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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Mocktails ยป How to Make the PERFECT Mocktail Every Time: With Dozens of Recipes!

    How to Make the PERFECT Mocktail Every Time: With Dozens of Recipes!

    Modified: Sep 7, 2022 ยท Published: Jun 27, 2020 by Chandice ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 16 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    Creating the PERFECT mocktail has never been so easy or fun! Here we will help you learn how to give your non-alcoholic drinks a fun and fresh twist with every sip.

    Prosecco drink with cranberries and rosemary in a glass flute

    Nothing says โ€œrefreshingโ€ more than a unforgettable homemade drink. Family-friendly and definitely the talk of the party with phenomenal presentation and flavor.ย 

    They are the perfect addition for any festivity ranging from an ice-cold mocktail by the pool on a hot summer day, or a hot cider version on a cold and rainy day.

    You can always add a splash of these simple syrups to club soda for a lovely little mocktail in under a minute!

    • Raspberry Simple Syrup
    • Rose Simple Syrup
    • Lavender Simple Syrup
    • Blackberry Simple Syrup
    • Strawberry Simple Syrup

    So, what is a mocktail?

    These non-alcoholic cocktails and alcohol-free drinks are typically a mixture of fruit juices and other soft drinks. However, the possibilities are endless as to what you are able to create, as well as becoming a staple in your home.ย Let’s see what they start with…

    Non-Alcoholic Drink Bases

    Having a base for your drinks helps to create a blend where every ingredient combines together in a perfect medley. These bases can start you off on the right track for building the perfect mocktails.ย 

    Cream Bases

    When creating a creamier drink, the chance of ingredients separating could become an issue. Not to worry, thatโ€™s what a cream base is for!

    It helps to be able to have those extra ingredients without the cream separating from them. A cream base nearly works as a glue, holding the ingredients together.

    Like you see here in our candy cane Christmas mocktails or in our gingerbread martini mocktail, we use a heavy cream base. Yes, it is high calories but oh so decadent! If you are dairy-free, don’t worry, full-fat coconut milk is another great option for this mocktail.

    candy cane mocktail in a martini glass

    Fruit Purees

    Mixing your favorite fruits and herbs into drinks has never been as easy as this. Fruit purees can grasp attention with flavors hitting every taste bud!

    You can keep it simple with just some fruit and ice, or take it up a notch with herbs as well. Using a mix of flavors, like in a strawberry basil margarita mocktail gives the perfect spark to any evening.

    strawberry basil margarita mocktail with red sugar rim

    Carbonated Drinks

    The fun is never ending when you are dealing with which soda you choose to add to your mocktail.ย It could be as simple as a splash of tonic in a non-alcoholic gin tonic, or some high quality sparkling water.

    Sparkling water comes in an abundance of different varieties that can leave your mocktails bursting with flavor.ย Additionally, it can be used as a substitute for pop while still achieving the carbonated effect with a less amount of sugar.

    You can also use ginger beer, like we do in our ginger beer mocktail. It’s like a ginger ale, but more fun.ย 

    Pro Tip: My favorite tonic is definitely a high quality brand like fever tree and the best sparkling water is San Pellegrino.ย step by step photos of non-alcoholic gin and tonic

    Pop has the sweetness that can be a simple go-to for creating your favorite mocktails. It can easily add bubbly flavor to an otherwise flat drink. While traditional soda pop it isn’t my favorite because it is often too sweet, the kids especially love this as a base.ย 

    I do however LOVE Dry Soda as a lower sugar, clean soda that comes in a variety of flavors. We have used them many times and love how well they work in mocktails.

    Non-Alcoholic Wines and Spirits

    If you are in a crunch, non-alcoholic wines and spirits are an easy way to create your party drinks!ย Consider purchasing a non-alcoholic red wine for your Halloween mocktails, or a movie night with the girls. It may be an easier solution. Simply add some dark red and purple fruits and you have a moody sangria.ย 

    I have some 0.0 wine brands that I recommend. Check them and ALL of my favorite mocktail tools out HERE.ย 

    Black sangria non-alcoholic mocktail in a wine glass

    To make a non-alcoholic vodka dirty martini, a simple 3 step process using potato water can help to achieve the flavor without the use of alcohol.ย 

    Also, there are store brands of non-alcoholic spirits and ginย (a great gin alternative) that is perfect for mocktails. This non-alcoholic Prosecco is amazing as well!

    Non-alcoholic vodka dirty martini Mocktail in a glass with green olives

    Adding Flavors to Your Mocktail

    Incorporating different flavors into your drinks no longer has to be a struggle. Who knew that your everyday pantry staples could create a jam-packed, flavorful non-alcoholic cocktail!ย 

    Simple Syrup

    This is a thick, sweet liquid made by combining equal parts water and white granulated sugar. Simple syrup adds a little bit of sweetness without the cloying flavor of pure sugar.

    You can make them very easy and for cheap at home. Brands like Monin are also great and come in a wonderful variety of flavors.

    Fresh Herbsย 

    Herbs are a great way to enhance a specific flavor while still getting valuable nutrients and antioxidants. A win-win for your mocktail and your body!

    Lavender is one herb that can be added into a simple syrup for an extract boost of flavor as used in Lavender Lemonade and Limeade.ย Some other fresh herbs used may include, basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, peppermint, and sage.

    Glasses filled with lavender lemonade and lemon zest

    Fruit Juice

    If you were to have a fruit puree base and wanted to enhance the flavor of the fruit, a splash of fruit juice is the perfect way to give that extra boost.ย Also, fruit juices can help to give your mocktail some tang or zip.ย 

    When working with a fruit or vegetable that is more subtle or water-based, lemon or lime juice can be incorporated for that extra bit of flavor.ย For example, in a cucumber lime mocktail, the lime juice is being used for a hint of zest throughout the drink.

    AD This Cactus Succulent Baby Shower + Cucumber Lime Mocktail with Watermelon Ice is the perfect way to celebrate the mommy to be in your life. It is fresh, modern and full of simplistic beauty that she will love!

    Spices

    Spices are a great way to control your non-alcoholic drinks, adding a kick that might otherwise be missing. Like in aย non-alcoholic bloody Mary martini, spices are mixed throughout the mocktail to create a medley of flavors. Chili is also combined with salt for the rim.ย 

    Bloody Mary martini mocktail in a glass with tons of garnish

    Cinnamon is a staple spice that can be paired with fruit as well. For example, in our recipe for Crockpot Apple Cider we pair cinnamon sticks with apple juice to mellow the tartness of the apples.

    Crockpot apple cider in a glass with apple slices

    Flavor Extractsย 

    Working with extracts can be tricky, but none-the-less bring a burst of flavor into a mocktail.ย 

    One of the more common options is vanilla extract, but the fun doesnโ€™t have to stop there. Other flavoring extracts such as almond, chocolate, and even maple are delicious options for non-alcoholic cocktails.ย 

    Natural Sweeteners

    Did you use all your sugar for those homemade chocolate chips cookies? Natural sweeteners are going to be your best friend.ย 

    Honey is the perfect way to add extra sweetness in a natural way. While using a more bitter fruit such as grapefruit, pair it with a small amount of honey. The combination of the two will create a delicious and refreshing beverage like you see here with ourย grapefruit mocktail with rosemary and honey.

    Other natural sweeteners that can be used and are usually on hand or easy to find in stores are stevia, maple syrup, agave and coconut sugar. All will fit well into a mocktail for an extra hint of sweetness.

    This rosemary and grapefruit honey mocktail is in a martini glass

    Garnishes for Mocktailsย 

    Whatโ€™s on the inside is more important than what’s on the outside, but a pretty garnish never hurts!ย The way your mocktail looks at first glance is a preview to what you and your guests are going to taste. Equivalent to the preview of a movie, a pretty garnish on or in the glass will have everyone hooked and wanting more.ย 

    Garnishes for your mocktail can be as simple as using leftover ingredients you have after making the drinks. Although simple in and of themselves, they can make your beverages look effortlessly pristine.ย ย 

    Popsicles and suckersย 

    This may sound a bit silly but adding a fresh fruit popsicle to your 0.0 non-alcoholic wine or other simple mocktail can really make for a fun summer presentation.

    Non-Alcoholic wine in glass with white popsicle inside

    I also love adding rock candy suckers to my mocktails especially on holidays that call for more glitter like our Clean Slate New Years Eve Party.

    Sparkling cider in wine glasses with rock candy suckers

    Coated Rimย 

    A two-step process can easily give your mocktail a glistening look. By just damping the rim of your mocktail glass and placing it in a pile of sugar or salt, your glass now has a fun treat and sparkle to it.ย 

    Sugar and salt are not the only ingredient options to rim a glass with! Consider candy, cookie crumbs or dried fruit which is not only tasty, but also a beautiful option. We use crushed candy canes, flaked coconut and even molasses and gingersnap cookie crumbs to rim glasses for our gingerbread martini mocktails.ย ย ย 

    This gingerbread martini mocktail is in a cookie rimmed glass

    Fresh Fruitย 

    Surely everyone has been left with that one little bit of fruit. No need to make room in the fridge.ย Instead, by simply slicing the fruit or in the case of berries, keeping it whole and placing it on the slide of the glass, you now have an easy garnish for your beverage!

    The other half of the lime you used for your non-alcoholic gin and tonic?ย Slice it up and place it on the rim of your mocktail glass.

    Glass of blackberry lemonade with sage and berries on the side

    Whipped Topping

    By adding a dollop of whipped topping, you can create the look of a luminous cloud on top of your mocktails, while simultaneously enjoying a sweet treat.ย 

    Whipped topping comes in different flavors too. As a result, it is easier to pair with whatever other ingredients are in the drinks.ย Other whipped topping flavors include chocolate, strawberry, and sweet cream.

    So how do you make the perfect mocktail?

    • Choose a base.
    • Add flavorings of your choice. Donโ€™t forget to add a little flair with herbs or spices.
    • Garnish the glass.
    • Serve with a smile!

    Step by step photos for blackberry sage lemonade

    Best tools for making mocktails

    • 11-piece bartender kit
    • Wing corkscrew
    • Channel Knife
    • Bar cart
    • Moscow mule cocktail mugs
    • Wine glasses
    • Old fashioned glasses
    • Martini glasses

    Find all of these tools HERE.

        Summary

        Using a little imagination and some simple but delicious ingredients, you can be on your way to creating the perfect mocktails for any gathering, big or small (toast for one please!).ย 

        Glass of non-alcoholic gin and tonic with lime

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        Easy mocktail recipe

        Prosecco drink with pomegranate and cranberries in a glass
        5 from 11 votes
        PRINT RECIPE SaveSaved!
        Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
        Total Time: 5 minutes mins
        Course: Mocktails
        Cuisine: American
        Keyword: mocktail, mocktails
        Servings: 2 servings
        Calories: 45kcal
        Author: Chandice Probst

        Ingredients

        • 20 oz sparkling water or 0.0 prosecco/brut
        • 1/2 C juice concentrate of choice
        • 1 tsp fresh herb of choice, chopped
        • 1 C ice
        • 2 tbsp same fruit as juice, diced
        • same fruit as juice and fresh herb for garnish

        Instructions

        • In a cocktail shaker, muddle 2 T diced fruitย and herbs
        • Add the juice and ice then close lid and shake until outside of the mixer becomes cold and frosty
        • Meanwhile, place fresh fruit garnish on the side of the glasses
        • Pour cold cocktail mixture evenly into both cups and top with chilled sparkling water, prosecco or 0.0 brut
        • Finish with more fresh herbs in each glass for serving

        Notes

        The sky is the limit for fruit and herb combinations. Here are a few examples for you:
        • Blackberries and sage
        • Strawberries and basil
        • Lemon and lavender
        • Grapefruit and rosemary
        • Cucumber, lime and thyme

        So how do you make the perfect mocktail?

        • Choose a base.
        • Add flavorings of your choice. Donโ€™t forget to add a little flair with herbs or spices.
        • Garnish the glass.
        • Serve with a smile!

        Nutrition

        Serving: 2glasses | Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 191mg | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 107IU | Vitamin C: 39mg

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        Chandice of This Vivacious Life

        Hi, I'm Chandice!

        Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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        Reader Interactions

        Comments

        1. Eileen Kelly says

          July 06, 2020 at 5:33 am

          5 stars
          I stress over making sure I have beverages to make everyone happy. You have solved my stress by giving me great tips for the best cocktails. Adding herbs is a great idea to add flavor and balance the citrus.

          Reply
          • Chandice says

            July 20, 2020 at 11:25 pm

            Thanks Eileen, so glad this helped you! I love adding herbs to drinks ๐Ÿ™‚

            Reply
        2. Marisa F. Stewart says

          July 05, 2020 at 5:01 pm

          5 stars
          What a great post! Love all of the ideas and flavor combinations. There are a lot of people who don’t want to indulge in heavy liquors and the mocktails even with Prosecco (which is light in alcohol) will suit. We always have a bottle or two of Prosecco in the fridge.

          Reply
        3. Denise says

          July 05, 2020 at 1:57 pm

          5 stars
          What great tips and ideas for mocktails. So many options, there is something to please everyone.

          Reply
        4. Veronika says

          July 04, 2020 at 1:51 pm

          5 stars
          I love these simple and fun mocktail recipes! Thank you for making it so easy to follow, definitely need to make some of them today!

          Reply
        5. Shelley Fulton says

          July 02, 2020 at 2:04 pm

          5 stars
          This is a really terrific post! So often, I want a fun, celebratory drink, but we really don’t feel like “drinking” alcohol – just a terrific mocktail will do. But I never have any inspired ideas for them. Now I do! I’m super excited and definitely saving this post to reference. GORGEOUS photos, too – wow!

          Reply
          • Chandice says

            July 02, 2020 at 8:15 pm

            Thanks Shelley, I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. I am so glad it is helpful for you…we love mocktails! ๐Ÿ™‚

            Reply
        6. veenaazmanov says

          July 02, 2020 at 1:22 pm

          5 stars
          Thanks for such amazing ideas and flavors to making the best Mocktails. Very interesting and refreshing too.

          Reply
        7. Kushigalu says

          July 02, 2020 at 7:12 am

          5 stars
          Lovely post. So many great flavor combination. Thanks for sharing!

          Reply
        8. Kathryn Donangelo says

          June 30, 2020 at 1:52 pm

          5 stars
          I am loving all of these fun mocktail recipes! These are always great to have on hand for any occasion, can’t wait to try them! Thank you!

          Reply
          • Chandice says

            June 30, 2020 at 7:23 pm

            Thanks Kathryn, so glad you love them!

            Reply
        9. Bernice Hill says

          June 30, 2020 at 4:40 am

          5 stars
          There are so many ways to dress up a drink and so many flavour combinations. This is a really well written post with so many options no one will miss the alcohol.

          Reply
          • Chandice says

            June 30, 2020 at 7:23 pm

            Thanks Bernice, that is definitely what I was hoping for. ๐Ÿ™‚

            Reply
        10. Lyn says

          June 27, 2020 at 5:17 pm

          5 stars
          This post is so helpful! Thanks for all the great tips. Excited to make more mocktails at home!

          Reply
        5 from 11 votes (1 rating without comment)

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        Chandice of This Vivacious Life

        Hi there, Iโ€™m Chandice!

        I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

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