Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. She earned her Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Tennessee and has a research background in maternal and child health nutrition and public health, as well as a Certificate of Training in Obesity Interventions from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.
9 Easy Mocktail Recipes to Try
3 min read
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.
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.
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.
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!
Berries are muddled together with honey and mint and topped with seltzer water in this refreshing, naturally sweet drink.
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.
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.
Apple juice, cinnamon, a lime wedge and non-alcoholic ginger beer offer a fresh take on a classic cocktail.
- No-Cook Tailgate Recipes to Make for Game Day
- Pros and Cons of Vegan Cheese
- Detroit-Area Entrepreneurs in the Non-Alcoholic Industry Offer Dry January Steps for Success
Photo credit: Shanthi Appelö/AHM
