Mixology

31 Best Mocktails & Recipes for a Refreshing 2024

Published on Dec 13th 2024
best mocktails

Looking for the best mocktails to level up your drinks? While cocktails enhance any reunion, who says you need to have alcohol to have a good time? Whether you’re hosting a party or a special occasion or simply craving a sophisticated sip without the buzz, mocktails are the perfect choice.

From fruity blends and sparkling spritzers to easy three-ingredient wonders, these non-alcoholic drinks are as refreshing as they are delicious. In this article, we’ll explore creative recipes that prove mocktails can be just as exciting (if not more) than regular cocktails. 

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Easy Mocktail Recipes

1. Peached Iced Tea

Peached Iced Tea
Peached Iced Tea  (via Canva)

When it comes to the best mocktails, Peach Iced Tea is a timeless classic. Start by brewing a pot of black tea and letting it cool completely. Blend ripe peaches into a smooth puree, sweeten with honey or sugar to taste, and mix it into the chilled tea. Serve over ice for a refreshing burst of flavor, perfect for sunny afternoons or cozy get-togethers. 

2. Lime and Mint Soda 

For a simple yet zesty drink from the world of easy mocktail recipes, try Lime and Mint Soda. In a glass, muddle fresh mint leaves and lime wedges until fragrant. Add a splash of simple syrup, fill the glass with ice and top it off with soda water. Stir gently and sip on this crisp, bubbly delight that’s perfect for any occasion.

3. Blueberry and Mint Iced Tea 

Elevate your tea game with this fruity twist! Brew green tea and let it cool. Muddle fresh blueberries and mint leaves in a shaker, then strain the mixture into the tea for a refreshing, subtly sweet drink. Serve over ice, and don’t forget to garnish with whole blueberries for an extra pop of color and flavor.

4. Citrus Refresher

Citrus Refresher
Citrus Refresher (via Canva)

Brighten your day with this refreshing mocktail option. Squeeze fresh orange, lemon and lime juice into a pitcher, sweeten with agave syrup, and stir in a generous splash of sparkling water. Serve in glasses filled with ice, and garnish with citrus slices for a vibrant, thirst-quenching treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

5. Apple Ginger Fizz

Perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations, this mocktail is a true star among the best mocktails and even rivals classic Thanksgiving cocktails. Mix crisp apple cider with a splash of ginger beer for a spicy-sweet fizz. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, serve over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick or thin apple slices for an autumn-inspired flair.

6. Pomegranate Sparkler 

Looking for easy mocktail recipes with a touch of elegance? Combine pomegranate juice and sparkling water for a vibrant drink that’s simple yet sophisticated. Sweeten with a dash of honey or sugar if desired, and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

7. Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade

Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade
Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade (via Canva)

A must-try for those looking for unique gifts for cocktail lovers, these best mocktails are true crowd-pleasers. Blend fresh watermelon chunks into juice and strain. Mix with fresh lemon juice, a touch of sugar syrup and top with sparkling water. Serve over ice and decorate with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint for a drink that’s as refreshing as it is Instagram-worthy.

8. Basil Berry Cooler

Wondering which mocktail is best in taste? The Basil Berry Cooler might just take the crown. Muddle fresh basil leaves and mixed berries in a shaker. Add a splash of lemon juice, sweeten with simple syrup and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a basil sprig.

Famous Mocktails

9. Frozen Tropical Colada

Frozen Tropical Colada
Frozen Tropical Colada (via Canva)

When it comes to answering the question, “What are the most popular cocktails without alcohol?” a Frozen Tropical Colada is an undeniable favorite. Blend coconut milk, pineapple juice and crushed ice until smooth. For extra tropical vibes, add a splash of orange juice. Serve in a tall glass, garnish with a pineapple wedge, and transport yourself to paradise with every sip — no alcohol required. While some consider Piña Colada one of the best cocktails, this frozen tropical colada is its no-proof doppelganger and possibly one of the best mocktails too. 

10. Matcha Tonic 

The Matcha Tonic is a sophisticated choice among the best mocktails. Start by whisking matcha powder into hot water until smooth. Let it cool, then pour over a glass filled with ice. Top with tonic water for a fizzy twist and garnish with a slice of lime for a refreshing, antioxidant-packed drink that's as trendy as it is delicious.

11. Virgin Cuba Libre 

A classic among the best mocktails, the Virgin Cuba Libre delivers all the flavors of the beloved cocktail without the rum. Combine cola, freshly squeezed lime juice and ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy this refreshing mocktail that's perfect for any occasion.

12. Cucumber Lemonade

Cucumber Lemonade
Cucumber Lemonade (via Canva)

Light, crisp and hydrating, Cucumber Lemonade deserves its spot in the lineup of the best mocktails. Blend cucumber slices with water to create a refreshing juice, then mix with fresh lemonade. Serve over ice, and garnish with a cucumber ribbon or lemon wheel for a drink that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

13. Frozen Margarita 

One of the best mocktail recipes for a party, the Frozen Margarita is a showstopper. Blend lime juice, orange juice, agave syrup and ice for a frosty treat. Rim the glass with salt, pour the mocktail in, and garnish with a lime wheel for an authentic touch.

14. Roseberry Mule

A delightful twist on a classic, the Roseberry Mule combines berry sweetness with the zing of ginger beer. Muddle fresh raspberries with a splash of lime juice, then pour into a copper mug filled with ice. Add ginger beer and garnish with a sprig of mint for a drink that’s both refreshing and Instagram-worthy.

15. Faux-jito Mocktail

Faux-jito Mocktail
Faux-jito Mocktail (via Canva)

If you’re looking for the best mocktails to order at a bar, this alcohol-free take on the mojito, also known as the "virgin mojito" or "nojito," is perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up. Muddle fresh mint leaves and lime in a glass, then add simple syrup and ice. Top with soda water and stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint for a crisp, herbaceous drink that's always a crowd-pleaser.

16. Virgin Shirley Temple

Which is the most popular mocktail? The Virgin Shirley Temple is a timeless contender. Combine ginger ale or lemon-lime soda with a splash of grenadine over ice. Garnish with maraschino cherries for a nostalgic treat that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.

Fruity Mocktail Recipe

17. Strawberry Acai Refresher

Strawberry Acai Refresher
Strawberry Acai Refresher (via Canva)

This fruity mocktail recipe is a vibrant punch of flavor. Blend fresh strawberries with acai juice and a splash of lemon. Serve over ice and top with soda water for a light, revitalizing drink. Garnish with sliced strawberries and a lemon or kiwi wheel for a perfect warm-weather refresher.

18. Ginger Punch

Bring festive warmth to your glass with this Christmas cocktail favorite without alcohol. Combine ginger ale, fresh orange juice and cranberry juice in a pitcher. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and stir well. Serve over ice and garnish with orange slices, fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for holiday charm.

19. Tropical Punch Mocktail

For one of the best mocktails recipes, the Tropical Punch Mocktail is a must-try. Mix pineapple juice, orange juice and a splash of grenadine in a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger ale for a fizzy finish and garnish with a cherry and pineapple wedge for a tropical escape in every sip.

20. Cranberry Rosemary Herb Soda

Cranberry Rosemary Herb Soda
Cranberry Rosemary Herb Soda (via Canva)

This herb-infused mocktail is both refreshing and elegant. Combine cranberry juice and a sprig of fresh rosemary in a glass. Add soda water and ice, then stir gently to infuse the flavors. Garnish with extra rosemary and fresh cranberries for a sophisticated finish.

21. Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

Celebrate in style with this icy treat, perfect for New Year’s Eve cocktails sans alcohol. Blend fresh strawberries, lemon juice, sugar and ice until slushy. Serve in festive glasses and garnish with a sugared rim and a lemon twist for a sweet-tart drink that screams celebration.

22. Coconut Brazilian Lemonade

This tropical fruity mocktail recipe is creamy, zesty and refreshing. Blend lime juice, sugar, water and coconut milk until smooth. Serve over ice and garnish with a lime wedge. This Brazilian-inspired drink will transport you straight to the tropics.

23. Passionfruit and Elderflower Spritz

Passionfruit and Elderflower Spritz
Passionfruit and Elderflower Spritz (via Canva)

​​Delicate and fruity, this is one of the best mocktails for a classy occasion. Combine passionfruit juice, elderflower syrup and a splash of soda water in a glass with ice. Stir gently and garnish with edible flowers or a passionfruit slice for a stunning presentation.

24. Cangria 

For a spooky twist on sangria, try this Halloween cocktail without the alcohol. Mix grape juice, cranberry juice, and a splash of sparkling water in a pitcher. Add sliced oranges, apples and blackberries for a hauntingly good flavor. Serve in goblets with a blackberry garnish for eerie elegance.

3 Ingredient Mocktails

25. Grapefruit Spritzer

Grapefruit Spritzer
Grapefruit Spritzer (via Canva)

For a spot among the best mocktails, the Grapefruit Spritzer is an easy yet elegant choice. Mix freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and sparkling water over ice. Add a dash of honey or agave syrup for sweetness. Garnish with a grapefruit slice for a vibrant, refreshing sip.

26. Pineapple Cooler 

This tropical treat is one of the easiest 3 ingredient mocktails to make. Simply mix pineapple juice with coconut water and a splash of lime juice over ice. Serve in a tall glass with a pineapple wedge for a thirst-quenching delight.

27. Honey Lemonade

Honey Lemonade
Honey Lemonade (via Canva)

Perfect for any occasion, Honey Lemonade is a simple yet timeless choice, making it one of the best mocktails if you're looking for a refreshing summertime beverage. Stir honey into fresh lemon juice until dissolved, then add chilled water or sparkling water. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon wheel for a naturally sweet and tangy refreshment.

28. Orange Cream Soda

Channel nostalgic soda shop vibes with this 3 ingredient mocktail. Combine orange juice and vanilla syrup over ice, then top with club soda for a fizzy, creamy treat. Garnish with a slice of orange for an irresistible finish.

29. Blackberry Smash

As one of the best mocktails, the Blackberry Smash combines fruity and refreshing elements. Muddle blackberries in a glass, then add lemon juice and sparkling water. Stir gently and serve with a garnish of fresh mint or a skewer of blackberries.

30. Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer (via Canva)

A staple among the best mocktails to order at a bar, the Arnold Palmer mixes iced tea and lemonade in equal parts. Serve over ice with a lemon slice for a classic, crowd-pleasing drink that’s as simple as it is satisfying.

31. Sparkling Peach Fizz 

For a sparkling addition to the list of best mocktails, try the Sparkling Peach Fizz. Blend peach nectar with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve over ice and garnish with a peach slice for a light, fruity drink that’s perfect for any season.

Best Mocktails FAQs

Which Is the Most Popular Mocktail?

Virgin Mojito is the most popular cocktail
Virgin Mojito is the most popular cocktail (via Canva)

The most popular mocktail is the Virgin Mojito (also Nojito and Faux-jito), which combines refreshing mint, lime and soda for a light and zesty drink that's enjoyed worldwide. Other popular options include the the Frozen Tropical Colada, offering a creamy blend of pineapple and coconut and the Shirley Temple, made with ginger ale, grenadine and a maraschino cherry. With their vibrant flavors and festive appeal, these are among the best mocktails, perfect for any occasion where you want to enjoy the fun of a cocktail without the alcohol.

Can I Have a Mocktail While Pregnant?

While mocktails made from scratch using fresh ingredients like fruit, herbs, and soda are generally safe and healthy during pregnancy, caution should be exercised with pre-made or fabricated non-alcoholic beverages. Studies suggest that some of these may contain trace amounts of ethanol, which could pose a risk if consumed in large quantities, so it's best to avoid them to eliminate any potential risk to the fetus.

Please consult your healthcare practitioner for further advice on whether specific zero-proof best mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages are safe for you. Each pregnancy is different! 

Mocktails are no longer just substitutes for cocktails — they're vibrant, creative and satisfying drinks in their own right. From easy mocktail recipes like Peach Iced Tea and Pomegranate Sparkler to famous mocktails like the Virgin Cuba Libre and Frozen Tropical Colada, there’s a flavorful option for every mood and occasion. 

Whether you're hosting a celebration, embracing a healthier lifestyle, or just looking for the best mocktails to enjoy, these recipes prove that you don’t need alcohol to raise a glass in style.

For even more fun mixology ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!