Our Favorite Types of Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Mocktails are getting more and more popular these days, with many people opting out of boozy beverages and instead reaching for festive mock cocktails that contain all of the cheer without the alcohol. So if you do any kind of entertaining, make sure that you have one or more of these great drinks on your menu as a refreshing alcohol-free option. To help you with that, we’ve gathered 13 of the best non-alcoholic cocktails recipes around.
Citrus Fizz
The refreshing, summery Citrus Fizz gets its kick from Seedlip Grove 42 non-alcoholic liquor and homemade marmalade cordial. Simply combine two ounces of Seedlip Grove 42 with one ounce of marmalade cordial and top with sparkling water. You can make your cordial by combining marmalade and hot water, then chilling it in your refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Summer Berry Lemonade
Summer Berry Lemonade is one of those cocktail names that make you think of the hottest days of August, and that’s precisely the best time to enjoy this beverage. Boil about three cups of water, then add finely chopped mint, cucumber, and the frozen berries of your choice. Chill the mixture. When you’re ready to assemble your mocktail, pour half the mixture into a glass and top it with lemonade. Garnish with a few fresh berries and cucumber.
Pink Lady
These non-alcoholic cocktails are the last word in sophistication. Make your Pink Lady by combining Lychee Pure Cane non-alcoholic syrup with a generous spoonful of raspberry puree, some grapefruit or lemon sparkling water, and a touch of rose sugar.
Shirley Temple
Shirley Temples are iconic mocktails, and they’re extremely simple to make. Combine one cup of non-alcoholic ginger beer or ginger ale with a quarter cup of club soda, a splash of grenadine, and lime juice to taste. Shake or stir vigorously and then serve immediately over ice with a few maraschino cherries. You can also make Shirley Temples in batches for parties.
Classic Non-Alcoholic Negroni
Negronis are classic cocktails, and the non-alcoholic version is just as delicious. Start with a simple syrup made out of half a grapefruit, a few slices of orange, sugar to taste, and a few cardamom pods. Cook the fruit, sugar, and cardamom together until it’s soft and thoroughly mixed. Strain and cool until you’re ready to use. Then, mix one part of your syrup with three parts of white grape juice, and you’re ready to cheers!
Mulled Apple Cider
Mulled Apple Cider is the ultimate fall drink. Next time you’re out on a nature hike, whip up a batch. All you need to do is combine unpasteurized apple cider with a cinnamon stick, cloves, segmented orange, and a roughly chopped piece of ginger. Simmer it for 20 minutes, strain, and serve piping hot.
Straightedge Spritz
As the name suggests, the Straightedge Spritz has no alcohol, but it’s definitely big on flavor. Make your Straightedge Spritz with some Lychee Blood Orange non-alcoholic syrup, a generous spoonful or two of guava puree, and some lime soda. The combination will take you straight to the tropics, and you won’t have a lingering hangover the next day.
Fresh Watermelon Lemonade
This summery lemonade is great for backyard parties and barbecues. It’s a true crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Hollow out one medium to large watermelon and mash up the fruit with lemon juice and sugar. Then carefully combine it with sparkling water or soda. Finally, fill the rind with ice and top it all off with your homemade lemonade.
Virgin Amaretto Sour
If you love Amaretto Sours but want to stay away from the booze, try this virgin variation on for size. Mix two parts of pineapple juice with one part lemon juice, then toss it in a blender with a touch of cherry juice and an egg white. Once everything is blended, you can add in some ice and pour your drink into a highball glass. Garnish it with some maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
Mulled Winter Fruit Juice
Consider serving this variation on mulled wine at your next winter get-together. It’s easy to make and will warm you right up on even the coldest December day. First, heat up pomegranate or cranberry juice in a pan. Then, add one or two sprigs of rosemary, a cinnamon stick, some coriander seeds, and a sliced orange. Heat thoroughly, strain, and serve.
Traditional Irish Cream
Irish Cream is a traditional holiday favorite, and you can make yours non-alcoholic and just as flavorful. You need three parts whipping cream, one part evaporated milk, a few tablespoons of real maple syrup and pure vanilla extract, and espresso to taste. Make sure that your espresso is freshly brewed and chilled.
Top it all off with some ground cinnamon and serve over ice. It’s essential to serve your Irish Cream immediately, or the ingredients could separate. This delicious holiday beverage is best when it’s ice cold.
Holiday Sangria
This holiday sangria delivers a hefty dose of punchy, festive flavor, and it looks beautiful too. Make a large batch for your next holiday party and let your guests serve themselves. You need equal parts cranberry juice and non-alcoholic ginger beer or ginger ale, plus cubed pineapple, segmented orange, passionfruit, and pomegranate seeds.
Stir the fruit into the cranberry and ginger mixture and let it marinate for several hours in your refrigerator. Serve it over ice, garnished with mint leaves and a few extra pomegranate seeds.
The Grove
The Grove is a classy mocktail featuring Seedlip “The Grove” non-alcoholic spirit, plus peach, pineapple, and bright lemon. The tartness of the fruit is easily balanced by a bold kick of vanilla simple syrup and some mint. Serve this drink in a tall glass over ice, garnished with some extra mint leaves and a lemon wedge.
These days, the so-called “Sober Curious” movement is picking up some real steam, so there’s a good chance that someone at your next get-together will not want to drink an alcoholic beverage. Having alternatives is a kind and considerate way to let them partake in the festivities too. Try one of these festive non-alcoholic craft cocktails at your next soiree!