If I’ve learned one thing from being a host to many dinner parties, it’s that you have to cater to everyone. Whether it be expecting mothers, kids or just someone not looking to drink, mocktails are a fun way to accommodate everyone. Although most mocktails are just juice with some fruit slices, it’s important to really spruce them up so guests don’t feel left out.
From fun colors to fruity flavors, you can make any cocktail into a mocktail and even have some flair to it if you want to make it personalized. Whatever the event, having some mocktail recipes on hand is important so here are three unique mocktail recipes for you to try.
Blue Lagoon Mocktail
This refreshing drink only uses a few ingredients and will surely impress your guests with its vibrant color and citrusy taste. Equipment-wise, you’ll need a citrus reamer (or you can do it by hand), a tall glass and fun straws (optional). In order to make this mocktail, you’ll need these ingredients:
¼ cup of (blue) Curaçao syrup
2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
12 fluid ounces of lemon-lime soda (ex: Sprite)
Optional:
Lemon slice (for garnish)
For this easy assembly, all you need to do is pour the Curaçao syrup over some ice in a glass (the one you’ll be drinking out of is fine) and squeeze a lemon into it. Next add the lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
As far as garnish goes, you can pre-salt the rims of the glasses to add some flare and plop a lemon slice on it. The more fun you have decorating it, the more enjoyable the experience of drinking it will be.
Pro tip: If you want to cool off on a hot summer day, make this cocktail 4-6 hours ahead of time and freeze it to create a slushie!For nutritional value, be sure to check out the original recipe at Savor the Flavour.
Hurricane Mocktail
Moving right along, we now have a vibrant red drink for you to try. This sweet and fruity drink requires a few more ingredients than the Blue Lagoon mocktail but it will be worth it. This cocktail is garnished with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice. Equipment wise, you’ll need a hurricane glass if you have one (hence the name) and this recipe is specially made for a pitcher so you can make a large batch and pour as you go. For ingredients, you’ll need the following:
3 cups of passion fruit juice
1 ½ cups orange juice
1 ½ cups pineapple juice
¾ cups freshly squeezed lime juice (around 8 medium limes)
¾ cup simple syrup
¾ cup grenadine
1 teaspoon rum extract
Chilled lemon-lime soda (ex: Sprite)
8 maraschino cherries (for garnish)
8 orange slices (for garnish)
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, add all the drink ingredients except the lemon-lime soda into a large pitcher. If you aren’t serving it immediately, you can cover it and place it in the refrigerator. When you are serving it, place some ice in the glass and fill your cup about ¾ of the way. Now, just add the lemon-lime soda and gently stir it. If you want to really create the experience, garnish the drink with a cherry and an orange slice.
Pro tip: Although you can just place the cherry and organ slice on top of the drink, you could also puncture them on a skewer to make it elegant.
For nutritional value, be sure to check out the original recipe at Savor the Flavour.
Virgin Cosmo
Personally, a cosmo is my go-to drink so this is one of my favorite recipes when I’m not in the mood to drink. It also is my go-to getting ready for bed if I want to feel bougie and have a self-care moment. This one isn’t the most unique option but it’s a staple in my life. Grab yourself a fancy martini glass (or anything you have) and gather these ingredients for the perfect cranberry, Christmas-vibe drink:
3 fluid ounces of cranberry juice (reduced sugar is a healthy alternative)
1 fluid ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
2 fluid ounces of sparkling water
1 fluid ounce of orange juice
Once you’ve gotten your ingredients, grab a cocktail shaker (or a DIY home alternative like a mason jar). Pour the cranberry juice, lime and sparkling water into the shaker and gently shake after adding ice. After this, pour it into a martini glass and add a splash of orange juice for a fruity touch and serve.
Pro-tip: I love to garnish mine with some edible flowers or frozen cranberries to add some subtle touches but it isn’t necessary.
For nutritional value, be sure to check out the original recipe at Mindful Mocktail.