The Toast. Celebrations, raised in a cup.

Every celebration needs a moment when everyone raises a glass together. That moment doesn’t need alcohol to feel special. It needs something beautiful in the glass, served with care. Here are three ways to make an alcohol-free toast that feels every bit as festive.

1. A sparkling tea spritz

Brew a strong pot of a fragrant tea, such as jasmine green, Darjeeling or hibiscus, and let it cool completely. Fill a tall glass or a coupe one-third with the chilled tea, add a little honey or simple syrup if you like, and top with chilled sparkling water. Garnish with a twist of lemon, a few berries or a sprig of mint.

2. Cold-brewed tea, served like wine

Cold brewing brings out a smooth, rounded flavour with very little bitterness. Add about two teaspoons of loose leaf per cup of cold water to a jug, cover, and leave in the fridge overnight. Strain, chill, and pour into your best stemware. Oolongs and white teas are especially lovely this way.

3. A celebration iced tea

For a crowd, brew a large batch of black or rooibos tea, sweeten lightly while warm, and chill. Serve over ice with sliced oranges, lemon and a handful of fresh mint. Pour it from a glass jug so everyone can see the colour.

Make the moment

• Use real glassware: coupes, flutes or wine glasses all work beautifully.
• Chill the glasses for half an hour before serving.
• Give the drink a name for the occasion. It makes it feel made for tonight.
• Pour for everyone at the same time, so the toast belongs to all of you.

The magic of a toast was never in the bottle. It’s in the moment you raise your glass together.

Photo: Editor at Large via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5.