Wellness trends like Dry January and Sober October — where people commit to being alcohol-free for one month — are gaining traction, especially among younger generations. As a result, mocktails, also known as zero-proof cocktails, have caught on in the social lexicon, with some cities even opening a slew of non-alcoholic bars to capitalize on the trend.
While the Dry January Campaign is fairly new, the concept of a mocktail dates back to the 1930’s. The earliest usage of the word emerged during prohibition when the esteemed wife of the District of Columbia’s prohibition officer created “kickless cocktails” for high-status socialites.
Mocktails continue to be sought out today as a healthier alternative to cocktails, where individuals can enjoy the ritual and experience of a traditional cocktail without the undesirable effects.
With the holidays upon us, now is the perfect time to learn how to make festive mocktails reminiscent of their alcoholic counterpoints. Below, you’ll see how to use traditional cocktail methods and kitchen tools but with nourishing, good-for-you ingredients that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized rather than depleted and depressed.
What Are Mocktails?
The “mock” in “mocktail” means to imitate, and the “tail” in “mocktail” comes from the word “cocktail,” reflecting the fact that they’re alcohol-free alternatives to classic mixed drinks. (This was probably an obvious definition to you, but now you can officially feel well-prepared when your best friend asks you what you’re drinking during your next hangout.)
Non-alcoholic beverages are crafted with ingredients that look and taste like their traditional alcoholic counterparts. The ingredients used to make the beverage can either be health-supporting (think fresh muddled berries or antioxidant-packed pomegranate juice) or health-inhibiting (often containing refined sugar or chemically infused drinks like Red Bull).
Mocktails offer an appealing option for those who want to feel included in social gatherings without the inebriation component. Individuals who may want to try mocktails include designated drivers, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, sober-curious individuals, and individuals seeking healthier options that complement their wellness efforts.
Moreover, sipping on soul-soothing, non-alcoholic beverages that are better for your body and mind contributes to greater presence and deeper connections (translation: you’ll remember meaningful conversations and savor precious memories).
Essential Mocktail Tools to Have On Hand
To embrace the authentic experience of crafting a traditional cocktail, consider investing in a few essential cocktail-making tools — or perhaps you already have them tucked away in a cabinet, waiting for a healthier reason to use them.
- Cocktail Shaker — A cocktail shaker is used to mix and chill ingredients blended to make a cocktail.
- Muddler — To release bold flavors from fruits and herbs, use a muddler to mash the ingredients in the bottom of the cocktail shaker or glass until they are fragrant.
- Jigger — Bartenders typically use jiggers to measure the alcohol added to a drink.
- Strainer — A strainer is a fine mesh tool used to separate liquids from solids.
- Juicer — Get freshly squeezed juice from fruit from a juicer or handheld citrus juicer.
- Glasses — Of course, presentation is key, even when making mocktails! Use traditional, simple glasses or invest in something fancier that suits your hosting taste.
- Ice Trays and Molds — Uplevel your mocktails using ice cube trays that deliver fun shapes.
Mocktail Ingredients
Consider fresh and healthy mocktail ingredients that are nourishing and hydrating:
- Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices (or 100% juice if bottled)
- Seltzers and soda water
- Fresh herbs and fruits, muddled or as garnish
- Spices like cinnamon and clove
- Natural or minimally processed sweeteners, like date paste or maple syrup
- Non-alcoholic bitters (especially good for drinks created for digestion!)
- Tea or coffee
- Garnishes (fresh fruit, frozen fruit, citrus slices, herbs, olives, spices for rim)
Making Festive Mocktails That Will Impress Your Guests
Something as simple as a garnish, like citrus slices or rosemary, can visually take your mocktail to the next level and wow your guests! Consider creating a party theme and crafting a signature mocktail to accompany it.
Having trouble thinking of a mocktail theme? Think seasonally or locally, as well as fresh and flavorful. For example, you may want to design a mocktail around huckleberries if you live in Montana or Idaho, where huckleberry is the state fruit.
Have some fun with AI tools by using this mixology recipe generator to build non-alcoholic beverages based on the ingredients of your choice.
And don’t be afraid to play with the vibrant colors fruits, vegetables, and herbs offer! Get creative by layering flavors and colors to make fun and eye-catching drink creations.
How to Make Mocktails
As you’ll see in the video below, creating a mocktail can be easy and fun when you follow these steps:
- Think about potential food pairings to create mocktails with flavors that complement a meal, snack, or dessert.
- Gather all the tools and ingredients you’ll need.
- Mix, shake, stir, strain, and enjoy!
In this How to Cook video, you’ll learn why mocktails are a fantastic alternative to traditional cocktails, discover ingredients to make a mocktail healthy, and see how to make one of the mocktails featured in this article.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOp39N9TJPY
Fancy Mocktail Recipes
Punctuate your holiday celebrations with these three festive mocktail recipes made from natural, plant-based ingredients. Each recipe is designed with both flavor and feel-good benefits in mind. With fresh fruits, fruit juices, herbs, spices, and sparkling additions, skipping the alcohol is deliciously easy. Whether hosting friends and family or enjoying a quiet night in, these mocktails offer a refreshing and healthful way to toast any occasion.
1. Zesty Citrus Pomegranate Mocktail
The Zesty Citrus Pomegranate Mocktail is a refreshing, feel-good drink loaded with vibrant, natural flavors. Fresh ginger, orange, and clove combine with pomegranate and lime juice for a deliciously tangy twist. It’s the perfect alcohol-free choice for gatherings or solo sips, offering all the excitement of a cocktail without the alcohol. Plus, the fruity ingredients bring a burst of antioxidants and vitamin C — so you can toast to good taste and wellness!
2. Apple Chamomile Hot Toddy Mocktail
This Apple Chamomile Hot Toddy is a perfect alcohol-free option for evening shindigs, bringing all the warmth and comfort of a traditional hot toddy without booze. Made with organic apple juice, chamomile flowers, and whole spices like cinnamon and star anise, it’s just as soothing as its alcoholic counterpart. With a hint of lemon for brightness, this apple-flavored mocktail is a delightful plant-based drink that’s both calming and cozy. Ideal for a relaxing night or as a festive drink at family gatherings, it’s a great way to enjoy seasonal flavors in a mindful, comforting way!
3. Cucumber Mint Ginger Beer Mocktail
Get ready to love the taste of nonalcoholic drink recipes with this Cucumber Mint Ginger Beer Mocktail! This alcohol-free drink is all about flavor, bringing together fresh cucumber, cooling mint, and the zing of ginger beer for a fun twist on a classic refresher. Packed with the natural benefits of mint, cucumber, ginger, and lime, it’s a great choice when you want something tasty and feel-good. With each sip, you’ll enjoy a mix of crisp, bright flavors — perfect for celebrating and unwinding!
Enjoy a Festive Mocktail or Two!
Mocktails made with nourishing ingredients can offer a festive experience, naturally enhancing your time with friends and family during celebratory gatherings. Like traditional cocktails, mocktails can be just as fancy but without the detrimental health effects.
Discover your inner mixologist and experiment with various flavors, ingredients, and techniques to start your mocktail journey. Craft mocktails for all seasons, events, and festivities, or simply sip and relax at home. Recreate classic mocktails or build your own based on what’s in season or local. The DIY mocktail possibilities are endless!
Tell us in the comments:
- Have you ever made or tried a mocktail before?
- What flavors would you combine to create your own festive mocktail?
Featured Image: iStock.com/5PH
