Wondering what fruits and vegetables are in season in December? You’ve come to the right place! In this seasonal produce guide, you’ll find a list of the best December fruits and vegetables along with my favorite seasonal cocktail and mocktail recipes.

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Best December Seasonal Produce (with Cocktails + Mocktails)

Seasonal produce is one of my favorite sources of inspiration for cocktails and mocktails, so I wanted to share what fruits and vegetables to keep an eye out for this month. Shopping for produce when it is in its peak season will ensure it has the best quality and taste and can even save you money!

Produce that is in peak season in December includes blood oranges, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cranberries, grapefruit, kiwi, leafy greens, meyer lemons, oranges, parsnips, persimmons, pomegranate, turnips, sweet potatoes and winter squash.

Best December Produce for Cocktails and Mocktails

November seasonal produce is amazing for mixing up delicious fall cocktails. Seasonal favorites like apples and pumpkin are in peak season along with all the citrus!

Blood Oranges

Blood oranges are typically available from December to April. Fresh squeezed blood orange juice is an amazing addition to cocktails and mocktails. Some of my current favorites are my Blustery Blood Orange Toddy and Creamy Blood Orange Mocktail. You can check out more of my blood orange recipes here.

Cranberries

Cranberries are typically available in stores from October through December. You can make a cranberry syrup like I did in the Cranberry Olio Gin Sour or even use cranberry sauce like in my Cranberry Bramble Mocktail. You can check out more of my cranberry recipes here.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is in peak season from November to early spring. Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice adds bitter citrus notes to beverages. Try it in the Ruby Wonderland or a hot cocktail like the Green Tea Sake Hot Toddy.

Kiwis

This tropical fruit may make you think summer, but kiwis are actually in peak season from late autumn to early spring. Try it muddled or pureed in cocktails and mocktails. I love it with mezcal in my Kiwi Be Friends? cocktail.

Oranges

Navel oranges, tangerines and clementines are in season fall to early winter. Fresh squeezed orange juice takes classics like a mimosa to the next level. You can even try fresh tangerine juice in any recipe that calls for orange juice for a fun twist. My favorites include the Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail and Tropical Tangerine Aperol Spritz.

Persimmons

Persimmons are in peak season from November to early winter. They have a sweet flavor reminiscent of honey. Make sure to use ripe persimmons for your recipes. I’m loving them in my Spiced Persimmon Mocktail and Persimmon & Citrus Old Fashioned.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is in season September to December and it’s such a great ingredient for fall and winter cocktails. It’s great in cocktails like the Spiced Pomegranate Rosé Spritzer and non-alcoholic drinks like my Ginger Pomegranate Mocktail.

Other December Seasonal Produce to Enjoy

• Broccoli: October to April is the best time to enjoy broccoli.
• Brussel Sprouts: October through December is peak season for Brussel Sprouts.
• Leafy Greens: Leafy greens like kale, collard greens and swiss chard are in season in the winter.
• Parsnips and Turnips: Root vegetables like parsnips and turnips are in peak season from fall to early winter.
• Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are in peak season in fall.
• Winter Squash: The cool weather is the perfect time to enjoy winter squash butternut, acorn, delicata and spaghetti squash. They are in peak season early fall to mid-winter.

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