Wanderlustfoodie

Mocktails are cocktails with all the creativity and charm — but none of the alcohol. They consist of juices, sodas, infused water and many other non-alcoholic substances to add to the flavour. Mocktails are jovial, non – alcoholic party drinks. A decent mocktail not only tastes great but it’s also crafted with as much maintenance as a regular cocktail. 

Mocktails, an abbreviation for “mock cocktails”. The word “mock” implies a semblance of the alcoholic cocktail without any of the alcoholic content. Over the previous decade, “mocktails” have been emerging as a substitute to drinking alcohol. The increasing rage of these handcrafted zero drinks proves itself to be tipple-free.

Mocktail is also known as no ABV (alcohol by volume) or virgin drinks, are alcohol-free options that are now going far beyond. With the rise in the number of people who are adopting a healthy lifestyle and cutting down their calorie intake, there is also a decrease in the consumption of liquor beverages.

No alcohol? No problem. Whether you’re staying sober, slowing it down, or just feeling fancy, these six mocktails will keep you sipping in style.

1. Lemongrass Basil Buss

Tip: When preparing lemongrass, peel off the outer layer and use the tender inner stalk. You’ll need about 6 stalks for 1 cup. If lemongrass is unavailable, use 1 tablespoon lemon zest instead.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
  
• 2 cups granulated sugar
  
• 2 cups fresh Thai or Genovese basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
  
• 1 cup lemongrass, thinly sliced
  
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
  
• 1/4 cup sanding sugar
  
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
  
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 4 tablespoons)
  
• 1/2 cup strong brewed white tea
  
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 8 tablespoons)
  
• Orange twists, for garnish
  

Recipe

1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, basil, and lemongrass (or lemon zest). Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and steep for 2 hours. Strain and refrigerate.
   
2. Mix the sanding sugar, salt, and orange zest in a small bowl. Rub a lemon/lime/orange wedge on the rim of your glass, then dip it into the sugar mix.
   
3. In a shaker, muddle basil leaves with white tea, 3 tablespoons of the syrup, lime juice, and orange juice. Add ice and shake well.
   
4. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the mix, and garnish with basil and an orange twist.
   

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2. Blue Shoe

Ingredients

• Blueberries (for garnish or muddling)
  
• 1/4 cup white cranberry juice
  
• 1/3 cup Hawaiian Punch (Polar Blast)
  
• 1/4 cup 7-Up (optional, for topping)
  

Recipe

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice, add cranberry juice, and stir.
   
2. Pour into a chilled martini glass, add Hawaiian Punch, and top with 7-Up.
   
3. Garnish with orange slices, lemon wedges, pineapple chunks, or cherries.
   

3. Apricot Cranberry Smash

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup apricot cranberry juice
  
• 2–4 tablespoons lime juice
  

Recipe

1. Pour apricot cranberry juice into a glass.
   
2. Add lime juice, stir or shake, and serve.
   

4. Cucumber Mint Mocktail

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
  
• 2 cups thinly sliced cucumber
  
• 1 1/2 cups sugar syrup
  
• 1 cup lemon juice
  
• 3 cups cold water
  
• Sparkling water, for topping
  

Recipe

1. Place mint leaves in a pitcher. Add sugar syrup, lemon juice, water, and cucumber slices. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
   
2. Fill glasses halfway with the cucumber mixture, then add ice and top with sparkling water.
   

5. Rose Gold

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons ginger juice
  
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  
• 1 tablespoon ginger syrup
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh egg white (pasteurized)
  
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  
• Dehydrated rose petals, for garnish
  

Recipe

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well.
   
2. Strain into a mixing glass, discard the ice, and dry shake again.
   
3. Fine-strain into a glass and garnish.
   

To make ginger syrup: Peel and juice enough ginger to get 1/4 cup juice. Mix with an equal amount of sugar in a saucepan over low heat until dissolved. Cool before using.

6. Mango-Lime Mocktail

Ingredients

• 2 medium mangoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
  
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
  
• 1 1/2 cups sugar syrup
  
• 1 cup lemon juice
  
• 3 cups cold water
  
• Sparkling water, for topping
  

Recipe

1. Place 1 cup chopped mango in a pitcher. Add sugar syrup, lemon juice, cold water, remaining mango, and lime slices.
   
2. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve over ice, topped with sparkling water.

Mocktails aren’t just for people avoiding alcohol, they’re for anyone who wants a drink that feels special, looks gorgeous, and tastes amazing.

The best part? You can tweak any recipe: swap fruits, use herbal teas, adjust the sweetness and make it your own.

So, next time you raise a glass, make it colourful, make it fun, and make it a mocktail.