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

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Mint, Lime, and Ginger Sparkler

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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.

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Honeydew Lemon Tarragon Cooler

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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.

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Iced Passion-Fruit Green Tea

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

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Watermelon Lemonade

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Prepare a batch of this pink drink and your summer celebration will be made in the shade.

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Golden Ticket Mocktail

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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.

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Blackberry-Plum Smash with Basil

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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.

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Carrot Limeade

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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.

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Grapefruit-Sanbitter Spritz

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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.)

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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!

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Pink Grapefruit "Margaritas"

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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.

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Ginger-Lime Fizz

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

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Sparkling Cider with Cara Cara Orange Punch

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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.

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Blood-Moon Punch

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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.

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Pomegranate Soda

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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.

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Nonalcoholic Michelada

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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.

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Fruity Ice Wreath

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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.

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Blueberry Mint Lemonade

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

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Pomegranate Citrus Juice

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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.

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

FAQs

What is the most famous mocktail? ›

What is the most popular non-alcoholic drink? The most popular mocktail right now is a Shirley Temple. Add cherries to it for a pretty garnish.

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 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 are some tasty non-alcoholic drinks? ›

Winding Down with a Drink
  • Rose & Rhubarb Soda - (QUITOKEETO) ...
  • Hibiscus, Lemongrass, Basil, and Honey Sweet Iced Tea - (Half Baked Harvest) ...
  • Beet-Sumac Soda - (Healthyish) ...
  • Homemade Tarragon Soda - (101 Cookbooks) ...
  • Pineapple Coconut Water - (101 Cookbooks) ...
  • Tangerine Rosemary Mocktail - (The Merrythought)

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

Are mocktails healthier than alcohol? ›

Is a non-alcoholic drink healthier? In short, yes. Mag Ayyad, an exercise dietitian at Houston Methodist, says that taking alcohol out of any beverage is the biggest benefit of a mocktail. "Any alcohol going into our system is essentially a toxic substance," he says.

What is America's #1 drink? ›

Based on search results, water stands out as the most prevalent beverage in the American diet, constituting 50% of overall consumption, encompassing both bottled and tap water.

What non alcoholic drink makes you happy? ›

De Soi. Inspired by the French ethos of pleasure and restraint, De Soi (pronounced de-SWA) has a range of sparkling non-alcoholic apéritifs full of natural adaptogens. Botanicals like ashwagandha and reishi mushroom help mellow your mind and boost your mood, so you can enjoy a more considered happy hour.

What is the 1 drink in the world? ›

Water is the most consumed beverage globally, essential for human survival.

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 mimics the feeling of alcohol? ›

However, the fact is that exercise releases endorphins that are responsible for feelings of euphoria and happiness, just like alcohol. In fact, many people refer to a good workout as a “runner's high.” Exercise's physical and mental effects can actually mimic that feeling you get when drinking alcohol.

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's a good mocktail to order at a bar? ›

11 Most Popular Mocktails To Order At A Bar
  • Virgin Mojito. At number one (but in no particular order) is the alcohol-free Mojito. ...
  • Shirley Temple. ...
  • Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule. ...
  • Non-Alcoholic Gin and Tonic. ...
  • No Tequila Sunrise. ...
  • Abstinence On The Beach. ...
  • SHAMpagne.
Oct 26, 2022

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 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 the mocktail trends in 2024? ›

In 2024, mocktail menus are taking inspiration from around the world. Explore exotic flavors and international twists on classic mocktails, such as the Brazilian "Caipirinha Mocktail" or the Japanese "Yuzu Mule." These global-inspired concoctions will transport your taste buds to far-off destinations.

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.

What is the new name for mocktail? ›

Spiritfree, a Manifesto
  • Virgin co*cktail.
  • Soft co*cktail.
  • Nonalcoholic co*cktail.
  • Zero Proof co*cktail.
  • Alcohol Free co*cktail.
  • Virgin “iteration of a co*cktail”
  • Soft Drink.
  • Nonalcoholic Drink.

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