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 are good mocktails to order? ›

10 Delicious and Trendy Mocktails to Order Next Time You're Out
  • Virgin Mojito. ...
  • Virgin Bloody Mary. ...
  • The Shirley Temple. ...
  • Abstinence On The Beach. ...
  • The SHAMpagne Mimosa. ...
  • The No Tequila Sunrise. ...
  • The Roy Rogers. ...
  • The Rosemary Maple Sour.
Jan 19, 2023

How do you add bitterness to mocktails? ›

So, consider adding a dash or two of bitters or as a fully non-alcoholic alternative, you could brew an over-steeped tea (the tannins in tea get bitter the longer it steeps) to recreate that bitter element. Try a dash or two of angostura bitters or orange bitters in this Cherry Mint Spritzer.

What is 1 most popular non-alcoholic drink? ›

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

What is the trend in mocktails in 2024? ›

Zero-Proof Mixology:

Mocktail enthusiasts are no longer settling for basic soda or fruit juices. The art of zero-proof mixology is taking center stage in 2024. Mixologists are crafting intricate mocktails that rival their alcoholic counterparts in complexity and flavor.

What is an easy mocktail to order? ›

If you're looking to be more prepared ahead of time, consider ordering these delicious non-alcoholic beverages next time you go to a bar.
  • Virgin Wine Spritzer. ...
  • Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule. ...
  • Virgin Mojito. ...
  • Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned. ...
  • Roy Rogers. ...
  • Ginger and Juice. ...
  • Simple Syrup and Soda. ...
  • Virgin Piña Colada.
Sep 14, 2023

What do you replace alcohol with in mocktails? ›

Options for Replacing Liquor in Any co*cktail

Sparkling Water – you can opt for flavored sparkling water (just make sure you grab the unsweetened variety at the store) or plain sparkling water. This is a super-easy way to add some bubbly to your drink!

What is the new name for mocktail? ›

As Clark points out, “mocktail” can sound like it's mocking something. “Zero proof” has adherents in some regions, while “free spirits” (which is actually a brand name) and “spirit-free” are used for N/A mixed drinks elsewhere.

What non-alcoholic drink should I get? ›

Here's a list of 11 Delicious (and Discreet) Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Order at a Bar:
  • Non-Alcoholic Wine. ...
  • Non-Alcoholic Beer. ...
  • Soda Water & Bitters. ...
  • Soda Water & Citrus. ...
  • Ginger Beer & Cranberry. ...
  • Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule. ...
  • Non-Alcoholic Margarita. ...
  • Kombucha.
Sep 19, 2023

What is a drink that everyone likes? ›

The 10 Most Popular co*cktails
  • Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned was invented by James E. ...
  • Moscow Mule. Sophie Berezinski and her father owned a copper factory in Russia. ...
  • Negroni. The Negroni was invented at Caffe Casoni in Florence, Italy in 1919. ...
  • Mojito. ...
  • Whiskey Sour. ...
  • Daiquiri. ...
  • Margarita. ...
  • Mai Tai.
Jan 8, 2020

What is the formula for mocktails? ›

A general formula for making simple mocktails is four parts base, one part sour, one half part sweet, and a garnish. Ideas for base: tea. coconut water, sparkling water (flavored or unflavored)

How do you order mocktails at a bar? ›

You can also ask the bartender to make you a mocktail if you don't see alcohol-free options on their menu. 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.

How do you replicate the taste of alcohol without alcohol? ›

Ginger syrup or cinnamon syrup can help replicate the heat of alcohol. A tea syrup will add a tannic quality to your drink, which can evoke barrel-aged spirits.

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.

Who made the first mocktail? ›

Thank You, Shirley Temple, For The Original 'Mocktail' : The Salt : NPR. Thank You, Shirley Temple, For The Original 'Mocktail' : The Salt Generations of children have been charmed by Shirley Temple onscreen, and in a glass. The drink that bears her name, it seems, has a shelf life as long as her movies.

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.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Last Updated:

Views: 6224

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lakeisha Bayer VM

Birthday: 1997-10-17

Address: Suite 835 34136 Adrian Mountains, Floydton, UT 81036

Phone: +3571527672278

Job: Manufacturing Agent

Hobby: Skimboarding, Photography, Roller skating, Knife making, Paintball, Embroidery, Gunsmithing

Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.