9 Easy Mocktail Recipes to Try

Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD

| 3 min read

Mocktails
Observing Dry January or just looking for an alternative to alcohol? Mocktails are rising in popularity – offering fun refreshment without the booze. While some mocktails center on non-alcoholic liquors or wines, others use a blend of fresh ingredients, flavors and techniques to pique your interest.
Below are nine mocktail recipes from A Healthier Michigan to mix up at home or with friends. Click each headline or video for thorough directions on how to make the corresponding drink.
This recipe only calls for four ingredients, all of which can likely already be found in your kitchen: espresso, oat milk, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. This mocktail espresso martini offers a caffeine kick and the same aesthetic of the classic drink while being healthier and alcohol-free.
This recipe only calls for 4 ingredients, all of which can likely already be found in your kitchen: espresso, oat milk, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. This mocktail espresso martini offers a caffeine kick and the same aesthetic of the classic drink while being healthier and alcohol free.   
Mocktail espresso martini
Sweetened with pear juice and honey, this mocktail is shaken with vanilla and cardamom before being mixed with sparkling water and topped with a pear slice.
Perky pear mocktail.
Perky pear mocktail
Equal parts orange and cranberry juice, this mocktail is spiced with cinnamon and topped with sparkling water and garnished with cranberries and burnt orange slices.
Cozy cran mocktail.
Cozy cran mocktail
Great for a spooky Halloween party or a moody get-together, this dark mocktail uses blackberries, lime, pomegranate juice and sparkling water. Add a piece of dry ice and watch the fog roll in.
Using fruit as a sweetener and seltzer for fizz, this mocktail cuts out a lot of added sugar you’d find in a traditional margarita. Separately blend fresh strawberry and mango with ice to create fruit slushes. Layer them in a glass and enjoy!
Layered strawberry mango mockarita.
Layered strawberry mango mockarita
Berries are muddled together with honey and mint and topped with seltzer water in this refreshing, naturally sweet drink.
Muddled strawberry blackberry mint mocktail.
Muddled strawberry blackberry mint mocktail
An egg white is used to give this mocktail an exciting twist when shaken with apple juice, orange juice, maple syrup and cinnamon. Top it off with sparkling water and a garnish of star anise or an apple slice.
Apples are the most valuable crop in Michigan. According to the Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan is the nation’s third-largest producer of the tasty fruit. Nearly 15 million apple trees cover 34,000-plus acres, producing popular apple varieties such as Fuji, Evercrisp, Gala, Golden and Red Delicious, and Honeycrisp.
Spiced apple fizz mocktail
Freshly squeezed orange juice is mixed with cranberry juice and cinnamon, and topped with sparkling water. Custom ice cubes frozen with cranberries and an orange wedge adds to the festive presentation.
Mimosa
Orange cranberry “mimosa” mocktail
Apple juice, cinnamon, a lime wedge and non-alcoholic ginger beer offer a fresh take on a classic cocktail.
Holiday Mocktails
Apple cinnamon Moscow mule mocktail
Photo credit: Shanthi Appelö/AHM

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