Looking for a tasty drink without the alcohol? Mocktails are the perfect choice for anyone who wants something special in their glass.
These non-alcoholic beverages come in many flavors and styles, from fruity to spicy to sweet.
These 21 best mocktail recipes offer delicious options for every season and occasion. You’ll find everything from watermelon spritzers to cranberry rosemary sodas that look as beautiful as they taste.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these alcohol-free alternatives are sure to impress your guests while ensuring everyone can join in the celebration.
1. Grapefruit Basil Spritzer
The Grapefruit Basil Spritzer is a refreshing mocktail that combines tangy grapefruit juice with aromatic basil. This drink is perfect for warm days or when you want something special without alcohol.
To make this spritzer, you’ll need fresh grapefruit juice, basil leaves, a splash of lemon juice, and club soda. Some recipes add a bit of sugar syrup to balance the tartness of the grapefruit.
Simply muddle a few basil leaves, add the grapefruit juice and lemon juice, then top with club soda and ice.
For extra flavor, garnish with a grapefruit slice and more basil.
This bright, citrusy drink offers a sophisticated taste that’s both simple to make and impressive to serve.
2. Vegan Coquito
Vegan Coquito is a dairy-free version of the traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink. You can enjoy this creamy coconut beverage without alcohol, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy.
The recipe typically combines coconut milk, oat milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a rich, tropical flavor. Some versions include Jamaican aromatics for an extra punch of flavor.
To make it at home, blend coconut cream, coconut milk, and your choice of sweetener. Then add warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Serve your Vegan Coquito chilled in small glasses. You can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
3. Watermelon Cucumber Slushy
This refreshing mocktail combines the sweetness of watermelon with the crispness of cucumber for a perfect summer drink.
To make this slushy, you’ll need seedless watermelon, peeled cucumber, honey, and a splash of Champagne vinegar.
Simply purée all ingredients together until smooth.
The honey balances the natural sweetness of the watermelon, while the cucumber adds a cool, refreshing element. The vinegar brings a subtle tang that elevates the flavors.
This mocktail is not only delicious but also hydrating, making it ideal for hot days. You can garnish with a small watermelon wedge or cucumber slice for an elegant touch.
4. Nonalcoholic Mojito
The virgin mojito is a refreshing mocktail that captures all the flavors of the classic drink without any alcohol. This minty, citrusy beverage is perfect for warm days or any time you want something special.
To make a virgin mojito, you’ll need fresh mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup (or honey syrup for a refined sugar-free option), and soda water.
Muddle the mint with lime and sweetener, then top with ice and soda water.
You can easily make this drink for one person or prepare it in a pitcher for gatherings. Feel free to customize your mocktail with additions like cucumber or berries for unique flavors.
5. Nonalcoholic Strawberry Daiquiri
A virgin strawberry daiquiri is perfect for hot days when you want something refreshing without alcohol. This mocktail bursts with sweet strawberry flavor and is easy to make at home.
You only need a few ingredients: fresh or frozen strawberries, lime juice, sugar or simple syrup, and ice.
Blend everything until smooth for a slushy texture that’s both cooling and delicious.
This healthy alternative is packed with Vitamin C and makes a great option for everyone, including pregnant women and kids. Serve it at your next party for a crowd-pleasing drink that looks just as festive as the alcoholic version.
6. Nonalcoholic Piña Colada
The nonalcoholic piña colada offers all the tropical flavor without the alcohol. This refreshing mocktail combines pineapple juice, coconut milk, and a touch of sweetness.
To make this drink, you’ll need one 8-ounce can of pineapple juice, 4 ounces of coconut milk (with the fat blended in), and some white sugar or sweetener to taste.
For the creamiest results, use coconut milk from a can rather than the thinner beverage versions.
Blend the ingredients with ice until smooth and frothy.
You can garnish your virgin piña colada with a pineapple wedge and cherry for a fun tropical presentation perfect for summer gatherings.
7. Cucumber Sekanjabin Sharbat
Sekanjabin is a Persian sweet-tart syrup made from a mixture of sugar or honey, water, vinegar, and mint. When combined with cucumber, it creates a refreshing mocktail called Cucumber Sekanjabin Sharbat.
To make this drink, you first prepare the sekanjabin syrup by simmering sugar, water, and white wine vinegar together. Then add fresh mint to infuse the syrup with flavor.
The finished drink combines this cooling syrup with cucumber slices and cold water.
It’s perfect for hot summer days when you need something refreshing but still interesting in flavor.
This traditional Persian beverage offers a unique balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes that will impress your guests at your next gathering.
8. Sparkling Tangawizi
Sparkling Tangawizi is a refreshing non-alcoholic drink inspired by Stoney Tangawizi, a popular spicy ginger beer from East Africa. This mocktail features fresh ginger that creates a sweet heat sensation with every sip.
Perfect for brunch gatherings, this fizzy beverage offers a unique flavor profile that stands out from typical non-alcoholic options. The natural spiciness of ginger provides a warming quality that makes it suitable for winter occasions too.
You can adjust the ginger intensity to match your preference.
The balanced combination of sweetness and spice makes this mocktail worthy of a second round, even for guests who typically prefer alcoholic drinks.
9. Cardamom Lemongrass Cooler
This refreshing mocktail combines the exotic flavors of cardamom and lemongrass for a cooling summer drink. The cardamom adds a warm, spicy note while lemongrass brings a citrusy, slightly floral taste.
To make this cooler, you’ll need fresh lemongrass stalks, cardamom pods, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water.
Muddle the lemongrass and crushed cardamom pods to release their flavors.
Strain the mixture and add lemon juice and simple syrup. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a lemon wheel and lemongrass stalk.
This sophisticated drink is perfect for hot summer days when you need something refreshing yet unique.
10. Frozen Apple Margarita
A frozen apple margarita is a refreshing mocktail perfect for any occasion. You can make this delightful drink with just a few simple ingredients.
Start with sparkling apple juice as your base. Add fresh lime juice and grated lime rind for a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
To make it frozen, blend everything with about 4 cups of ice until smooth.
The result is a slushy, apple-flavored treat that’s perfect for warm days.
Pour into salt-rimmed glasses if you like that traditional margarita touch. Just run a lime wedge around the rim and dip in salt before pouring.
This mocktail works for everyone, making it ideal for family gatherings and celebrations.
11. Tropical Punch Mocktail
Tropical Punch Mocktail brings a slice of paradise to your glass. This refreshing drink combines sweet pineapple juice with tangy lime for a perfect balance of flavors.
You can enhance your mocktail with tropical kombucha for a unique twist. Add crushed ice to keep it cool on hot days.
For a creamier version, try blending frozen pineapple and banana with orange juice and coconut milk.
This creates a smoothie-like consistency that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge or paper umbrella to complete the tropical experience. This mocktail is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you need a vacation in a glass.
12. Cucumber and Lemon Iced Tea Cooler
This refreshing mocktail combines the crispness of cucumber with tangy lemon and smooth iced tea. It’s perfect for hot days when you need something cool and hydrating.
To make this cooler, cut a cucumber into four pieces and freeze them for 2-3 hours.
Once frozen, blend the cucumber with prepared iced tea in a high-powered blender.
Pour the mixture over ice for an extra chilly treat. You can adjust the sweetness by adding simple syrup to taste.
For a fancy touch, garnish with a fresh cucumber slice and lemon wedge. This mocktail is not only delicious but also looks impressive when served to guests.
13. Cranberry Sangria
Cranberry Sangria mocktails bring the festive vibe of traditional sangria without the alcohol. This refreshing drink combines cranberry juice with blood orange for a tangy-sweet flavor profile.
You can easily make this ahead of time for parties or gatherings. It’s perfect for serving a crowd at home, especially during holiday celebrations.
For a quick version, you can use cranberry juice, sliced fruits, and a splash of citrus. Some recipes include basil for an herbal twist.
Consider garnishing with fresh fruit slices and serving in a clear pitcher to showcase the beautiful deep red color.
14. Blue Hawaii Mocktail
The Blue Hawaii mocktail is a vibrant, tropical drink that brings the island experience right to your glass. This kid-friendly version delivers all the fun without any alcohol.
To make this refreshing beverage, you’ll need blue curaçao syrup (non-alcoholic), pineapple juice, and coconut cream. Some recipes also include lemon-lime soda for extra fizz.
Mix everything except the soda in a cocktail shaker with ice for about 30 seconds.
Pour over crushed ice in a tall glass and top with lemon-lime soda if desired.
The result is a beautiful blue drink with delicious tropical flavors of citrus, pineapple, and coconut that’s perfect for hot summer days or themed parties.
15. Coconut Water Mocktail
Coconut water mocktails offer the perfect balance of tropical and citrus flavors in a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. You can make this simple beverage in just 5 minutes with a few basic ingredients.
Start with coconut water as your base. For extra flavor, try pineapple-flavored coconut water. Add fresh citrus juice like lemon or lime to brighten the drink.
For a tropical twist, include fresh pineapple chunks or pomegranate juice. Some recipes suggest a touch of agave nectar for sweetness or aloe with pulp for texture.
Shake all ingredients with ice and serve in a chilled glass. These mocktails are both hydrating and delicious, perfect for hot days.
16. Rosemary Infused Lemonade
Rosemary Infused Lemonade offers a refreshing twist on traditional lemonade with an earthy, pine-like flavor that’s similar to gin. This makes it perfect for those wanting a sophisticated non-alcoholic option.
To make this mocktail, you’ll need fresh lemon juice, water, simple syrup, and a few sprigs of rosemary. The rosemary infuses the lemonade with its distinctive aroma and taste.
For an extra special touch, you can add fresh mint or blackberries.
The combination of tart lemon and fragrant rosemary creates a balanced and refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm days or as an elegant option at gatherings.
17. Arnold Palmer
The Arnold Palmer mocktail is a simple yet refreshing drink that combines iced tea and lemonade. Named after the famous golfer who loved this combination, it’s a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
To make an Arnold Palmer, mix equal parts lemonade and iced tea. You can adjust the ratio to your taste preference – some people prefer more tea than lemonade or vice versa.
For a fun twist, try adding fresh mint leaves or a splash of prickly pear syrup.
You can also freeze watermelon chunks to use instead of ice cubes for extra flavor.
This mocktail is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you want a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.
18. Limonada
Limonada is a refreshing Latin American-style lemonade that makes an excellent mocktail. This simple drink combines fresh lime juice, water, and sugar for a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors.
To make limonada, squeeze 4-5 fresh limes into a pitcher. Add 4 cups of cold water and 1/4 cup of sugar (adjust to taste). Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
For a special touch, add some mint leaves or a splash of sparkling water. You can also blend it with ice for a frozen version that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Serve your limonada in a tall glass with ice and a lime wheel garnish for a classic presentation.
19. Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is a classic Southern drink that makes a perfect mocktail for warm days. You can easily transform this refreshing beverage into something special with a few simple additions.
Start with brewed black tea and sweeten it while still hot. Let it cool completely before serving over ice.
For a mocktail twist, add fresh lemon slices and mint leaves. You can also try mixing in a splash of peach puree or raspberry syrup for fruity variations.
Sweet tea pairs well with food at barbecues and picnics. It’s also ideal for serving at family gatherings since everyone from kids to adults can enjoy it.
20. Nonalcoholic White Sangria
White sangria doesn’t need alcohol to be delicious. This refreshing mocktail combines fresh fruits with a flavorful base to create a drink everyone can enjoy.
Start with alcohol-free white wine as your base. You can also use white grape juice or apple cider if you prefer.
Add sliced apples, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, and a handful of berries for color. Some recipes include pear juice for extra sweetness.
A touch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to your sangria. You might also add a splash of sparkling water just before serving for a bit of fizz.
This mocktail takes just minutes to assemble. Let it chill for at least an hour so the flavors can blend together.
21. Cold Buster Tonic
The Cold Buster Tonic is a powerful non-alcoholic drink that works like a warm hug when you’re feeling under the weather. It combines fresh ginger, garlic, and citrus to help boost your immune system.
To make it, blend fresh ginger with water, strain the mixture, and add honey to taste. You can also add fresh lime juice for extra vitamin C.
This spicy, warming drink resembles a non-alcoholic hot toddy. It’s perfect for winter days when you need something comforting that might help fight off cold symptoms.
Health Benefits of Mocktails
Mocktails offer more than just a fun alternative to alcoholic drinks. They can be packed with nutritious ingredients that support your health while still being delicious and festive.
Nutritional Value
Mocktails made with fresh fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Drinks containing citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges offer vitamin C, which supports immune function. Meanwhile, berry-based mocktails deliver antioxidants that help fight inflammation and cell damage.
Ingredients like ginger and turmeric add anti-inflammatory benefits to your drinks. Ginger also aids digestion, making it perfect for after-meal mocktails.
Herbs such as mint, rosemary, and basil aren’t just for flavor – they contain beneficial plant compounds that support overall health. For instance, mint can help with digestion while rosemary has memory-enhancing properties.
Low-Calorie Options
Mocktails can be much lower in calories than their alcoholic counterparts. By skipping alcohol, you avoid empty calories while still enjoying a special drink.
Using sparkling water as a base instead of sugary sodas dramatically reduces calorie content. This simple swap can save you 100+ calories per drink.
Low-calorie sweetener options:
- Stevia
- Monk fruit extract
- Fresh fruit purees
Cucumber, mint, and lime combinations create refreshing drinks with minimal calories. A typical cucumber-mint mocktail contains fewer than 50 calories per serving.
Herbal teas make excellent low-calorie mocktail bases. Try chai or hibiscus tea for flavorful options that don’t need much added sweetness.
Essential Mocktail Ingredients
Creating delicious mocktails requires having the right ingredients on hand. A well-stocked bar of non-alcoholic options lets you craft refreshing drinks for any occasion without the alcohol.
Fruit Juices
Fresh fruit juices form the foundation of most mocktails, providing natural sweetness and vibrant flavors.
Orange, lemon, and lime juices are versatile basics that appear in many recipes. They add brightness and acidity that balances sweetness in your drinks.
Pineapple juice brings tropical notes to beverages like Frozen Tropical Coladas when paired with coconut milk and frozen mango. Cherry juice, especially from maraschino cherries, adds both color and sweetness to punches and other mixed drinks.
When possible, squeeze juices fresh rather than using bottled versions. The flavor difference is significant, particularly with citrus. Keep a citrus juicer handy for quick preparation.
Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Non-alcoholic spirits have revolutionized mocktail making. They mimic complex flavor profiles of alcoholic beverages. These sophisticated alternatives provide depth without the alcohol content.
Sparkling water and tonic water serve as excellent bases for mocktails. They add effervescence to your drinks. Specialty tonics like elderflower tonic can introduce unique flavor dimensions to simple recipes.
Aromatic additions like rose water and orange blossom water bring floral notes that elevate ordinary ingredients. Just a few drops can transform a basic drink into something extraordinary.
Syrups also play a crucial role. Keep simple syrup, grenadine, and orgeat (almond syrup) on hand. They add sweetness and complexity that helps mocktails feel as special as their alcoholic counterparts.
