5 Mocktail Recipes You'll Love

Whether you’re trying Dry January, taking a break from drinking, or just looking for more drinks you can enjoy without the alcohol, mocktails are a fantastic option.

You do not have to sacrifice fun or taste just because you are taking a break from drinking, and it certainly does not have to be a “grit your teeth and get through it” experience. Mocktails can be just as, if not more complex than the average cocktail. Depending on the type of mocktail experience you are going for, these options can range from intricate to very simple... just like cocktails! My hope is that these simple recipes I share inspire you to experiment and find some favorites of your own that you can default to whether you are on a break from alcohol or undergoing a lifestyle change.

In today’s post, I’m sharing my tried and true simple recipes that are no fuss, don’t require a ton of exotic ingredients, and are quick to make. I’ll also share the recipe books I keep on my bar cart for inspiration when I’m looking for something different or a little extra.

Let’s get right into it!

5 Easy Mocktails I Come Back To

I am historically not a classic “measurer” when it comes to drinks, so take the recommended amounts with a grain of salt. Make them to YOUR liking and YOUR taste preferences. You’ll intuitively learn how you like it after a few tries.

Winter Cranberry

  • Base: add ice and 3/4 part Lemon La Croix sparkling water to a shaker

  • Add up to 1/4 part cranberry juice (to taste)

  • Carefully swirl in a shaker until the drink is very cold (do not shake unless you want an explosion) and you may need to remove the cap/lid

  • Serve up in a martini glass and garnish with frozen cranberries

  • Optional: add Seedlip Citrus Grove 42 for additional complexity

Mocktail Mule

  • Fill a copper mule mug with ice

  • Add 1 shot of Seedlip Spice 94 (I recommend buying the trio of Seedlip flavors to try)

  • Fill about halfway with Lime La Croix sparkling water

  • Fill the rest of the way with Zevia Ginger Beer (or Fever Tree brand)

  • Stir well, garnish with mint leaves and lime wheel

Lemoncello Strawberry Refresher

  • Fill your favorite glassware with ice

  • Fill the glass about 3/4 full with Lemoncello La Croix

  • Top with 1/4 or less Simply Lemonade (strawberry) for taste and color

  • Stir, and serve garnished with a lemon wheel. Option to add a couple sliced strawberries for fun

  • Optional: add Seedlip Citrus Grove 42 for additional complexity

Lavender Lemon Breeze

  • Fill a short glass with ice

  • Add 1 shot Seedlip Grove 42 citrus

  • Fill up with Lemon or Lemoncello La Croix sparkling water

  • Add a Dash of Monin Lavender syrup for color and taste

  • Stir well, garnish with a lemon wheel and optional sprigs of lavender (bonus if it’s from your herb garden)

Raspberry Lime Sublime

  • Fill your favorite glass with ice

  • Fill glass 3/4 full of Lime La Croix sparkling water

  • Top off the rest of the way with Simply Light Lemonade (Raspberry)

    • Note: if you’re not a raspberry fan, substitute for Simply (Light) Lemonade (in which case you’re making a Lemon Lime Sublime)

  • Serve with a fresh squeeze of lime and garnish with a lime wheel

  • Option to add Seedlip Citrus Grove 42 for additional complexity (but it doesn’t necessarily need it).

Lemon Ginger Probiotic Drink

BONUS: Feeling in the mood for something that’s gut healthy, but is still bubbly and feels a bit elevated? Try this one.

  • Simply serve KeVita’s Sparkling Probiotic Lemon Ginger Drink up in a martini glass

  • Garnish with a couple lemon wheels

This is one of my favorite mocktail brain hacks, as my brain thinks I’m indulging but my gut is happy.

Mixers I Keep On Hand At All Times

What I usually sub for alcohol

Mixers

  • Simply (Light) Lemonade

  • Simply (Light) Lemonade with Raspberry

  • Simply Lemonade with Strawberry

  • Zevia Ginger Beer (this is great for mocktail mules and also, surprisingly, served with sparkling water, cranberry juice, and lime - who knew?)

  • Zevia Lemon Lime with Bitters (jazzes up a normal lemon or lime La Croix sparkling water and adds that touch of complexity that makes a great mocktail).

  • Olipop Lemon Ginger soda (I usually mix some with La Croix)

  • Poppi Strawberry Lemon or Raspberry Rose (I usually temper down the strength with La Croix or have a full one if I’m feeling bold)

Extras

  • Fun syrups: I like the Monin lavender syrup but there are many options out there, don’t be afraid to play with it. You are the barista!

  • Garnishes: mint leaves, lemon, lime

    • Looking for something extra or a little outside the box? For the herb gardeners, try adding rosemary to your drinks (especially paired with Seedlip Garden). Seedlip Garden also pairs well with garnishes such as cucumber, lime, etc. Think earthy flavors when mixing with Seedlip Garden!

Books On My Bar Cart

One of my goals for 2023 is to try more recipes! I’ve tried a few here and there, but I want to get some of the more interesting ingredients and branch out a bit from my day-to-day options. Here is what I’ll be reading and trying this year.

  • Zero Proof: 90 Non-Alcoholic Recipes for Mindful Drinking - on Amazon here

  • Seedlip Cocktails - on Amazon here

  • Dry Delicious Handcrafted Cocktails and Other Clever Concoctions - on Amazon here

    • I’ve tried the Blueberry Julep on page 51 - delicious! I also want to try the Kombucha Spritz on page 52.

Feeling Inspired?

Hopefully, you’re realizing that it can be fun to take a break from drinking alcohol, and mocktails are a great substitute for those days when you really want a delightful, refreshing drink. You can also order some version of these when you go out for drinks or dinner as you learn and relearn what your favorite drinks are.

Most of all, I hope you understand if you are contemplating a lifestyle change of any sort that it’s essential to reframe your focus from what you believe you’re leaving behind and instead think about what you are bringing in. What room does this change leave for better things to come into your life? How does this decision ultimately bring you more joy? More life? If it doesn’t do that for you, then I promise, your change won’t stick for the long haul (if that’s what you want).

So my advice? Find. The. Joy.

Leave a comment with your favorite non-alcoholic drinks or mocktails.

Have a beautiful, happy new year!

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