Mocktails Our Dietitians Love.
Whether you’re doing an alcohol-free month, pregnant, or avoiding alcohol for any reason, I think we can all hold hands together and say that a flavored seltzer water doesn’t cut it when we really want that negroni.
I know so many of my clients are in this boat too. I think it’s really important to have a cocktail alternative that you actually enjoy and look forward to, and here’s why: We crave what we restrict! So if you don’t have a good alternative that you like, chances are your Dry January will be more like a “Dry First Two Weeks of January” instead.
That’s why I’ve rounded up 8 amazing-looking mocktail recipes for you here. Click on the links, grab the recipes, and start sipping.
Cucumber Lemonade Mocktail
Food & Wine
This mocktail has a really unique flavor with the addition of fresh dill alongside refreshing cucumber that I love. It's perfect for sipping on a hot day (or during the colder months to dream of warmer times!).
Don't have agave syrup? Making a regular homemade simple syrup is an easy alternative.
Tip: The more bubbly the soda water, the better… in my opinion. And I like to think I’m a sparkling water expert ;)
Blueberry Mojito Mocktail
Fresh. Out.
Who doesn't love a minty mojito? The muddled fresh blueberries gives it a fruity twist while adding some antioxidants to your beverage - win win! You can also use frozen blueberries, or really any berry you want. Frozen berries are way cheaper, usually taste better (especially in the winter months here in the Midwest), and retain their nutrient content really well!
If you don't want to make homemade simple syrup, agave syrup is a good alternative. Start with half the amount if using agave, and add more if a sweeter flavor is desired.
Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail
The Real Food Dietitians
Kombucha makes the perfect alternative to a boozy beverage! I actually love having it in a wine glass when I want to feel *fancy*. As a fermented tea beverage, it has the gut-health promoting properties of probiotics and polyphenols. And the fresh rosemary sprig gives this drink a really nice twist, especially in the winter. So cozy!
Note: Because it is fermented, kombucha is not 100% alcohol-free and typically contains 0.5% or less alcohol. A good alternative is ginger beer or soda.
Spiced Citrus Ginger Mocktail
Zevia
This mocktail is refreshing, citrusy, and spicy. The ginger ale makes it a bit of a tummy soother too! This recipe uses Zevia Ginger Ale, which is a great stevia-sweetened option. If you prefer regular ginger ale, go for it! A ginger kombucha is a good alternative as well.
Can't find cardamom pods? This drink will still taste great without them.
Virgin Espresso Martini
Absolut Drinks
The perfect pick-me-up mocktail for happy hour or after dinner to stay awake for a long night of bingeing Netflix and scrolling Instagram. I’m not the only one here, don’t lie.
This recipe uses a homemade vanilla syrup that's easier to make than it sounds, and it makes all the difference for flavor.
Shake all ingredients hard for 15-20 seconds, or until shaker is very cold to touch. This will also get you that great frothy layer!
Agua De Jamaica
Isabel Eats
While it's not exactly a mocktail, this alcohol-free drink is a favorite of mine when I have a craving for something sweet and refreshing. The hibiscus flowers also give it a great tart flavor!
Agua De Jamaica is a popular drink in Mexico, and dried hibiscus flowers can be found in most Mexican grocery stores. Hibiscus tea is a good alternative if you can't find flowers. For added flavor, ginger, cinnamon, and/or mint are all popular add-ins!
Avocado Virgin Margarita
Nutrition Stripped
A fun twist on a frozen margarita! Avocados are full of fiber and healthy fat, so this mocktail packs a big nutrition punch. And look how pretty it is!
This recipe includes tequila for those imbibing, but tastes perfectly creamy and sweet without it as well. To make this recipe zero-proof, just get rid of the tequila and replace with as much water or orange juice that you need to achieve your desired drink consistency.
Grapefruit Paloma Mocktail
All The Healthy Things
Ending on a Real Good Nutrition favorite!
This mocktail has the perfect balance of not-too-sweet and not-too-tart. You can use premade grapefruit juice, but to really level up your mocktail... try fresh squeezed! It really does make a difference.
Don't have maple syrup? Simple syrup or agave work great too!
Which one are you going to try first?
I mean… we’re never turning down an espresso martini even if it’s NA!
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