Non-alcoholic drink ideas

Perfect for entertaining the entire family, mocktails are a great alternative for party guests who prefer to not drink alcohol.

Party without the “buzz”!  Mocktails, or mock cocktails, are beverages that do not contain alcohol.  They’re ideal for entertaining the entire family, and are a great alternative for party guests who prefer to not drink alcohol.

Lifestyle expert Shoana Jensen shared a few of her secrets when it comes to creating the ultimate mocktail:

1. Make sure your mocktails are served in a fun glass. Don’t give just the drinkers the fancy glass – the mocktails drinkers are a big part of the party, too.

2. Plan ahead for the people who don’t want to consume alcohol. Find a great signature drink for them to enjoy that’s just as festive as the other cocktails that you are serving your guests. Everyone should feel like a special guest at your function.

3. Don’t forget to have a great garnish for the mocktails!

4. Make sure that you have lots of water available for everyone to drink – especially during the summertime, when it’s hot out.

Mocktail Inspiration Ideas:

A limeade is the perfect, thirst-quenching drink on a hot summer day.  Mix some freshly-squeezed lime juice, a few sprigs of mint, cane sugar, and sparkling water for a quick-and-easy backyard refreshment.

If you love sangrias, substitute wine with seltzer water and grape juice frozen concentrate; and mix in thinly-sliced apples, sectioned orange segments, cranberries, grapes, and other seasonal fruit that you may have on-hand.

Shirley Temple is a classic beverage that you can put your own spin to.  Mix lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry for garnish.  For your own twist, add some orange juice for a zesty citrus flavor.

A banana smoothie is an easy way to entertain the whole family on a hot, Sunday afternoon.  Chances are you have all of the ingredients in your kitchen!  Blend 2 cups of vanilla yogurt, sliced bananas, ½ cup of honey, a dash of vanilla extract, and ice.

Next time you’re celebrating a birthday, consider making mock champagne.  Mix some ginger ale, pineapple juice, and one bottle of sparkling white grape juice for the perfect drink to toast to up at the cottage this summer.

Mojitos are another great thirst quencher.  To make them alcohol-free, combine club soda, lime juice, mint leaves, and simple syrup.  Garnish on top with a lime slice, and for an added twist, include lime sherbet or sorbet to the mix.

For the tea lovers out there, try making a soda pop tea!  Steep your favourite loose-leaf tea (fruity teas work best), add agave nectar to taste, chill with ice, and top it off with sparkling water.

Finally, take a look at our delicious mocktail recipes from our previous shows:

–    Peach Fizz Mocktail

–    The Gentle Breeze

–    Paris Rose