7 Creative Mocktail Recipes You’ll Want To Drink All the Time

If you’re the designated driver, in recovery, or you prefer not to drink for health reasons, you can still enjoy the taste of a great cocktail without the buzz. Mocktail recipes prove that alcohol-free cocktails can be just as delicious as their high-proof counterparts.

That’s just one reason alcohol-free beverages are gaining popularity. Restaurants and bars are getting creative—from fruity sparklers to frozen slushies, there’s a mocktail for everyone. 

Why not try crafting these non-alcoholic drink recipes yourself? Learn how to whip up some easy mocktail recipes right in your kitchen.

Why Choose Mocktails?

Mocktails are often made with fruits, herbs, and other functional foods that benefit your health making them a great alternative to the traditional cocktail. Smaller amounts of natural or low calorie sweeteners are a good choice when looking to control sugar content as many traditional cocktails are typically high in added sugars. 

But mocktails also help reduce alcohol consumption. According to the World Health Organization, no amount of alcohol is safe for your health. High calorie alcoholic drinks can contribute to excess, unnecessary calories which can set you back from reaching weight your loss goals. 

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Ingredients for Mocktails

Think of a glass as your canvas and mocktail ingredients as your art supplies. Let your creativity flow with:

• A splash of fresh fruits like berries, lemon, oranges, pineapple, or melon
• A dash of herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary
• A swirl of sparkling water like club soda, ginger ale, tonic water, or seltzer for a fizzy kick 
• A drizzle of syrups like grenadine, simple syrup, or elderflower cordial for sweetness 

Combine these elements to create your own flavorful masterpiece. Or give one of our favorite classic, creative, or fall-inspired recipes a try.

Our Favorite Classic Mocktails, Creative Mocktails, & Fall-Inspired Mocktails

This frosty, tropical treat is a classic mocktail bursting with pineapple and coconut flavor. 

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 cups ice
• 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
• 6 oz. light coconut milk, whisked until smooth
• 4 oz. pineapple juice
• 2 oz. lime juice
• Maraschino cherries and pineapple slices, for serving

Directions

Add ice, pineapple chunks, light coconut milk, pineapple juice, and lime juice to a blender. Blend it until smooth for 20 to 30 seconds. Pour the piña colada into chilled glasses and garnish with cherries and pineapple.

Estimated Nutriton Info

Calories: 164; Total Fat: 7g; Total Carbohydrates: 28g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 20g; Protein: 2g

Treat yourself to a bubbly, refreshing drink that takes 2 minutes to prepare. 

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1/2 oz. grenadine
• 1 chilled can of diet ginger ale
• Maraschino cherries, to garnish

Directions

Fill a tall, narrow glass or highball with ice. Pour grenadine over it. Add the ginger ale. Garnish with cherries.

Estimated Nutriton Info

Calories: 42; Total Fat: 0g; Total Carbohydrates: 9g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 0g 

Experience the vibrant flavors of this refreshing creative cocktail. Bonus: it’s a low-calorie and alcohol-free hibiscus cooler.

Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 3/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 2 strips organic orange peel 
• 1 star anise
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• Crushed ice
• 2 cups plain or orange-flavored sparkling water
• Slices of orange, for garnish

Directions

Boil 6 cups of water, add the dried hibiscus flowers and sweetener, remove from heat, and let steep for 5 minutes. Add the orange peel, star anise, and cinnamon stick to a bottle or jar. Strain the hibiscus mixture and pour it over the spices in the bottle. Allow it to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 10 days. 

You can enjoy it immediately, but the flavors will intensify over time. Remove the spices before serving. To serve, fill a tall glass with crushed ice, pour 1 cup of the hibiscus mixture over ice, top with about 1/4 cup of sparkling water, and garnish with an orange slice.

Estimated Nutriton Info

Calories: 17; Total Fat: 0g; Total Carbohydrates: 4g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 0g

Refresh yourself with this fizzy ginger citrus mocktail with a zesty blend of citrus and spice.

Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 1 cup sugar
• One 4-inch piece of peeled and cut fresh ginger
• 1 1/3 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 6 lemons), plus wedges for garnish
• 34 oz. or 1 liter chilled club soda

Directions

Heat sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the ginger and remove from heat, letting it steep for 30 minutes. 

Strain into a pitcher to remove the ginger, and stir in the lemon juice. Chill for at least 4 hours. Add club soda, stir, pour into ice-filled glasses, and garnish with lemon wedges.

Estimated Nutriton Info

Calories: 111; Total Fat: 0g; Total Carbohydrates: 28g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 26g; Protein: 0g

Indulge in a sparkling mix of sweet cherry syrup and rich chocolate for a delightfully unique treat.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 cup frozen sweet cherries, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener
• 1 tsp. chocolate extract
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Ice cubes
• 1 cup sparkling water

Directions

Add 1/2 cup water in a saucepan and mix in cherries and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook until the cherries are soft. Crush the cherries to release their juices, then strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer.

In a small liquid measuring cup, stir together 1/4 cup cherry syrup with chocolate and vanilla extracts. Pour into glasses filled with ice cubes, top off with sparkling water, and garnish with cherries.

Estimated Nutriton Info

Calories: 80; Total Fat: 0g; Total Carbohydrates: 19g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 18g; Protein: 0g 

This might be one of the best mocktail recipes for fall. The apple shrub calls for seasonal ingredients and warming spices. It’s a tangy and sweet infusion of apples, spices, and orange zest—mixed into a non-alcoholic spritzer.

Ingredients (Serves 18)

• 2 large apples
• 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp. fresh ginger, chopped
• 1 orange
• 2/3 cup honey
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cloves

Directions

Thinly slice apples, discard the cores, and place them in a large bowl. Add vinegar, ginger, and orange zest. Lightly smash the mixture with a muddler or masher.

Boil 1 cup water, honey, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a saucepan. Pour over the apple mixture. Let cool, then cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days.

Strain the solids and pour the liquid into a big bottle or jar. Store in the refrigerator indefinitely.

To make a non-alcoholic spritzer, fill a glass with ice and carbonated water, add 2 tablespoons of the apple shrub, and stir. 

Estimated Nutriton Info

Calories: 76; Total Fat: 1g; Total Carbohydrates: 19g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 11g; Protein: 1g

This tangy grapefruit-rosemary sipper is a perfect mocktail for autumn.

Ingredients (Syrup serves 4; drink serves 1)

For the syrup:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 rosemary sprigs

For 1 mocktail:

• ¼ of the rosemary/honey syrup
• 3 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 oz. lime juice
• Sparkling water, to top

Directions

Simmer honey and rosemary sprigs in 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Remove the rosemary. (This syrup makes 4 drinks.)

Fill a glass with ice, then add grapefruit juice, lime juice, and 1 or 2 tablespoons of rosemary syrup. Stir well, then top with sparking water. Garnish with grapefruit wedges and rosemary sprigs.

Estimated Nutriton Info

Calories: 105; Total Fat: 0; Total Carbohydrates: 28; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 26g; Protein: 1g

FAQs

How do I make mocktails look visually appealing?

To make mocktails visually appealing, consider these tips:

1. Add colorful garnishes like fruit slices, herbs, or edible flowers. 
2. Use stylish or unique glassware to elevate the presentation.
3. Build your drink in layers using different colors and textures.
4. Use clear ice cubes or spheres, or freeze fruits inside the ice for an elegant touch.
5. Decorate the glass rim with sugar, salt, or colored sprinkles for fun.

What is the most popular mocktail?

One of the most popular mocktails is the Shirley Temple. Its sweet and tangy flavor makes it a constant favorite.

What is the basic mocktail formula?

One basic mocktail formula for a well-balanced cocktail is a 4:1:1 ratio: 

• 4 parts base liquid (juice, soda, or water)
• 1 part sour ingredients (citrus juice)
• 1 part sweet ingredients (sweetener or syrups)

You can add fresh fruits, herbs, or spices to enhance the flavor and garnish for visual appeal.

Which mocktail tastes best?

The best mocktail recipes often depend on your taste and preference. But popular choices include a citrusy virgin mojito or a creamy piña colada mocktail. But if you enjoy fruity or zesty flavors, you might want to try mocktails like cucumber lime mint cooler, melon or berry spritzers, or a mouthwatering ginger lemonade.  

How do you make a healthy mocktail?

Start with a base like sparkling water, herbal tea, or coconut water—all low-calorie options that provide hydration and flavor. Add freshly squeezed citrus juices such as lemon, lime, or orange for a burst of vitamin C. Incorporate muddled berries to add natural sweetness and antioxidants.

What are mixing techniques for mocktails?

For a well-mixed mocktail, use a shaker filled with ice. It helps blend flavors and chill your drink. Also, use a muddler to gently crush fruits, herbs, or spices. This will release their flavors, adding depth and complexity to your mocktail.

To make your mocktail more exciting, try building layers with your ingredients and flavors. Experiment with colorful ingredients and get creative with garnishes. This will make your drink visually appealing and flavorful, allowing each element to shine through in every sip.

The post 7 Creative Mocktail Recipes You’ll Want To Drink All the Time appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.