17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (2024)

Lots of party people want to raise a glass that's buzzy, but not boozy, from the mom-to-be at a baby shower to those who don't love alcohol, but appreciate a well-crafted drink with their holiday dinner. And then, of course, there's the under-21 crowd at your family cookout.

But free of alcohol doesn't mean flat: Virgin versions of classic co*cktails like margaritas, sangria, and boozy punches make the most of fresh fruit juices and sparkling ciders. Warm-weather standbys, including watermelon, blueberries, and blackberries, add depth to traditional iced tea and lemonade, while the wintry flavors of ginger, cider, and citrus make for party-ready punches.

Top any of these recipes with pretty garnishes—fruit segments, fresh mint leaves, or a classic cherry on top—to infuse your party with family-friendly flair.

The Best Way to Stock a Non-Alcoholic Bar

01of 18

Mint, Lime, and Ginger Sparkler

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (1)

A combination of ginger beer and fresh ginger gives this thirst-quenching, non-alcoholic spritz its spice. With fresh lime juice and a gorgeous garnish of mint leaves, this is a delicious virgin version of a classic Moscow mule.

View Recipe

02of 18

Honeydew Lemon Tarragon Cooler

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (2)

Chunks of juicy honeydew, pureed with tarragon syrup and lemon juice, provide the base for this agua fresca-like summer drink. We recommend sipping one by the pool on a hot August day.

View Recipe

03of 18

Iced Passion-Fruit Green Tea

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (3)

Minimal ingredients with an impressive result? Sign us up! Green tea and passion-fruit juice marry for a subtle tropical taste.

View Recipe

05of 18

Golden Ticket Mocktail

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (5)

This mix of pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut adds a sweet, tropical complement to your lineup of movie-night snacks or your next family-friendly vacation happy hour.

View Recipe

06of 18

Blackberry-Plum Smash with Basil

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (6)

We love the bright raspberry color of this refreshing cooler. Infused with fresh herbs, citrus, and berries, this not-too-sweet pour is as invigorating as a cannonball in the deep end.

View Recipe

07of 18

Carrot Limeade

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (7)

We wouldn't be surprised if Peter Cottontail tried to make off with one of these vibrant chillers filled with a blend of carrot and lime juices. We added a hint of sugar to win over kids and grown-ups alike.

View Recipe

08of 18

Grapefruit-Sanbitter Spritz

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (8)

Italian soda Sanbitter gives this drink the same bright red color as an Aperol spritz, and with a touch of fresh grapefruit juice, this is one refreshing and worldly mocktail. (Sorry: Italian vacation not included.)

View Recipe

09of 18

Mediterranean Cucumber Tonic

Robust rosemary, crisp cool cucumber, and tart lemon come together in this vibrant booze-free take on the gin and tonic. Fever-Tree Tonic Water is infused with botanical oils for an added layer of complex aromatics. No gin needed!

View Recipe

10of 18

Pink Grapefruit "Margaritas"

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (10)

With pink grapefruit juice and pomegranate syrup, this booze-free margarita transports you to warmer climes. Serve in a martini or margarita glass for a sophisticated presentation.

View Recipe

11of 18

Ginger-Lime Fizz

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (11)

A virgin version of the classic Moscow Mule, this sparkling brew is made with a ginger-infused simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and seltzer.

View Recipe

12of 18

Sparkling Cider with Cara Cara Orange Punch

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (12)

This festive punch made with winter citruses is a fun holiday mocktail that's just as tasty year round. For a special touch, garnish with candied oranges.

View Recipe

13of 18

Blood-Moon Punch

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (13)

If you're feeling spooky, then this blood-moon punch will have you howling toward the moon. A vampy, virgin mixture of orange juice, grape juice, seltzer, ginger soda, and lime juice taste eerily delicious.

View Recipe

14of 18

Pomegranate Soda

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (14)

Who said club soda was boring? A generous splash of pomegranate juice, a touch of sugar, and a maraschino cherry on top create an enticing bright pink drink.

View Recipe

15of 18

Nonalcoholic Michelada

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (15)

Inspired by that classic beer co*cktail, the Michelada, this mocktail combines kombucha, a popular fermented tea drink, with tomato paste and lime juice for a tart refresher.

View Recipe

16of 18

Fruity Ice Wreath

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (16)

The best and most beautiful way to serve a non-alcoholic punch for a holiday party is with this icy wreath. It's made of cranberry juice and berries, plus orange and lemon slices—and formed in a bundt pan.

View Recipe

17of 18

Blueberry Mint Lemonade

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (17)

Fresh pureed blueberries and just-picked-mint syrup add a sweet touch to your favorite homemade lemonade.

View Recipe

18of 18

Pomegranate Citrus Juice

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (18)

Grapefruits, orange, tangerine, and tangelo juice are combined for an extra vibrant citrus flavor. Adding pomegranate juice brings a dose of color, flavor, and antioxidants.

View Recipe

17 Mocktail Recipes That Are So Delicious You Won't Miss the Alcohol (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous mocktail? ›

The most popular mocktail right now is a Shirley Temple.

What tastes like alcohol but isn't? ›

Drinks that taste like alcohol
  • 0% macerated spirits. Skip the hours of soaking, heating and pressurising raw materials by buying some ready-made macerated alcohol-free spirits. ...
  • Alcohol-free co*cktails (mocktails but better) ...
  • NoLo beer. ...
  • Sparkling tea.

What is the most popular non-alcoholic drink in the world? ›

Water is, by far, the most consumed non-alcoholic beverage in the world.

What is an easy mocktail to order? ›

Ginger & Soda: This was my pregnancy go-to order mostly because it helped curb my nausea but it is also light, easy, and tasty. I ask for half soda water or seltzer and half ginger ale with lime. NoJito: Aka a virgin mojito made with club soda, muddled mint leaves, sugar/simple syrup, and lime.

What gives you a buzz like alcohol? ›

Unlike traditional non-alcoholic beverages, the options below can give you a buzz without any alcohol.
  • CBD-infused beverages.
  • Cannabis/THC drinks.
  • Kava drinks.
  • Adaptogen containing beverages.
Jun 28, 2023

What tastes like vodka but isn't alcoholic? ›

Arkay is crafted, not distilled, meaning truly 100% Alcohol Free. Flavors and ingredients are all-natural with no allergens, no sugar, not fat, no carbs, no sweeteners, no alcohol.

What tastes like vodka but isn't? ›

4. USKO Vodka Alternative. If you're looking for a classic that makes a good base for mocktails and Bloody Marys, you've come to the right place. Made with highland spring water, it's based on single grain vodka, so you get the same taste you'd expect from this spirit, but with no trace of alcohol.

What are the golden rules of making mocktails? ›

The foundation is the same: blending disparate ingredients into a one harmonious drink. Think about the fundamentals of taste: sweet, sour, bitter, umami and salty. Unlike co*cktails which generally follow a ratio of 2 parts spirit to 1 part sweet and 1 part sour, mocktails require more nuance.

What mocktail to ask for at a bar? ›

Club Soda and Lime. It's so simple yet so refreshing. Order a club soda and lime, and it'll look just like the vodka version but booze-free. This one is easy enough that it may even be a free co*cktail if your bartender is feeling generous.

What do you replace alcohol with in mocktails? ›

The best mocktail recipes incorporate ingredients like fresh juices, flavorful syrups, sparkling sodas, and often non-alcoholic spirits to create balanced, refreshing drinks without the negative health effects of traditional booze.

How do I ask for a mocktail at a restaurant? ›

If you do get some hesitation when inquiring about mocktail options, you could ask them to make you a “virgin” version of your favorite co*cktail. Historically, this term has been commonly used to order non-alcoholic beverages.

What is a relaxing drink to replace alcohol? ›

Additional alcohol alternatives to relax that you can try are non-alcoholic drinks, otherwise referred to as “mocktails.” Some examples include non-alcoholic beer, kombucha, malta, and alcohol-free spirits that you can create different recipes with, such as Seedlip, Lyre's, or Ritual Zero.

What was the first mocktail in the world? ›

The Shirley Temple is probably the most famous mocktail ever. This classic mix of ginger ale and grenadine with a squeeze of lemon or lime topped with maraschino cherries is believed to be the world's first mocktail. And it's still alive and well today.

What are mocktails called now? ›

A non-alcoholic mixed drink (also known as virgin co*cktail, temperance drink, "zero proof" drink or mocktail) is a co*cktail-style beverage made without alcohol.

Which company mocktail is best? ›

Top 5 Mocktail Syrups Brands In India
  • Mala's Fruit Mocktail Syrup. Mala's blue curacao syrup. ...
  • Manama Flavoured Fruit Twist Syrup. Manama lime & mint mojito and curacao blue syrup. ...
  • Swa Artisanal Syrups. Swa artisanal mojito mint. ...
  • Sancheti Shree Ganesh Dadaji Chotu Mocktail Pack. ...
  • Monin Blue Curacao Bottle.

What is the fancy name for mocktails? ›

Mocktail Business Name Ideas
  • Refreshing Blends.
  • Mocktail Magic.
  • Flavortopia.
  • Zesty Sips.
  • Mocktail Oasis.
  • Lively Mocktails.
  • Fizzed Up.
  • Mocktail Mixology.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kareem Mueller DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5876

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kareem Mueller DO

Birthday: 1997-01-04

Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

Phone: +16704982844747

Job: Corporate Administration Planner

Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.