentials for Plant-Based Cocktails

  • Dairy alternatives: Almond milk, oat milk, coconut cream.

  • Natural sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave nectar, coconut sugar.

  • Holiday spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom.

  • Fresh juices: Orange, cranberry, pomegranate, apple.

  • Gluten-free alcohol: Most spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila) are naturally gluten-free — but always check labels on flavoured versions.

9 Vegan & Gluten-Free Christmas Drink Recipes

Here are nine festive recipes (AU measurements included) that prove plant-based and gluten-free drinks can be indulgent, stylish, and totally delicious.

1. Vegan Eggnog

Ingredients

  • 500 ml almond milk

  • 120 g raw cashews (soaked)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • 30 ml maple syrup

  • 30 ml bourbon or rum per serve (optional)

Method

  1. Blend all ingredients (except alcohol) until smooth.

  2. Warm gently in a saucepan.

  3. Pour into mugs, add spirit if desired, and garnish with nutmeg.

2. Mulled Wine (Vegan Twist)

Ingredients

  • 750 ml bottle red wine (Merlot or Shiraz)

  • 250 ml cranberry juice

  • 1 orange, sliced

  • 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves, 1 star anise

  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar

Method

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.

  2. Simmer on low (do not boil) for 15 minutes.

  3. Serve warm with orange slices.

3. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

  • 500 ml almond milk

  • 90 g vegan dark chocolate chips

  • 1 tsp peppermint extract

  • Vegan whipped cream

Method

  1. Heat milk and chocolate until smooth.

  2. Stir in peppermint extract.

  3. Top with cream and crushed peppermint candy.

4. Cranberry Pomegranate Fizz

Ingredients

  • 250 ml cranberry juice

  • 125 ml pomegranate juice

  • 250 ml sparkling water

  • Fresh pomegranate seeds

Method

  1. Shake juices with ice.

  2. Strain into glasses, top with sparkling water.

  3. Garnish with seeds.

5. Golden Turmeric Latte

Ingredients

  • 500 ml almond milk

  • 1 tsp turmeric

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp ginger

  • 15 ml maple syrup

  • Pinch black pepper

Method

  1. Heat all ingredients in a saucepan.

  2. Whisk until smooth.

  3. Pour into mugs and serve warm.

6. Vegan White Russian

Ingredients

  • 30 ml vodka

  • 30 ml vegan coffee liqueur

  • 120 ml almond milk or coconut cream

Method

  1. Fill glass with ice.

  2. Add vodka and liqueur.

  3. Top with almond milk or coconut cream, stir gently.

7. Coconut Mojito Mocktail

Ingredients

  • 250 ml coconut water

  • 125 ml sparkling water

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • Fresh mint leaves

Method

  1. Muddle mint with lime juice.

  2. Add coconut water and shake.

  3. Serve over ice, top with sparkling water, garnish with mint.

8. Chai Spiced Cider

Ingredients

  • 1 L apple cider

  • 2 chai tea bags

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 star anise

Method

  1. Heat cider with spices and tea bags for 10 minutes.

  2. Strain and serve warm.

9. Pumpkin Spice Martini

Ingredients

  • 30 ml vodka

  • 30 ml pumpkin purée

  • 15 ml maple syrup

  • 15 ml almond milk

Method

  1. Shake with ice.

  2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

  3. Garnish with cinnamon.

Presentation & Atmosphere

  • Garnishes: Fresh herbs, citrus slices, or edible flowers.

  • Drink station: Label vegan/gluten-free options clearly.

  • Glassware & décor: Seasonal napkins, fairy lights, themed glasses.

  • Music: Jazz carols or upbeat holiday classics for mood.

RSA Reminder

Even plant-based cocktails carry alcohol. Under Australian RSA guidelines:

  • Spirits: 30 ml = 1 standard nip.

  • Mulled wine: 150 ml = ~1.5 standard drinks.

  • Always provide water and food with drinks, and enjoy responsibly.

For more: Liquor & Gaming NSW.

The Final Toast

Vegan and gluten-free cocktails are no longer “alternatives” — they’re showstoppers in their own right. With fresh produce, creative twists, and thoughtful presentation, they add sparkle, inclusivity, and indulgence to your holiday celebrations.

So stock up on plant-based ingredients, shake up one (or all nine!) of these festive recipes, and raise a glass to a season full of flavour, warmth, and connection.


The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?

Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW


Read More:
Quick And Easy Christmas Drink Recipes
Muddled Wine Cocktail Recipe
Vegan And Gluten-Free Christmas Drinks
Christmas Cocktail Pairings With Food
The Sugar Cookie Martini Cocktail Recipe
Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots
Hot Toddy Recipe

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