Cocktails are one of the most popular beverages at parties and summer events. Unfortunately, the lingering effects of alcohol can impair your judgment and lead to embarrassing situations. Drinking alcohol in the sun can also cause your skin to burn faster or make you ill.
Many people skip alcohol and opt for mocktails to avoid these unpleasant effects. So if you’re hosting a party, you’ll want to keep mocktail ingredients on hand!
Thankfully, many of the ingredients are also cocktail essentials, so you won’t have to purchase expensive supplies to offer your non-alcoholic versions to your guests.
This post will familiarize you with them and teach you tips for assembling them into tasty drinks.
Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Zero-proof spirits are some of the best non-alcoholic cocktail ingredients. These beverages usually consist of botanicals, herbs, spices, and sometimes, even a vegetable or two!
While they don’t taste the same as their alcoholic counterparts, they’ll give your mocktail the flavor it needs to resemble the real thing.
Sweeteners
Simple syrup is the most common sweetener for cocktails. Make it by simmering equal parts of water and sugar on the stovetop until dissolved. You can also add fruit concentrate to make cranberry, blueberry, or other fruit-flavored sweeteners.
Healthier alternatives include honey, agave, or maple syrup. Depending on the consistency you desire, you can dissolve them in water or add them straight into the drink.
Citrus Fruits
Many people prefer mocktails with a citrus base, such as:
- Lemon
- Lime
- Orange
- Grapefruit
These fruits are refreshing and perfect for the summer months. For best results, use fresh fruits instead of packaged concentrates. Squeeze them ahead of time and store the juices in glass jars in the fridge to have all your mocktail essentials on hand.
Herbs
Fresh herbs are crucial for many cocktails, so you’ll want to have these on hand:
- Mint
- Thyme
- Lemon balm
- Lavender
- Sage
The trick is to add the sprigs to the bottom of the shaker before pouring in simple syrup or citrus juice. This will draw out the flavors from the herbs! Then, strain the mixture to remove the leaves.
Garnishes
Part of the attraction to mocktails is the presentation. Make yours a hit by adding garnishes, such as:
- Berries
- Maraschino cherries
- Citrus zest
- Edible flowers
- Cocktail umbrellas
Your guests will love the extra effort you put into making their drink look just as great as it tastes!
Putting Your Mocktail Ingredients Together
Now you’re familiar with the ingredients, so let’s learn how to make a mocktail! You’ll need the following:
- 2 oz zero-proof spirits
- 1 oz sweetener
- 1 oz citrus juice
- Fresh herbs
- Ice
- Garnish
First, combine the citrus juice and sweetener in the shaker, and any herbs or berries you wish to add. Then, pour in non-alcoholic spirits and about a handful of ice.
Shake the drink for 30 seconds and strain into a glass with ice. Finally, garnish and serve!
Surprise Your Guests With Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drinks
This summer, you can prove to your guests that non-alcoholic cocktails don’t have to be a downer. The key is using the right mocktail ingredients. If you do, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Would you like more summer recipes that are both healthy and flavorful? If so, browse more of our food and culinary posts!
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