Non-alcoholic cocktails are giving classic cocktails a run for their money.
Whether you are sober, sober-curious, cali-sober, or just looking to try something new, you should definitely give mocktails a try! They are so delicious, and sometimes, the bartender gets fancy with the presentation. Don’t you just love it when that happens?
Mocktails vs Cocktails
With the rise in content and awareness surrounding sobriety, and the lasting effects of alcohol starting more conversations on and offline, non-alcoholic beverages, or “mocktails”, are becoming increasingly popular. Today’s “food scene” reflects this in their drink menu options. Not only are a significant number of bars and restaurants now including non-alcoholic options on their menus, but there are now zero proof cocktail lounges and bars popping up around the country that cater to this growing interest (Super excited about this!).
What is a Mocktail?
In essence, a mocktail is a cocktail-style beverage made without alcohol. It is a non-alcoholic drink that often mimics the flavors and presentation of a traditional cocktail, making it a great option for anyone wanting to still feel included in social gatherings, despite their drink choice.
Mocktails can be crafted with a variety of different ingredients such as sparkling beverages, fresh juices, fruits, herbs, and spices, creating a refreshing taste that can certainly compete with any cocktail.
Tip for Ordering Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Navigating the world of NA drinks and mocktails can be a little daunting, especially with the endless amount of choices available (But, who’s complaining?!). A handy tip to make things easier for you is to keep a short list of your favorite NA or mocktail drink options ready in your Notes app.
Having a go-to list of your favorite mocktails to refer to when you’re out and about makes ordering your drink a lot easier. If there are no non-alcoholic drink options on the menu, no worries. You’ll be good to go thanks to your list!
See my go-to list below!
Mocktail List
To give you a head start on creating your own list, I’ve listed my go-to mocktails, and a screenshot of my Notes app (I don’t know where i’d be without the Notes app). Feel free to screenshot it, or save it in your photos to reference for later!
*Make sure to mention that you want a “virgin” or “non alcoholic” version of the drink you’re ordering
Virgin or Non Alcoholic Mojito
⁃ Club soda / Sparkling water
⁃ Muddled mint leaves / Mint Simple Syrup
⁃ Simple syrup / sugar
⁃ Lime Juice
⁃ Ice
Virgin or Non Alcoholic Margarita
⁃ Lime Juice
⁃ Orange Juice
⁃ Lemon Juice / Splash of Lemon
⁃ Club soda / Sparkling Water
⁃ Agave / Simple Syrup
⁃ Salt rim (bonus)
⁃ Ice
Shirley Temple
⁃ Grenadine / Cherry Juice
⁃ Club Soda / Sparkling Water / Sprite / 7up
⁃ Cherry
⁃ Ice
Virgin or Non Alcoholic Moscow Mule
⁃ Ginger Ale
⁃ Lime Juice
⁃ Club Soda / Sparkling Water
⁃ Fresh mint leaves
⁃ Ice
⁃ Copper mug (bonus; keeps it cold)
Cranberry Mocktail
⁃ Cranberry juice
⁃ Club Soda / Sparkling Water
⁃ Ice
Appletini Mocktail
⁃ Apple juice
⁃ Simple Syrup
⁃ Lemon Juice
⁃ Apple slices (for decoration)
⁃ Granulated sugar for rim (bonus)
⁃ Ice
Virgin or Non Alcoholic Mimosa
⁃ Orange Juice (chilled)
⁃ Sparkling juice or soda (chilled)
⁃ Chilled glass (bonus)
My Mocktail Experience
Since making the decision to take a hard look at my relationship with alcohol, and making the decision to identify as “sober-curious” (a lifestyle choice that involves questioning and modifying your drinking habits), I’ve really enjoyed exploring the world of mocktails! I find them to be so cute, and I don’t feel like I am missing out on anything while I’m out with friends.
It’s safe to say that I am IMPRESSED with all of the non alcoholic drink options that are being offered now-a-days. There are so many delicious alcohol free drink combinations that you can put together yourself at home, and in my experience, bartenders/waitresses are usually pretty accommodating when asking for a mocktail.
I encourage you to give these delicious drinks a try! Sober-curious, or not!
