Fancy something to quench your thirst with a cocktail flavor but without the booze? Here’s the ultimate list of the best mocktail recipes you need to try.
There are lots of reasons to prefer mocktails over cocktails ‒ from pregnancy to sober living, medication, or even simply not liking the taste of alcohol.
We asked our Peanut community about their favorite, tried-and-tested mocktail recipes so you can find your perfect (non-alcoholic) tipple.
Bottoms up!
In this article: 📝
- What is a mocktail?
- What makes a mocktail?
- What is a mocktail served in?
- What do mocktails taste like?
- Is mocktail good for health?
- What was the first mocktail?
- Which mocktail is good?
- What to say when you are not drinking?
What is a mocktail?
Before we start, what’s a mocktail?
Well, the mocktail meaning is a non-alcoholic version of a cocktail.
Cocktails are traditionally made with fruit juices or sodas and alcoholic beverages ‒ anything from spirits and liquors to beers and wines.
Many people choose to switch to mocktails while TTC, pregnant, or breastfeeding, since studies show that alcohol can affect fertility and baby development.
Mocktail recipes are a fun way to treat yourself, and you might keep some of these easy mocktails on repeat post-pregnancy!
Is there alcohol in mocktails?
No, there’s no alcohol in mocktails.
That’s where the ‘mock’ part of mocktail comes from ‒ they’re almost like ‘fake’ cocktails.
Can you drink alcohol while pregnant?
No, drinking alcohol while pregnant is not recommended.
Everything you eat and drink gets passed on to your developing baby, and babies are not able to process alcohol like adults are.
Drinking alcohol when pregnant can lead to miscarriage, developmental issues, or having a premature baby.
However, just because you can’t drink alcohol when you’re pregnant, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself.
A delicious mocktail is the perfect solution.
You can mix up these fruity and flavorful beverages when you want to unwind at the end of the day or at get-togethers where your friends or family may be enjoying an alcoholic beverage so you don’t feel left out.
Does virgin mean no alcohol?
Yes, virgin (when describing drinks) is another way to refer to non-alcoholic drinks.
What is difference between mocktail and cocktail?
The only main difference between a mocktail and a cocktail is that mocktails don’t have alcohol.
But taking out the alcohol can mean that other ingredients are changed ‒ for example, a cocktail with strawberry liqueur may substitute it for a strawberry syrup instead.
What makes a mocktail?
It depends on the mocktail ‒ some are made with sodas and fruit juices, while others require a little more effort.
Some mocktails contain fruits, prepared sugar syrups, or liqueur substitutes that can either be store-bought or made from scratch.
What is a mocktail served in?
Again, it depends on the mocktail and the person drinking it!
But most mocktails are served as their alcoholic counterparts are ‒ in martini glasses, highball glasses, coupe glasses, champagne flutes, gin bowls, even shot glasses!
But if you prefer to drink your mocktail out of a normal glass, you do you ‒ there’s no right or wrong here.
What do mocktails taste like?
Once again, it depends on the mocktail.
Some mocktails are sweet and fruity, others have a refreshing tartness, some can be creamy, and others fizzy.
We’ve got a whole range of mocktail recipes for you to choose from, whatever your tastes.
Is mocktail good for health?
Sorry to sound like a broken record, but it depends on the mocktail recipe.
Some mocktails have ingredients with lots of nutritional benefits, while others are simply tasty.
But ultimately, what’s ‘good for health’ changes on the person drinking the mocktail, there’s no single definition of ‘healthy’.
What was the first mocktail?
Well, this is where it gets a little confusing.
Many non-alcoholic drinks have been enjoyed for thousands of years, but they weren’t known as ‘mocktails’.
The first recognized mocktail recipe is likely to be the Shirley Temple ‒ a mocktail unlike many of the others on our list, as it’s not derived from an alcoholic cocktail.
We say ‘likely to be’ a Shirley Temple because we don’t know that it was actually the very first mocktail.
But the term ‘mocktail’ was apparently first used in 1916, according to Merriam-Webster, although there’s not much known about the context.
But the Shirley Temple was specially designed for child actress Shirley Temple, who was made the mocktail in the 1930s by Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood.
Who invented mocktail?
We’re not entirely sure.
Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood is often credited with the invention of mocktails when they crafted the Shirley Temple for the namesake child actress in the 1930s, but the term ‘mocktail’ was apparently first used in 1916.
As for who first used the word ‘mocktail’ in 1916… nobody knows.
What is another name for mocktails?
Mocktails are also known as ‘non-alcoholic cocktails’ or virgin cocktails, and some have their own unique name, like the non-alcoholic mojito: faux-jito.
Which mocktail is good?
So what’s the best mocktail recipe?
Well, that depends on your taste and how you’re feeling, but we’ve got all the best mocktail recipes from our Peanut community to help you choose.
Classic mocktails
Fancy a traditional cocktail without the booze?
These classic mocktail recipes are easy, quick, and taste (almost) like the real thing!
1. Virgin piña colada (aka piño colada)
If you like piña coladas… you’ll love this virgin piña colada recipe.
Perfect for poolside lounging in the summer sun, this piña colada virgin smoothie is a delicious way to get one of your five a day!
Now for how to make a virgin piña colada: blend together pineapple juice, chunks of fresh pineapple, cream of coconut, and ice ‒ voilà, the perfect pineapple mocktail!
Then for the final touch of your virgin piña colada smoothie ‒ a garnish of a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.
Close your eyes and take a sip, and you’ll be transported to a tropical island oasis!
2. Virgin mojito (faux-jito)
This virgin mojito recipe is one of the quickest on our list ‒ a fantastic way to stay hydrated with an exotic vibe.
All you’ll need for this mojito mocktail recipe is mint leaves, lime juice, brown sugar, and sparkling water.
Get your hands on some fresh mint leaves (any kind will do), slap them a few times to wake them up and release their flavor, then add them to your empty glass (save a sprig for your garnish).
Next, for your non-alcoholic mojito, you’ll need some brown sugar to sprinkle over the top of the mint leaves, and throw in a few lime wedges.
If you have a cocktail muddler, now’s your time to use it ‒ crush the sugar, mint leaves, and lime together so you have a limey, minty, sugary slush at the bottom of your glass.
No muddler? No problem, just use a spoon.
Then, add ice (crushed is best, but whichever you prefer), and pour over sparkling water to the top.
Garnish with the mint spring and a leftover lime wedge, and you’ve got the perfect mojito mocktail.
Fancy something a little more fruity? Add your favorite fruit to the bottom of the glass before you add the ice and sparkling water, and muddle with the other ingredients.
Our Peanut community recommends a virgin strawberry mojito if you want something a little sweeter.
3. Cuddles on the Beach mocktail
If you like sipping sweet and fruity cocktails, this Cuddles on the Beach mocktail (based on the famous Sex on the Beach cocktail) is sure to be a hit.
And, even better, it is simple to make and requires just three ingredients.
Simply pour 3 ounces of white grapefruit juice, 3 ounces of cranberry juice, and 2 ounces of peach nectar into a large glass, such as a hurricane.
You can also add ice if you’d like.
Then, stir everything all together and the fruity bliss will be ready to drink.
It’s a great option if you’re after a grapefruit mocktail or fruit salad-flavored mocktail.
4. Pornstar martini mocktail (Filmstar martini)
If you’re a fan of a Pornstar or passionfruit martini but aren’t keen on the booze, give this mocktail a try.
Simply combine pineapple juice, passion fruit juice, lime juice, and vanilla syrup with ice into a cocktail shaker, and shake well.
Next, pour into a coupe glass or martini glass and garnish with half a passionfruit floating on the top.
Then, pour a shot of sparkling grape juice or rose lemonade as your ‘prosecco’ shot.
5. Shirley Temple
The Shirley Temple may be the oldest mocktail recipe around, made especially for child actress Shirley Temple in the 1930s.
If you’re after something super-sweet, this is the mocktail for you.
It’s easy to make, too ‒ just pour 1 oz fresh lime juice, 0.25 oz grenadine syrup, and 3 oz ginger ale over a tall glass of ice, garnish with a lime and maraschino cherry, and you’re done!
Why is the Shirley Temple drink called that?
The Shirley Temple mocktail is named after child actress Shirley Temple, star of Bright Eyes and Curly Top, as a ‘cocktail’ for her to drink at the bar with her adult co-stars.
6. Moscow mule mocktail
If you like your mocktails with a bit of a kick, you’ll love this Moscow mule mocktail.
Traditionally served in a copper mug, all you need to do is pour lime juice, ginger beer, club soda, and simple syrup over ice and you’ve got your mocktail!
7. Mocktail mimosa
What about a fancy mocktail? If you’re enjoying brunch with the girls or you like the idea of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, give this quick and easy mocktail a try.
In a champagne flute, add equal parts sparkling water and fresh smooth orange juice, chilled.
Or, for a more ‘authentic’ taste, try a sparkling grape juice instead of sparkling water.
8. Mint julep mocktail
There are a few recipes for mint julep mocktails around, but this one’s a winner among our Peanut community:
Add lots of fresh mint leaves and a bit of white sugar to the bottom of your glass and muddle.
Next, add ice and top with sparkling water, garnishing with a sprig of mint.
Refreshing!
Mocktails for parties
Planning a baby shower? Or just a party sans alcohol?
These delicious and fun mocktails for parties are just the thing to make your get-together a success.
9. Non-Alcoholic Sangria
This is one of our favorite mocktail recipes to make for a crowd since you make a pitcher of virgin sangria at a time.
This non-alcoholic sangria recipe calls for four different types of fruit: apples, oranges, blackberries, and lemons.
You’ll want to start with washing all the fruit and slicing everything up (except for half of the lemon that you’ll be juicing).
Add the fruit to your pitcher, then fill up the pitcher with sparkling water, orange juice, apple juice, lemon juice, and cranberry pomegranate juice.
Give everything a good stir, and place the pitcher into the refrigerator for at least one hour ‒ there’s your sangria mocktail!
10. Lava Flow mocktail
If you’ve been looking for frozen mocktail recipes, this Lava Flow mocktail may be just what you’ve been dreaming about.
This mocktail recipe blends pineapple juice, cream of coconut, half and half, and frozen strawberries in syrup.
The result is a thick, cool, and refreshing drink that will bring a smile to your face ‒ perfect for parties!
11. Mai tai mocktail
After a fruity mocktail for parties?
You can’t go wrong with this mai tai mocktail recipe.
All you need is equal parts orange juice and pineapple juice, some lime juice, sugar syrup, grenadine, and sparkling water to top it up.
Mix well, pour over ice, and serve with sliced fruits ‒ we like oranges, limes, and a cherry, just because.
Easy mocktails
How about mocktails that are quick and easy to make, with as few ingredients as possible?
Read on…
12. Sparkling pineapple mocktail
Pineapple juice, sprite, and grenadine syrup mix to make this sweet and tasty mocktail.
This would be the perfect drink to sip on a hot summer day.
Take it out to your deck or patio, turn on your favorite music, close your eyes, and pretend you’re sipping it at the beach!
13. Virgin margarita
Another one of our favorite mocktail recipes is the margarita mocktail ‒ or the nah-garita, as our Peanut community calls it.
This mocktail margarita might become your go-to drink if you’ve been missing being able to enjoy a real margarita during your pregnancy.
The virgin margarita recipe can be sized up to fill a pitcher, so you’ll be able to share with others or enjoy it for a few days.
Add limeade, orange juice, and simple sugar syrup to your pitcher and stir to combine everything.
On a plate, sprinkle some coarse salt.
Next, slice a lime and rub it along the rim of each glass, then dip the glasses into the mixture of sugar and salt.
Add ice to each glass and then pour the juice mixture over the ice (nearly to the top).
Finally, add a little club soda to each glass and place a lime wedge on the rim of each glass ‒ and that’s it, your non-alcoholic margarita recipe!
Fancy something with a slightly different flavor? How about a virgin strawberry margarita, made by blending fresh strawberries and adding them to the margarita mix.
Or maybe a virgin mango margarita, by adding some blended fresh mangoes.
Or, for something even more unique, how about a spicy virgin margarita? Just add jalapeños (to taste).
Pink mocktails
If you’re throwing a baby shower to celebrate the imminent arrival of a beautiful baby girl, how about some pink mocktails for the mama-to-be to enjoy?
14. Raspberry lemonade mocktail
Freshly squeezed lemon, raspberries, Perrier, fresh raspberries, and stevia come together to make this raspberry-lemon mocktail.
This is another great choice if you’re trying to watch your sugar levels since it isn’t made using sugary juices like some of the other recipes you’ll see.
Start with muddling the fresh raspberries in the bottom of your glass, then add the other ingredients, stir, and add a few more fresh raspberries as a garnish before enjoying this treat.
15. Strawberry lemon-limeade mocktail
If you enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade on a warm afternoon or evening, you’ll definitely want to try this lemony, limey, strawberry mocktail.
This fruity treat is made using fresh strawberries, fresh limes, lemonade, lime juice, sparkling strawberry water, and a hint of sugar.
To make this concoction, dice up some strawberries and put them in your glass.
Add the lime juice, lemonade, and sugar, then muddle to blend the flavor.
Put some ice in the cup and fill it up the rest of the way with the strawberry sparkling water.
Before enjoying this mocktail, be sure to add some fresh strawberries and lime slices.
Blue mocktails
Make it blue! If there’s a bouncing baby boy to celebrate at your baby shower, sip on these blue-tiful blue mocktails!
16. Blue shoe mocktail
This Blue shoe mocktail not only tastes good, but it looks impressive too.
Only three ingredients are needed for this blue mocktail: Polar Blast Hawaiian Punch, white cranberry juice, and 7-Up.
You’ll want to have all the ingredients in your refrigerator so they can chill before you try to make this drink.
Once everything has chilled, pour 3 ounces of the Hawaiian Punch and 2 ounces of the white cranberry juice into a chilled martini glass.
Then, use 7-Up to fill the glass up to the top.
What to say when you are not drinking?
If you’re foregoing the booze because you’re pregnant or TTC, but don’t want people to find out why, here are a few things you can say when you’re not drinking to deflect the questions:
- I’ve got a bit of a headache at the moment.
- I’m still recovering from the weekend.
- I’m just not feeling it today.
- I just feel better when I don’t drink.
Or even just a simple:
- No, thank you.
People are much more accepting of skipping the drink nowadays, without assuming too much.
But if you’d rather not arouse suspicion, you can always try one of our mocktail recipes disguised as a cocktail.
Hopefully, you’ve found a few mocktail recipes that sound appealing and exciting to you.
Now, what are you waiting for?
Time to start writing your grocery list!
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