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This Wednesday, February 18, is National Drink Wine Day.

Usually, this holiday is an excuse to uncork that bottle you’ve been saving.

But let’s be realistic: It’s a Wednesday. You have work tomorrow. The kids have school.

And sometimes, the best part of wine isn't the alcohol—it’s the ritual. It’s the sound of the cork popping, the weight of the stemware, and the moment you finally sit down and exhale.

So this year, we are doing a Family Mocktail Twist.

Whether you are doing "Dry February," you're pregnant, or you just want to include the kids in the toast, here is how to create a complex, sophisticated drink that feels like wine but lets you wake up fresh on Thursday.

The Rule: The Glass Matters More Than the Drink

Do not serve these in plastic cups.

The psychological trick to a great mocktail is the vessel.

• The Upgrade: Pull out your best wine glasses. If you have kids, get them plastic Shatterproof Stemless Wine Glasses. They will feel incredibly grown-up "clinking" with the adults.
  Shop Shatterproof Wine Glasses on Amazon 

The "Red" Substitute: The Sleepy Girl Mocktail

If you crave a bold Cabernet to wind down, you are actually craving tannins (that dry feeling in your mouth). Sugary juice won't cut it.

You need Tart Cherry Juice.

• The Science: Tart cherries are naturally high in melatonin. While wine disrupts your sleep, this drink actually helps you sleep.

• The Recipe:

• 4 oz Pure Tart Cherry Juice (not the sweet cocktail mix).

• 1 tsp Magnesium Powder (optional, for relaxation).

• Top with Sparkling Water or Olipop (Vintage Cola flavor adds a nice spice).

• Garnish: A sprig of rosemary. It gives it that earthy, "vineyard" scent.

The "White" Substitute: The Faux-Sauvignon

If you prefer a crisp white wine, you need acidity and herbs.

• The Recipe:

• 3 oz White Grape Juice.

• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (to cut the sugar).

• 3 slices of Cucumber (muddled).

• Top with Tonic Water (the quinine adds the bitterness that mimics alcohol).

• Garnish: A slap of fresh basil.

For the Kids: The "Sparkling Rose"

Kids love bubbles. But don't just give them a juice box. Make it a ceremony.

• The Rim: Dip the rim of their glass in lemon juice, then in Pink Sanding Sugar or crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

• The Pour: Sparkling Apple-Cider or Pink Lemonade.

• The Toast: Teach them the etiquette: Look the person in the eye when you click glasses!

The Pairing: The Charcuterie Board

Wine (or mocktails) shouldn't be drunk alone.

It’s a Wednesday, so keep it simple.

• The "Kid" Charcuterie: Ritz crackers, cubes of cheddar, pepperoni, and grapes.

• The "Adult" Charcuterie: Good prosciutto, Brie, and fig jam.

Cheers to Wednesday

You don't need alcohol to have a "moment."

This Wednesday, fill up the fancy glasses, gather the family, and toast to making it halfway through the week.

Happy "Wine" Day!

What is in Your Glass?

Did you go for the Tart Cherry or the real Merlot? We support both!

Snap a picture of your family toast (and those fancy glasses) and tag us on TikTok and Instagram at @OnManyOccasions.

We love seeing how you celebrate!

Don't Miss the End of the Month!

February is short, but we still have National Love Your Pet Day (Feb 20) coming up!

Make sure you are ready for the furriest holiday of the year by downloading our Free 2026 Celebration Calendar.