15 Great Mocktail Recipes (2024)

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Here are all the best mocktail recipes to try! These non alcoholic co*cktails make virgin drinks just as delicious as the real thing.

15 Great Mocktail Recipes (1)

Looking for mocktail recipes? Turns out, you don’t need alcohol to make a tasty drink! A mocktail is a non alcoholic co*cktail: a mixed drink without the liquor (either eliminated entirely or with a non-alcoholic spirit). Mocktails are the perfect choice for people who are pregnant or avoiding alcohol.

There are a few different ways to make a mocktail. You can follow a mocktail recipe to make virgin drinks based on classics, from the Margarita to the Mojito! Or, you can make a free-form mocktail without a recipe. You’ll just need to keep a few tricks in mind when building your drinks so they don’t come out tasting like bubbly fruit juice. Ready to get started?

And now, our top mocktail recipes

15 Great Mocktail Recipes (2)

Margarita Mocktail

Craving a margarita but can’t drink? Or serving a crowd and need a non-alcoholic option? Enter the Margarita Mocktail! It’s tangy and refreshing, punctuated by that classic salt rim. Even better, it’s got a surprise that brings a bit of “funk” to the flavor that’s reminiscent of tequila. It’s the non alcoholic mocktail spin on ourClassic Margarita.

Ingredients: Lime juice, lemon juice, pickle juice, simple syrup, tonic water

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Virgin Mojito Mocktail

Are there any co*cktail drinks more refreshing than a mojito? This iconic Cuban drink is one of the greats. Here’s a recipe for it that’s spot on perfection: not too sweet, bubbly, and minty fresh. For the mocktail version, just omit the rum! Or for our favorite version, substitute double the simple syrup for orgeat, an almond flavored syrup that adds a delicious complexity.

Ingredients:Lime juice, fresh mint, soda water, simple syrup or orgeat

15 Great Mocktail Recipes (4)

Piña Colada Mocktail

A virgin piña colada is really just a fancy name for apineapple smoothie…but giving it a mocktail moniker makes it all the more fun! It comes out frosty and tropical, with a hint of fruity coconut and just sweet enough. It's the mocktail spin on our Frozen Piña Colada: hold the rum.

Ingredients: Pineapple, coconut milk, simple syrup

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Lime Rickey

Here’s a bubbly drink that’s equally as refreshing as a co*cktail or mocktail: theLime Rickey! This refreshing drink is a cousin of the classicGin Rickey, with no alcohol. Take one sip and it’s fizzy, bubbly, and ultra tangy: with effect of jumping into a cold pool on a hot summer day.

Ingredients: Lime juice, simple syrup or caper juice, soda water

Here’s everyone’s favorite mocktail: theVirgin Strawberry Daiquiri! Hands up: who ordered as a tween to feel sophisticated and grown up? This recipe makes a beautifully fruity version of the classic drink, no rum required. There are a few secrets to avoid tasting like astrawberry smoothie This delicious homemade mocktail is berry-forward, sweet tart and fruity, with a hint of intrigue on the finish.

Ingredients: Frozen strawberries, lime juice, simple syrup, tonic water or lemon lime soda

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Shirley Temple

Here's the most famous mocktail of them all: the Shirley Temple! This isn’t the overly sweet, syrupy version of this drink. The classic way is actually made without soda: just three ingredients and totally clean flavors. It’s not just for kids! This mocktail works for anyone looking for a bubbly, refreshing non-alcoholic drink. Even better: try our all-natural homemade grenadine that skips the artificial flavors and colors.

Also try: Roy Rogers, a variation with cola!

Ingredients: Grenadine, lime juice, ginger ale or ginger beer

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Non Alcoholic Mimosa

Here’s a greatmocktailtrick that works for people of all ages: theNon Alcoholic Mimosa! This drink is so simple to put together, and it’s totally customizable for kids or people avoiding alcohol. You can make this virgin drink at the same time as theclassic Mimosa, and it works for a crowd! It tastes surprisingly balanced: citrusy and bubbly with a hint of ginger on the finish.

Ingredients: Orange juice, ginger ale

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Bloody Mary Mocktail (Virgin Mary)

Craving a Bloody Mary but can’t do alcohol? Make thisBloody Mary mocktail, aka the Virgin Mary, and you’ll hardly know the difference! It’s so full of flavor: savory, tangy, spicy, and salty all at once! You’ll hardly believe it’s a mocktail. In fact, we almost like this one even better than ourclassic Bloody Mary, especially because you can drink as many as you want.

Ingredients: Tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, olive juice, Tabasco, celery salt, black pepper

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Photo Credit:www.gimmesomeoven.com

Spicy Grapefruit Ginger Fizz Mocktail

Try this Spicy Grapefruit Ginger Fizz mocktail! Full of bold, spicy, and fresh flavors, it might remind you of a Moscow mule. It’s minimally sweet, and it’s easy to whip up in just 5 minutes. via Gimme Some Oven

Ingredients: Grapefruit juice, lime juice, mint, jalapeno pepper, ginger beer

This Honey, Blackberry and Sage refresher taste sweet, tart and woodsy. Each sip of this non-alcoholic pick-me-up is packed with crisp, cool flavor. via Grandbaby Cakes

Ingredients: Blackberries, honey, sage, lime juice, ginger beer, seltzer water

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Photo Credit:www.crowdedkitchen.com

Tequila Sunrise Mocktail

Take the tequila out of the sunrise with this mocktail! It uses only 4 ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to make! Its refreshing sweet, tart flavor makes it the perfect sweet nonalcoholic drink. via Crowded Kitchen

Ingredients: Orange juice, lime juice, grenadine, non alcoholic tequila

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Photo Credit:www.skinnytaste.com

Jalapeno Paloma Mocktail

Skip the tequila for these zero-proof Palomas and use muddled jalapeño for a spicy take on the classic! This virgin drink is topped off with fresh grapefruit and lime juices and sparkling water for a refreshing drink without the alcohol. via Skinny Taste

Ingredients: Jalapeno pepper, grapefruit juice, lime juice, sparkling water, agave syrup

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Arnold Palmer

Here’s an iconic drink that’s more than the sum of its parts: theArnold Palmer! It’s simple, but somehow it stuck: a mix of zingy lemonade and earthy iced tea. There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot day! This works well as a party drink or mocktail.

Ingredients: Lemonade, unsweetened iced tea

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Photo Credit:marisamoore.com

Sparkling Blood Orange Mocktail

This mocktail made with blood orange juice, honey, and vanilla is citrusy and refreshing! If you can't find blood oranges to make this sparkler, substitute fresh orange juice. via Marisa Moore

Ingredients: Blood orange juice, honey, vanilla, lime sparkling water

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Cherry Lime Rickey

Here’s a bright, beautiful mocktail: theCherry Lime Rickey! Something about the combination of cherries and lime is pure genius, where the tart of the citrus perfectly accentuates the sweet berry. So combining it into a homemade mocktail or co*cktail? Well, it’s pretty darn perfect. Here you’ll take alime rickeymocktail and add a cherry syrup to bring in that candy-colored flavor. (You can also add gin for the alcohol drinkers!)

Also try: Raspberry Lime Rickey

Ingredients: Lime juice, cherry co*cktail syrup, soda water

How to make a mocktail without a recipe

How to make a mocktail? It’s easy to mix something together: but often with no alcohol it ends up testing like fruit juice. Instead, here are a few tricks for adding complexity to the flavor of your free-form mocktails:

  • Use bubbly mixers. Soda water, tonic water, and even ginger ale or ginger beer and great for adding lift to your mocktails with carbonated bubbles. When in doubt: add bubbles!
  • Consider a “mock” alcohol to add complexity. Here’s a cool mocktail trick: a teaspoon or two of caper juice or pickle juice can taste like alcohol! It sounds weird, but it actually works. Our Virgin Margarita recipe below has a hint of pickle juice, which gives a finish that tastes oddly like tequila.
  • Try fancy simple syrups. Layering flavors helps mocktail recipes taste interesting instead of one-note. Try a homemade syrup like Mint Simple Syrup, Ginger Simple Syrup, Rosemary Simple Syrup or Lavender Simple Syrup.
  • Consider non-alcoholic bitters. A few dashes of bitters add herbal complexity to co*cktails. There are some non-alcoholic brands that you can experiment with for mocktails, too! See also: this Bitters and Soda almost mocktail!
  • Load up on fancy garnishes and clear ice. It’s all about presentation! The fun thing about our co*cktail recipes is not just that they taste good: they look beautiful, too! Try clear ice, artisan style crystal clear ice that makes your drink look like it came from a fancy bar. Depending on the drink, load up on co*cktail cherries, citrus wedges, or fresh herbs.

Mocktails are low calorie drinks

Mocktails are very low calorie, since the alcohol is what contributes the most calories to co*cktails. They’re great if you’re looking for a fitting low-cal replacement for your favorite co*cktail. Or, looking for low calorie alcoholic drinks? Try our Top 10 Low Calorie Alcoholic Drinks!

See also: Best Non Alcoholic Beers

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15 Great Mocktail Recipes (17)

15 Great Mocktail Recipes

★★★★★4.5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This virgin margarita recipe tastes as good as the real thing! This non-alcoholic mocktail is irresistibly tasty with a secret ingredient.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
  • ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon maple syrup orsimple syrup
  • ⅛ teaspoon pickle juice (optional but recommended!)
  • 3 ounces tonic water
  • For the garnish: Lime wheel, clear ice

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt (or for a festive look, useMargarita Salt).
  2. In the serving glass, stir together the lime juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and pickle juice (adds just the right funky flavor to mimic tequila). Add the tonic water and ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Mocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Mocktail, Mocktails, Mocktail recipe

Published on / Last updated on

Categorized In:

  • Recipe Collections

Tagged with:

  • Mocktails
  • Roundup

About the authors

15 Great Mocktail Recipes (18)

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

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15 Great Mocktail Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous mocktail? ›

Top 15 best mocktails to order at a bar
  • Shirley Temple. Let's start at our roots with a good ol' Shirley Temple! ...
  • Virgin Mojito. Mojitos are a delicious, refreshing option if you're a co*cktail lounge that has mint leaves behind the bar. ...
  • Arnold Palmer. ...
  • Virgin mule. ...
  • Roy Rogers. ...
  • No tequila sunrise. ...
  • Soda, cran, lime. ...
  • N/A beers.

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

What is the basic mocktail formula? ›

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 make mocktails taste real? ›

Herbal Infusions and Spices

Some popular mocktail herbs include basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, lavender, sage, cloves, and lemon balm. These ingredients provide a depth of flavor and add an aroma that enhances the drink's overall experience. Spices add complexity and mimic the heat or bite of alcoholic beverages.

What is 1 most popular non-alcoholic drink? ›

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

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 is the trend in mocktails 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.

How do you ask for a mocktail at a restaurant? ›

If it's loud and crowded, simply ask the bartender for a “virgin mojito” or “virgin margarita” and you should be good to go. If you can't think of something in particular, you can tell the bartender, “I'm not drinking tonight but want something fun to sip on with my friends” to show your intentions.

What is the golden rules for making mocktails? ›

2. Balance is Key. Achieving the right balance of flavors is crucial in creating a satisfying non-alcoholic co*cktail. Balance sweet with sour, and bitter with sweet, aiming for a harmonious blend that is not overly sugary.

What is the key to mocktails? ›

The first key element to a good mocktail is something sparkling. This will help to “fancify” your drink and make it different from just a glass of juice. Recipes with a base of club soda, tonic water, ginger ale, sparkling juice, or ginger beer make great mocktails. Think of it as a fancy soda!

What syrups are used in mocktails? ›

Add some sweetness: Instead of bottled-up sweeteners opt for natural ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup to your mocktails.

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 tastes like vodka but is non-alcoholic? ›

USKO Vodka Alternative

If you're looking for a classic that makes a good base for mocktails and Bloody Marys, you've come to the right place. Made with highland spring water, it's based on single grain vodka, so you get the same taste you'd expect from this spirit, but with no trace of alcohol.

What tastes like alcohol but is not alcohol? ›

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 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.

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