You hear the clink of a glass as the room begins to quiet gradually. Here comes a toast!
Raising a glass is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion. We make toasts, we give speeches and we drink with friends and family to commemorate life’s milestone moments. Alcohol and socializing go hand in hand, but what if you’re looking for a festive refreshment without the booze?
A mocktail might be the perfect alternative. It’s time to shake one up. Who’s in?
Before we dive right into a few of our favorite mocktail recipes, let’s clarify what a mocktail is.
What is a Mocktail?
A mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink consisting of a mixture of fruit juices or other soft drinks. Don’t let the non-alcoholic part discourage you, these beverages are anything but mock-worthy. With classy garnish and true cocktail flavors, you’ll be able to get everyone in on the fun.
Whether you’re expecting a little one on the way, hosting an event with guests who prefer not to drink alcohol or are looking to avoid a headache yourself, these fun faux cocktails are just what you’re looking for.
The best mocktails are the ones that offer your favorite flavors and taste as good as the real thing. To help you shake things up, we’ve curated a list of the best mocktail recipes for celebrating any season. Browse through the mocktail recipes below, save your top choices, grab your preferred glassware and get started!
Mocktail Recipes for Summer
Light, refreshing and sweet are all flavors that should be present in your summertime mocktails. Not only are these drinks a great way to cool down those hot summer days, but also celebrate a getaway.
Rosemary Blueberry Smash
The Rosemary Blueberry Smash is a lush summertime mocktail that will remind you of sand between your toes, sunkissed skin and vacation mode. This sparkling refreshment is sure to be the talk of any event!
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 7-8 blueberries
- 1 ounce honey syrup
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, strained
- 4 ounces sparkling mineral water
- 1 rosemary sprig for garnish
- Ice
Directions:
- Muddle blueberries, rosemary leaves and honey syrup in the bottom of cocktail shaker.
- Add lemon juice, cover with ice and shake for 10 seconds.
- Strain and top with sparkling water, stir and enjoy!
Coconut Cucumber Cooler
Escape to the islands with the Coconut Cucumber Cooler. Coconut water is not only trendy, but is also really good in a mocktail, who knew? These refreshing flavors are great for your next beverage menu and are the perfect replacement for standard soft drinks or juices. Whip up a pitcher of this tasty drink for your next summer party and don’t forget to bring a personalized gift for the hostess.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut water
- 2 cucumbers thinly sliced
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ⅛ cup sugar
- ¼ cup of chopped mint
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker.
- Shake, serve over ice and enjoy!
Mocktail Recipes for Spring
Flowers and sunshine are essential to any successful springtime. Whether you’re hosting a spring party with your girlfriends or a family gathering, these spring mocktails are sure to be the star of the event. We’ve included a spin on a classic cocktail as well as a fruity fizz mocktail!
Virgin Moscow Mule
This mocktail is a spin on a traditional cocktail, more often than not recognized by the glass it comes in. Our mocktail Moscow mule recipe is simple to create and easy to enjoy. Celebrate these refreshing flavors anytime!
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- ½ cup ginger ale or ginger beer
- 2 ounces club soda
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- Ice
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker.
- Shake, serve and enjoy!
Paloma Fizz
The Paloma Fizz mocktail offers fruity notes and colors that are perfect for this season. Don’t miss out on the savory hints of a rosemary sprig. Note: this drink is best enjoyed in the company of loved ones.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup pink grapefruit juice
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup
- ⅔ cup seltzer water or grapefruit soda
- Rosemary sprig for garnish
- Grapefruit slice for garnish
- Crushed ice
Directions:
- Combine grapefruit juice and simple syrup into a Tom Collins glass, stir.
- Fill the glass with ice and top off with seltzer water.
- Garnish with sliced grapefruit and rosemary and enjoy!
Mocktail Recipes for Fall
As the leaves begin to change, you can celebrate the flavors of the autumn season with a delicious mocktail. These recipes will have you ready to cozy up with your loved ones and partake in seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re apple picking, pumpkin carving or getting lost in a corn maze don’t forget to bring a mocktail along with you.
Mock Sangria
A mock sangria is full of flavor and perfect for enjoying with your loved ones. You can make a pitcher of this for a large group and utilize any extra fruit you might have in the kitchen.
Serves: 10
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened white grape juice
- 2 cups orange juice, chilled
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1 bottle lemon-lime soda
- 2 cups assorted fruit
- Ice cubes
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients into a pitcher.
- Stir, serve and enjoy!
There’s no reason that a mock margarita can’t be enjoyed in the cooler months, especially one with these flavors. This apple cinnamon mockarita is packed with fall flavor and won’t disappoint.
Apple Cinnamon Mockarita
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 4 parts apple cider
- 1 part lemon juice
- Cinnamon sugar rim
- Ice
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients into shaker.
- Shake, serve and enjoy!
- Note: A cinnamon sugar rim will take this refreshment over the top.
Mocktail Recipes for Winter
Winter mocktails will help you get into the festive spirit, with iconic holiday flavors and red berries these alcohol-free refreshments can cure your winter blues and be enjoyed all season long.
Sparkling Berry and Pomegranate Mocktail
The Sparkling Berry and Pomegranate mocktail makes for a great drink to sip on at your holiday party. Garnish with blueberries on a swizzle stick to cheers the season.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces berry sparkling water
- 1 ounce pomegranate juice
- 2-3 cranberries
- Blueberries for garnish
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker.
- Shake lightly and serve.
- Garnish with blueberries on a swizzle stick and enjoy!
Cran Apple Cider Mocktail
It wouldn’t be winter without some apple cider. The Cran-Apple Cider Mocktail is waiting to be enjoyed. Garnish with a sprig of thyme to add a little sophistication to your mocktail.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 part cranberry juice
- 1 part apple cider
- Sprig of thyme for garnish
Directions:
- You can make this mocktail right in the glass you’ll be serving it in.
- Combine all ingredients, stir and enjoy!
There are many occasions that call for you to raise a glass with friends and family. Now, you can be prepared with a drink in hand no matter the time or circumstance. Save the individual recipe cards above or download the entire collection using the button above. If you’re looking for some party planning inspiration to go with your favorite mocktail recipe, check out our guide on how to build your own bruschetta bar or this fun DIY popcorn bar.