10 mocktail recipes that taste just as good as the real thing

Mocktails are the perfect choice for anyone who loves the taste of a delicious cocktail but doesn’t want the alcohol. Whether you’re abstaining for health reasons, designated driving or just want to enjoy a flavourful drink without the side effects of alcohol, mocktails are here to satisfy your cravings. These alcohol-free beverages are vibrant, creative and just as tasty as their alcoholic counterparts!  

Why choose alcohol-free drinks? 

Choosing alcohol-free drinks like mocktails offers a wide range of benefits that can improve your physical and mental wellbeing, allowing you to live a happier, healthier life. They contain fewer calories and are less likely to negatively affect liver function, digestive health and sleep quality. Many mocktails also contain ingredients like fruit juices and sparkling water, which are a hydrating and refreshing option for everyone, including children, pregnant women or those making mindful lifestyle choices. Lastly, you get to enjoy a delicious drink without the drawbacks of alcohol, maintaining better mental clarity and reducing the risk of overindulgence. 

10 easy mocktail recipes 

1. Virgin Mojito 

A refreshing and zesty drink with mint, lime and a hint of sweetness.  

Ingredients: Fresh mint leaves, 1 lime (cut into wedges), 1 tablespoon of sugar, sparkling water, ice cubes.  

Instructions: Crush the mint leaves, lime wedges and sugar in a glass. Add ice and top it off with sparkling water. Stir well and garnish with more mint leaves and lime slices.  

2. Virgin Pina Colada 

A tropical delight that brings the taste of sunshine without the rum. 

Ingredients: Pineapple juice, coconut milk, lime juice, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries, ice cubes.  

Instructions: Blend the pineapple juice and coconut milk in a one-to-one ratio with a squeeze of lime juice with ice. Serve in a tall glass and garnish with pineapple and a cherry.  

3. Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade 

A fizzy, tangy mocktail that’s both refreshing and satisfying.  

Ingredients: 120g fresh raspberries, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, sparkling water, ice cubes.  

Instructions: Crush the raspberries and honey in a glass. Add the lemon juice, ice and top with sparkling water. Stir well and garnish with a few extra raspberries and a lemon wedge.  

4. Virgin Margarita 

This mocktail captures the tart and tangy flavours of a classic margarita, just without the tequila.  

Ingredients: 120ml lime juice, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, salt, ice cubes. 

Instructions: Combine the lime juice, orange juice and honey in a shaker. Shake well and pour over ice in a glass. Rim the glass with salt and garnish with a lime wedge.  

5. Tropical Fizz 

A combination of citrus, pineapple and passionfruit for a tropical twist.  

Ingredients: Orange juice, pineapple juice, passionfruit syrup, sparkling water, ice cubes.  

Instructions: Combine orange juice and pineapple juice in a one-to-one ratio with a squirt of passionfruit syrup in a shaker. Shake well, pour over ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with an orange slice or pineapple wedge.  

6. Moscow Mule Mocktail 

A fresh, delicious twist on a classic cocktail with the bold flavours of ginger, lime and mint.  

Ingredients: Crushed ice, ginger beer, lime juice, sparkling water, fresh mint. 

Instructions: Fill a copper mule mug 2/3 full of ice. Top with ginger beer and sparkling water in a three-to-one ratio with a squeeze of lime juice. Stir to combine and garnish with mint and lime wedges.  

7. Orange Coconut Water 

A tropical, hydrating blend that combines the refreshing sweetness of orange juice with coconut water. 

Ingredients: Coconut water, orange juice, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey, ice cubes. 

Instructions: Combine coconut water and orange juice in a three-to-two ratio with a squeeze of lemon juice and honey in a shaker with some ice. Shake well and pour into a glass.  

8. Virgin ‘Tequila’ Sunrise 

A vibrant, alcohol-free version of the popular sunrise cocktail.  

Ingredients: Non-alcoholic tequila (or alcohol-free sparkling wine), orange juice, grenadine.  

Instructions: Combine the non-alcoholic tequila and orange juice in a one-to-one ratio in a champagne flute. Gently pour in half a teaspoon of grenadine and garnish with your choice of fresh fruit.  

9. Classic Shirley Temple 

A timeless, sweet and bubbly mocktail – topped with a cherry!  

Ingredients: Ice cubes, ginger beer, lime juice, grenadine, maraschino cherry.  

Instructions: Fill a glass with ice and top with ginger beer and lime juice. Slowly pour in half a teaspoon of grenadine and garnish with a maraschino cherry.  

10. Pink Lemonade 

A bright, zesty beverage with a tangy lemon flavour and a beautiful rosy hue.  

Ingredients: Lemonade, cranberry juice, strawberries, lemon juice.  

Instructions: Combine and muddle three strawberries and a squeeze of lemon juice. Top with lemonade and cranberry juice in a two-to-one ratio and enjoy.  

Top tips for making the best mocktails 

• Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavour.  

• Experiment with herbs, fruit infusions and sparkling water.  

• Embellish your drink by using stylish glassware and fun garnishes.  

• Add creative elements like flavoured ice cubes or edible flowers. 

• Pair your mocktails with different foods or snack choices for a complete dining experience.  

Need more information about drinking less? 

Drinking less alcohol can lead to a happier and healthier life. If you need more information or would like a free, personalised health and wellbeing plan, LiveWell Dorset is always happy to help. Register with us today for extra support and resources from our friendly team of expert coaches and advisors or contact us for more information.  

Further reading 

• How to deal with peer pressure to drink 

• Ten of the best alcohol-free drinks to try this Christmas 

• How to help your partner stop drinking