Surprising Mocktail Recipes That Taste Like the Real Thing

Jump to the Shirley Temple recipe

Jump to the Mojito Mocktail recipe

Exploring Alcohol-Free Mixology

The Rise of Mocktails

Mocktails have taken over the bar scene, presenting themselves as delicious alternatives to the usual cocktails, minus the booze. They're giving everyone a chance to join in on the fun without the hangover, and they've become crowd-pleasers for events of all shapes and sizes. With the world becoming keener on inclusive drinking, these zesty drinks have made their mark, appearing in fancy bars and parties right next to your typical cocktails. Even PCMA is in on the action, showing that non-alcoholic drinks are now part of the main stage.

Gone are the days of bland "virgin" mixes; mocktails now sport some serious flair. They pack a punch with sparkling juices, splashy colors, and fancy syrups that can make them the talk of the party. Not only do they tickle your taste buds, but mocktails also hydrate and come jam-packed with nutrients—perfect for expectant moms and anyone with health concerns, says Included Health.

You can view all our mocktails and filter down further to find your perfect mocktail from our dedicated results page here.

Crafting Creative Mocktails

Wanna try your hand at making mocktails from the comfort of your kitchen? Got you covered! With fresh ingredients and a bit of creativity, anyone can whip up an impressive drink. If you need some inspo, tons of easy mocktail recipes are just a click away on makemeacocktail.com.

The trick to a killer mocktail is getting the balance right. Think flavors, textures, and visuals. Add a twist with fresh herbs, zesty citrus, or eye-catching garnishes to make 'em pop. Easy on the sugar, though! Swap those sugary syrups for natural sweeteners like fresh fruit juices to keep it healthy without skimping on taste.

Wanna boost your drink's health perks? Toss in superfoods like chia seeds or a splash of herbal infusion. Mocktails are flexible like that—fitting in just fine at a summer BBQ with non-alcoholic summer cocktails, or jazzing up holiday festivities with non-alcoholic holiday drinks. Armed with the right recipes and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can wow your pals with these refreshing, zero-proof masterpieces.

Classic Mocktail Recipes

Mocktails are like party poppers for your taste buds—fun, flavorful, and totally booze-free. We've got three classic recipes that'll make you the hero of any kitchen or backyard bash. Ready to shake things up?

The Shirley Temple

Whisked away from 1930s stardom and into your glass, the Shirley Temple is a fizzy delight that's all about the sweet life. Ginger ale, grenadine, and those iconic maraschino cherries make this a bubbly star.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of ginger ale

• A tablespoon of grenadine

• Maraschino cherries for that splash of color

Instructions:

1. Drop a handful of ice into your favorite glass and pour in the ginger ale.

2. Add the grenadine, giving it a gentle swirl—no whirlpools here!

3. Top it off with a cherry or two for flair.

Looking for more drinkable magic? Check out our easy mocktail recipes.

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Shirley Temple

Recipe card

4.38 / 5

Highball glass

Microbadges

15 key ingredients

Cocktail Of The Day

Invented

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(1930)

Base ingredient

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Lemon Juice

Calories

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83 calories

Garnish

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Lemon, cocktail cherry

Alcohol content

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Non-alcoholic

Details

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Classic

Stirred

<p>The Shirley Temple cocktail is a non-alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed by both adults and children for decades. Named after the famous child actress, this mocktail is believed to have originated in the 1930s during a visit by the actress to the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood.</p><p>The classic recipe consists of lemon juice, ginger ale, and a splash of grenadine, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The bright red color and fruity taste make it a popular choice at children's parties and can also be made with different variations of lemon-lime soda and grenadine.</p><p>This refreshing and easy-to-make drink has stood the test of time and is still a fan favorite to this day.</p>

Ingredients

Lemon Juice

Ginger Ale

Grenadine

Method

How to make a Shirley Temple

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Pour all ingredients into a highball glass and stir gently

Garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Blackberry Shrub Mocktail

Get ready to channel your inner chef with the Blackberry Shrub. It's a bit of a project, but the payoff is a fruit explosion with a cheeky cinnamon-vinegar twist. Perfect for making your next summer BBQ a hit!

Ingredients:

• A cup of fresh, juicy blackberries

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• Sparkling water for the fizz

Instructions:

1. Mix blackberries and sugar in a jar, then let them hang out until those berries burst with juice—about an hour should do it.

2. Stir in the cider vinegar, seal, and leave to marinate in the fridge for a week.

3. Strain, then pour 2 ounces of this berry-good syrup over ice, top with sparkling water, and sip away.

For more non-alcoholic adventures, peek at our non-alcoholic mixed drinks.

Alcohol-Free Mojito

The classic mojito gets a zero-proof makeover! Minty, limey, and sweet without the booze, this drink screams summer.

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves

• 1/2 lime, chopped into wedges

• A tablespoon of agave syrup

• 1 cup of soda water

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint leaves and lime wedges to release all those lovely oils and juices.

2. Blend in a sweet touch of agave syrup.

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3. Over ice, add soda water, and give it a gentle mix until everybody's friends in the glass.

Thirsty for more? Our virgin cocktails serve up endless inspiration.

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Mojito Mocktail

Recipe card

4.9 / 5

Highball glass

Base ingredient

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Lime juice

Calories

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78 calories

Alcohol content

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Non-alcoholic

Details

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Stirred

<p>The Mojito Mocktail is a non-alcoholic take on the classic Cuban highball traditionally made with rum. In this variant, the refreshing zesty flavour of lime juice is paired harmoniously with the cooling effect of muddled mint leaves.</p><p>A touch of sweetness is added to the mix with sugar, which balances the tartness of the lime. Served over ice and topped with soda water, this mocktail offers a bubbly and invigorating drink that is perfect for those seeking a sober version of the beloved Mojito.</p><p>The Mojito Mocktail is typically served in a highball glass, ensuring there is enough room for ice and soda to provide a cold and satisfying experience. With its bright and herbaceous profile, it is a popular choice for social occasions where an alcohol-free option is desired.</p>

Ingredients

Lime juice

Mint Leaves

Soda water

Sugar

Method

How to make a Mojito Mocktail

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Use a pestle and mortar to muddle the sugar and mint leaves and then fill your glass with ice

Take the juice from one and a half limes and put it in the glass along with your sugary mint combination

Top up with soda water, stir and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

So, pick a favorite or try them all—these mocktails have personality and pizzazz for any occasion. Whether you're hitting party central or chilling on the porch, these drinks make sure the good times roll for everyone.

Unique Mocktail Creations

Diving into new mocktail recipes is a playful way for budding mixologists to show off their skills while treating friends to yummy and colorful drinks. Check out these three eye-catching mixes that suit any party or casual hangout.

Cranberry Rosemary Herb Soda

Picture a drink where tangy cranberry dances with the earthy hint of rosemary. A drizzle of honey syrup adds a sweet warmth, making this drink a hit year-round. Whether you're by a summer grill or a cozy winter fire, this drink has something for everyone.

Whipping up Cranberry Rosemary Herb Soda is a breeze: mix cranberry juice with homemade honey syrup and a bit of crushed fresh rosemary. A splash of club soda gives it those bubbly vibes. Deck it out with extra rosemary for that Insta-worthy look. Curious about more like this? Peek at our easy mocktail recipes.

Cold Buster Tonic

When the temperatures dip or you're fighting off colds, the Cold Buster Tonic comes to the rescue. It's a bold blend of spicy ginger, tangy citrus, garlic, and spices like cinnamon that promise both energizing flavors and some health perks.

Start with fresh ginger juice and squeeze in some citrus. Toss in minced garlic for a zing, then sprinkle some cinnamon and rosemary magic. Serve it over ice for a chill, tasty boost that’s as good for the taste buds as it is for your immune defenses. Dive into more healing sips with our non-alcoholic mixed drinks.

Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub

The Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub is a must-try for any mocktail lineup, thanks to its rich, zesty combo that's sure to wow any crowd. It starts with fresh blood oranges, sugar, and vinegar and can be bubbly when paired with sparkling water, or boozy if you fancy adding some spirit.

Juice those blood oranges and stir them with sugar and vinegar. Give it a few hours to marinate and mix it with sparkling water for a poppin’ drink. This mocktail is your go-to for celebrations, adding a fresh twist to any festive bash. Dig up more party-worthy drinks in non-alcoholic holiday drinks.

These mocktail recipes aren't just alcohol-free subs; they're flavorful stars in their own right. By embracing real flavors and smart mixes, anyone can step up their drink game and savor lush sips sans the booze.

Tips for Creating Mocktails

Mixing up delicious mocktails is a fun blend of creativity and good ingredients. Here's how you can whip up impressive alcohol-free drinks that wow your crew.

Using Real Ingredients

For top-notch mocktails, fresh is best. Think ripe fruits, fresh herbs, and real juices. Give sodas, fake flavors, and corn syrups a pass—they just add unnecessary junk. Real goodies aren't just about taste; they also pack a punch in nutrients and help keep you hydrated. And if you're ready to try some mouth-watering stuff, check out our easy mocktail recipes.

Skipping Simple Syrups

Cutting down on simple syrups helps dodge unwanted sugars and calories. Try using honey or agave sparingly or let fruits provide the sweetness. This way, your mocktails stay tasty without turning into a sugar overload. Need more ideas? Dive into our non-alcoholic mixed drinks for a heap of inspiration.

Pumping Up Nutrients

Why not sneak in some health benefits? Throw in fresh herbs like mint or basil—great for flavor and nutrition. Or add citrus for that vitamin C kick, and berries for your antioxidants fix. They'll turn your drink into something truly refreshing, something alcohol could never do. Plus, they’re perfect for everyone, from pregnant folks to those with particular health needs (Included Health). For festive cheer, our non-alcoholic holiday drinks are a must.

By sticking to real ingredients, trimming sugars, and boosting the good stuff, your mocktails will be as healthy as they are tasty. Check out our collection of zero-proof cocktails and keep the party going for everyone!

Mocktails for Different Occasions

Crafting mocktails for different get-togethers can really amp up the fun. By picking the right ingredients, you can whip up drinks that everyone will love, no matter the time of year.

Spring and Summer Mocktails

When spring and summer roll around, it's all about those light, fresh sips that showcase juicy fruits and herbs. The Blood Orange-Vanilla Shrub is a real crowd-pleaser. This snazzy drink mixes blood oranges, sugar, and vinegar, resulting in a tangy blast that's refreshing with some fizzy water. Its vibrant color and bold flavor make it a hit at outdoor brunches and sunny picnics.

Then there's the Roseberry Mule, a mix of rosemary, blackberries, agave nectar, and ginger beer. The earthy rosemary combined with sweet blackberries creates a suave drink, ideal for garden parties or casual nights on the patio.

Don't forget the Cranberry Rosemary Herb Soda, great for any spring or summer hangout. Pairing honey syrup with rosemary's scent, it’s a year-round pleaser, fitting for barbecues or holiday bashes alike (Tasty).

For more cool summer sippers, see our full list of non-alcoholic summer cocktails.

Winter Mocktail Elixirs

When winter hits, we turn to cozy, heartwarming mocktails that scream comfort. The Cold Buster Tonic steals the show with its combo of fresh ginger, garlic, citrus, plus spices like cinnamon and rosemary. It's not just big on taste, it's got a health kick too, making it perfect for cozy nights or holiday parties (Tasty).

And if you've been paying attention, you'll remember that Cranberry Rosemary Herb Soda is versatile enough to work its charm in winter, with those warm and inviting herbal notes.

If you're looking to wow the crowd during the holidays, throw some fancy mocktails into the mix to bring everyone together. Find more seasonal inspirations in our section on non-alcoholic holiday drinks.

Mocktails open up a world of flavorful fun without the booze, making them great for everyone involved, no matter the time of year. With these recipes, anyone can mix like a pro and be the life of the party.

Mocktails Beyond the Basics

Whipping Up Non-Alcoholic Bases

If you're keen on giving your mocktails a twist, start with some fantastic alcohol-free bases. Julia Momose, a pro in mixing drinks, swears by using stuff you already have at the bar. It's all about keeping things simple, reducing waste, and creating yummy drinks with no fuss. Want to try out some cool non-boozy recipes? Take a peek at easy mocktail recipes.

You can whip up non-alcoholic bases using:

• Fresh juices, like zesty citrus or berry purees

• Herbal teas, such as refreshing mint or calming chamomile

• Sparkling water with a hint of flavor

• Non-alcoholic spirits for that extra punch

Mix these bases with fresh herbs, spices, and other tasty extras to create drinks that are both refreshing and fun. For some fruity inspo, hop over to non-alcoholic fruity drinks.

Rethinking Drink Names

The language we use for alcohol-free drinks is changing. Julia Momose suggests "spiritfree" instead of "mocktail" to truly capture the creativity behind these beverages (Bon Appétit). This new name gives a nod to those who skip alcohol while still enjoying the art of making drinks.

Calling them "spiritfree" highlights the talent and effort involved, turning them into special treats rather than just stand-ins. It's a way to invite drink lovers to play around with their mixology skills and share their tasty creations. Fancy expanding your alcohol-free drink menu? Check out zero-proof cocktails.

With more folks catching onto the joys of alcohol-free sips, there's a great opportunity to make drinking fun and accessible for everyone.