Ready for a journey into the world of mocktails? Fantastic! Grab your favorite mug because we’re about to dive into the ultimate guide to mocktails—a celebration of flavor, wellness, and pure joy.
Why Choose Mocktails Over an Alcoholic Drink?
In a world where choices abound, we’ve got you covered with recipes for 3 mocktails that you can indulge with this season. Let’s explore the perks, from maintaining a clear head to being the life of the party without the morning-after regrets. Say goodbye to hangovers and hello to vibrant mornings!
What is the Most Popular Non-Alcoholic Drink?
While a decade ago, finding low-alcohol or no-alcohol drinks meant sipping on a glass of regular—fizzy if you were lucky—water, more and more interesting options are becoming available. In addition to low or no-alcohol beers, you can also find alcohol-free wines and spirits. Gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and even liqueurs; the selection continues to grow.
Whether you opt for (naturally alcohol-free) kombucha or a craft beer, you’re bound to be spoiled for choice. Read reviews as there is a staggering amount to choose from and not all are created equally.
I have tried some rather hideous red wines and spirits. But been pleasantly surprised by some sparkling wines and Indian Pale Ales.
When it comes to mocktails themselves, some of the ones most requested include:
- Margarita
- Spritzers (sparkling water with flavor)
- Shirley Temple
- Pina Colada
- Grapefruit Rosemary Soda
What is the Basic Mocktail Formula?
If you want to become a master mixologist, then you’ll want to know the ‘secret’ behind crafting the perfect mocktail. Spoiler alert: It’s all about balance.
The standard cocktail ratio of two parts alcohol, one part sour, and one part sweet doesn’t quite work without the alcohol. But there’s a formula that does: four parts base, like club soda or iced tea, to go with one part sour and one-half part sweet. Other ideas for a base include coconut water or an alcohol-free spirit.
How Do You Add Bitterness to Mocktails?
You can try adding bitters (though keep in mind that they often contain alcohol, but it will be in a very small amount since you’ll likely only be adding a few drops). For something that is 100% alcohol-free, you can try oversteeped tea.
Get Ready for 3 Refreshing and Low Sugar Mocktails
1. Cucumber Mint Sparkler:
– 1 cup cucumber juice
– 1/2 cup mint leaves, muddled
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Sparkling water
– Garnish: Thin cucumber slices, Sprig of fresh mint
Muddle mint leaves in the bottom of a glass. Add cucumber juice and lime juice. Fill the glass with ice and top it off with sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with cucumber slices and a mint sprig. Sip and savor the cool vibes!
2. Ginger Citrus Fizz:
– 1 cup ginger ale (use sugar-free if you’re trying to cut down on sugar or calories)
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Ice cubes
– Garnish: Thin lemon and orange slices, Candied ginger
Fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour in ginger ale, orange juice, and lemon juice. Give it a gentle stir and garnish with citrus slices and a touch of candied ginger. Get ready for a zesty fiesta!
3. Virgin Bloody Mary:
– 2 ½ cups of tomato juice
– 4 tablespoons of green olive brine
– 1 garlic clove
– 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce (omit if you don’t like spicy)
– ½ of a medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery rib, chopped
– Juice of ½ of a lemon
– 1 teaspoon of horseradish
– 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce (optional)
– Ice
– Green olives for garnish
– Celery for garnish
In a blender or food processor, add the tomato juice, olive brine, cucumber, celery, lemon juice, garlic clove, horseradish, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) and blend until smooth. Pour over a glass of ice and garnish with celery and green olives.
*For best results, chill your juices and veggies in the fridge before blending them together.
I’ve also been playing with my own combinations. An easy one is to mix in a blend of lemon and orange juice and top with club soda. So refreshing and so good!
Which of these mocktails will you be making next? Or do you have any of your own to share? Let us know!
