30 Best Mocktail Recipes and Creative Nonalcoholic Cocktails

Updated on Dec. 11, 2024

Versatility is the name of the game with these mocktail recipes. Our collection of nonalcoholic cocktails includes everything from summery sippers to mocktails fit for holiday parties.

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Whenever I throw a party, I always make an effort to offer nonalcoholic cocktails. Preparing mocktail recipes is a wonderful way to ensure that sober friends and non-drinkers feel welcomed and fully included in the festivities. I never want anyone to feel like their only option is a glass of water or a can of soda from the kid’s cooler!

This list has something for everyone, including spritzer recipes and “virgin” versions of classic cocktails. The booze-free drinks will be appreciated by designated drivers, dry January participants and anyone who just can’t deal with a morning hangover anymore (ahem, me). Made with creative ingredients and sophisticated garnishes, these mocktails are so interesting that your cocktail-loving friends may even request a glass.

If you’re wondering where start, try making alcohol-free margaritas or slushy nojitos. If you’re running short on time after prepping your party food, try making a big-batch recipe like punch and pairing it with store-bought nonalcoholic canned cocktails.

1/30

Blood Orange Punch

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 3-1/2 quarts
Cranberry juice, blood orange Italian soda, sugar and lots of fresh lemon juice combine to make this ultra-bright and fizzy bowl of punch. Pro tip: Use large ice cubes, as they melt more slowly and won't dilute the punch's flavors.
From the Recipe Creator: This tangy punch is festive, refreshing and easy to prepare. Instead of plain ice cubes, I add frozen orange juice cubes. —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 143 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
2/30

Watermelon Spritzer

Skill Level Beginner
Servings 5 servings
This summertime spritzer infuses real watermelon juice with limeade concentrate and a bit of carbonated water for some fizz. To make it ahead, combine the watermelon and limeade the night before your event and let the flavors meld together in the fridge overnight. Then, add the carbonated water just before serving so the spritzer stays nice and bubbly.
From the Recipe Creator: It couldn’t get much easier than this bright spritzer! “Watermelon blended with limeade is cool and refreshing. It’s a wonderful thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.” —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 140 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
3/30

Virgin Margarita

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 15 mins
Servings 2 servings
Fresh lime and lemon juice, superfine sugar and a bit of club soda make this spirit-free margarita shine. If regular margaritas are also on the menu, you can easily scale up the recipe to make a large pitcher. Set out a bottle of tequila and allow guests to mix it in if they choose to partake.
From the Recipe Creator: You don't need store-bought limeade, alcohol or any fancy ingredients to create a refreshing, thirst-quenching experience this summer. All you need is a few lemons, limes and a touch of sugar; it really is that easy to learn how to make a virgin margarita! —Lindsay Mattison, Hillsboro, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 127 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
4/30

Blackberry Shrub

Skill Level Advanced
Servings 2 cups
Shrub (aka drinking vinegar) takes some time to prepare—this one tastes best after it sits for several weeks. It's worth the wait, though. Blackberries, cinnamon and vinegar combine to create a flavorful base for homemade soda, creating an impressive summer mocktail.
From the Recipe Creator: Making a shrub recipe is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at a restaurant in California. They are as colorful and refreshing as summer drinks should be. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons blackberry shrub syrup: 83 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
5/30

Mock Champagne Punch

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 mins
Servings 16 servings
Champagne is a mainstay at any New Year's Eve party, especially once the clock strikes midnight. Include your sober guests in the celebration with this mocktail made with fizzy white grape juice and ginger ale.
From the Recipe Creator: Of all the punch recipes I've tried, I keep coming back to this mock champagne punch. It's so easy to keep the ingredients in the refrigerator and mix as much as needed. —Betty B. Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 58 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
6/30

Tajin Limeade

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 8 servings
Break out the Tajin to give this refreshing limeade cooler a kick of heat. It gives off major spicy margarita vibes without requiring any expensive tequila.
From the Recipe Creator: Tajin is a blend of chili peppers, salt and lime. I sprinkle it on a lot of food, but I've found it's really delicious in limeade. —Amanda Phillips, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 126 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 749mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/30

Shirley Temple

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 1 serving
No list of mocktail recipes would be complete without the classic Shirley Temple! It's usually seen as a kid's drink, but there's no reason it can't be enjoyed by adults, too. Try fancying it up by making it with fancy cherries (like Luxardo cherries).
From the Recipe Creator: A classic kids' drink that's been a favorite for decades, Shirley Temple is a pretty, fizzy, red-hued mocktail served with maraschino cherries. Make the drink extra special with a red and white paper straw or a little cocktail umbrella. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 173 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
8/30

Virgin Mojito

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 1 serving
You won't even miss the rum in this refreshing booze-free mojito. I recommend crafting a large batch of this mocktail for pool-side sipping. No matter how much you scale up this recipe, it only takes five minutes to make from start to finish—and even less time for everyone to drink it all down.
From the Recipe Creator: This alcohol-free version of the classic mojito is delightfully fragrant and refreshing. Keep fresh mint on hand, and it will become your warm-weather go-to. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 49 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
9/30

Cranberry Fizz

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 2 quarts
This cranberry fizz is begging to make its debut at a holiday party. Seasonal cranberries and citrus fruits (hello, oranges and grapefruit!) fit this mocktail for winter festivities, and ginger ale gives it some celebratory fizz. Use frozen cranberries for the garnish so they keep the drinks chilled without watering them down.
From the Recipe Creator: With just five basic ingredients, this wonderfully tangy punch couldn't be much simpler to stir together. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 154 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
10/30

Spiced Apple Tea

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 25 mins
Servings 5 servings
During fall holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, I like to make mocktails featuring the humble apple. Mulling your favorite tea flavor (like black or ginger tea) with cloves and cinnamon creates a spiced apple tea that tastes like sipping on autumn itself.
From the Recipe Creator: I love to try new recipes for my husband and our friends. This spiced apple tea is one of our favorites. I like to serve it warm or refrigerate and serve it cold, too. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 48 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
11/30

Pineapple Coconut Refresher

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 mins
Servings 4 servings
If you want to serve mocktails with all the glamor of tropical cocktails, these pineapple coconut refreshers are for you. Pineapple-flavored coconut water is blended with agave nectar, fresh pineapple, ice and a little bit of avocado oil, giving the drink a smooth finish. Add a pineapple leaf garnish for that tropical island flair.
From the Recipe Creator: This tropical drink is lower in calories and fat than most smoothie recipes. It's quite refreshing and packed with vitamins and minerals. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 78 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
12/30

Scarlet Sipper

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 12 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
This scarlet sipper might just be the easiest nonalcoholic cocktail on the list. Break out your pitcher or punch bowl and pour in cranberry-apple juice, orange juice, fresh lemon juice and ginger ale. Give it a stir, and it'll be ready to serve!
From the Recipe Creator: This sweet, tart and slightly fizzy drink is a favorite for gatherings at our church. The bright color sets a festive tone, and the flavors blend seamlessly. —Amber Goolsby, Geneva, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
13/30

Sparkling Coconut Grape Juice

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 6 servings
White grape juice and coconut are an unexpected pairing, but both are sweet and refreshing in their own right, so they work exceptionally well together. If you're not sure where to find coconut-flavored sparkling water, search for the La Croix brand at the store.
From the Recipe Creator: This sparkling drink is a nice change of pace from lemonade and party punch. The lime, coconut and grape combination is so refreshing. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 94 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
14/30

Citrus & White Grape Juice Party Punch

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 32 servings (4 quarts)
No one will miss the alcohol after sipping on this citrusy party punch. Garnishing it with fresh lemon slices, orange slices and white grapes makes this punch look like sunshine.
From the Recipe Creator: I was looking for a punch that wouldn't stain expensive prom dresses and tuxedos. Everyone loved this! You can mix the first four ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate and add the soda right before serving. —Karen Ballance, Wolf Lake, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 119 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
15/30

Strawberry Drink

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 mins
Servings 8 servings
No one could turn down a booze-free beverage made with summer-fresh strawberries. We blend the berries with water, sugar, lemon juice and zest, but make sure to save some fresh strawberries for a picture-perfect garnish. Even mocktails deserve a presentation!
From the Recipe Creator: During the dog days of summer, my family looks for a cold, thirst-quenching drink. I like this strawberry cooler because it's sparkling, refreshing, fast and easy to make.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 116 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
16/30

Sparkling Ginger Lemonade

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 5 servings
Turn simple lemonade into a thoughtful cocktail for your backyard bash. The flavors of fresh gingerroot take center stage, and honey acts as an all-natural sweetener. Garnish these nonalcoholic cocktails with lemon slices and sprigs of fresh mint.
From the Recipe Creator: Chill out with this delightful ginger lemonade perfect for springtime bridal showers or hot summer days on the deck. It's a quick fix you'll stir up time after time. —Jodi Blubaugh, Eagle Mountain, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 217 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
17/30

Sparkling Cider Sangria

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 20 mins
Servings 8 servings (3/4 cup each)
Sangria lovers will appreciate this fruit-powered mocktail. Apple cider and juice make the sparkling base, and orange juice, cranberry juice and matching garnishes turn it into a festive drink that resembles sparkling red wine sangria.
From the Recipe Creator: Adding orange and cranberry juices transforms apple cider into a pretty holiday drink. This quick and easy alcohol-free beverage is absolutely delicious. A friend shared the recipe with me years ago, and I made a few changes. It's a huge hit at holiday brunches! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 88 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
18/30

Virgin Pina Colada

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 1 serving
All the tropical flavors of a pina colada, and none of the rum, are blended into this frozen slushy drink. I like to chill the glasses in the freezer so the pina colada can stay as cold as possible, as much as it wants to melt away in the summer heat.
From the Recipe Creator: Pina coladas, everyone? Yes, the whole family can sip on these slushy mocktails—like vacation in a glass! The alcohol may be omitted but the bright, juicy tropical flavors are here to stay. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 215 calories, 8g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 24mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
19/30

Honey-Pear Iced Tea

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 15 mins
Servings 6 servings
Chai tea, pear nectar, fresh lemon juice and honey are the creative ingredients behind this inventive autumnal cocktail. Wait until just before serving to slice the pear garnish, or the fruit will oxidize and turn brown.
From the Recipe Creator: Take summery iced tea into fall and winter by stirring in pear nectar and adding a fresh pear slice to each glass as a garnish. A little honey provides an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 136 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
20/30

Ocean Punch

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 mins
Servings 18 servings (4-1/2 quarts)
How creative is this ocean punch? Besides the Kool-Aid-powered blue mocktail base and the addition of Swedish Fish, the fish bowl-shaped punch bowl really sells it. Check out the recipe for tips on getting the fish gummies to stick to the sides.
From the Recipe Creator: This ocean water punch is refreshing and not overly sweet. Use your favorite Kool-Aid mix to switch up the flavor for every season and occasion. —Elizabeth LeBlanc, Bourg, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 94 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
21/30

Slush Drink

Skill Level Advanced
Total Time 10 mins
Servings about 5 quarts
Whenever I'm preparing to throw a get-together, I try to put make-ahead recipes on the menu so I don't spend all day prepping. This mocktail recipe actually needs to be made at least 12 hours in advance, so it's a perfect fit!
From the Recipe Creator: I mix this sweet, fruity slush using juices, berries and soft drink mix. Then I store it in the freezer for unexpected company. Simply pour a little citrus soda over scoops of the colorful mixture for frosty and refreshing beverages.—Darlene White, Hobson, Montana
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup slush with 1/2 cup soda: 176 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
22/30

Mulled Cider

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 35 mins
Servings 13 servings (about 3 quarts)
Everyone loves hot apple cider, especially when mulled with brown sugar, warming autumnal spices and fresh citrus juice. And this version is entirely alcohol-free! Make a big batch for your next fall gathering, and let people add brandy to their own cups if they feel so inclined.
From the Recipe Creator: This is a classic warmer-upper that you can serve on chilly winter days. Pass the brandy separately for those who want it.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 122 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
23/30

Lemony Fruit Cooler

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 mins
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
I just love this summery bowl of punch, especially considering how easy it is to make. Add fresh summer fruits to give it some vibrancy, and the punch will be so good that people will come around for seconds.
From the Recipe Creator: This punch looks so pretty with all the colorful fruit floating in the bowl. It has a refreshing taste and is easy to put together. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 107 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
24/30

Banana Brunch Punch

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 10 mins
Servings 60-70 servings (10 quarts)
I absolutely love this summery slushy mocktail. It's chock-full of all things tropical: bananas, pineapples, oranges and lemons, with lemon-lime soda and a touch of sugar (not too much!) to tie it all together. You will need to break out your blender and make space in your freezer, but this sipper is well worth it.
From the Recipe Creator: A cold glass of refreshing punch really brightens a brunch. It's nice to serve a crisp beverage like this that's more spectacular than plain juice. With bananas, orange juice and lemonade, it can add tropical flair to a winter day. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 68 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
25/30

Lemon-Lime Punch

Skill Level Beginner
Servings 6 quarts
Vintage recipes are making a huge comeback, and homemade punch is, once again, having its moment in time. The sherbet bobbing in the bowl is a nice touch and makes me think of parties my grandmother might have thrown in the 1950s.
From the Recipe Creator: This frothy refresher topped with lime sherbet is a longtime family favorite and the best punch I’ve ever had. It’s fast, festive and easy to mix up for a variety of occasions. —Mary Ray, Raccoon, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 146 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
26/30

Pink Rhubarb Punch

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 30 mins
Servings 20 servings (about 5 quarts)
Perfectly pink, wonderfully fruity and completely alcohol-free, this mocktail is perfect for bachelorettes, birthday parties or baby showers. Strawberry and rhubarb are the power duo flavoring this drink, with pineapple juice and ginger ale creating complexity.
From the Recipe Creator: Rhubarb is the featured ingredient in this blush-colored punch. A friend passed the recipe on to me, and we enjoy it so much that I thought others might, too. —Rebecca Mininger, Jeromesville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 152 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
27/30

Slow-Cooker Hot Chocolate

Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 25 mins
Servings 6 servings (about 1 quart)
Who says mocktails have to be cold? When the weather outside is frightful, warm up with a hot chocolate that's oh-so-delightful. This hot chocolate recipe is finished with a sophisticated coffee whipped cream that makes it a party-worthy drink.
From the Recipe Creator: Greet holiday guests at the door with steaming mugs of rich hot chocolate. As the crowning touch, offer a selection of flavored whipped creams.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 267 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
28/30

Mojito Slush

Skill Level Intermediate
Servings 13 servings (about 2 quarts slush mix)
A refreshing twist on the classic mojito, this virgin version blends grapefruit, mint, and lime. Adding grapefruit soda will make you wonder why you haven't made mojitos this way all along!
From the Recipe Creator: Whether you're splashing poolside or watching the kids inside, this slushy beverage has just the right balance of minty crispness and limey tartness that's sure to tingle your taste buds. —Jessica Ring, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 278 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
29/30

Pumpkin Juice

Skill Level Beginner
Total Time 5 mins
Servings 14 servings
Witches and wizards in the Harry Potter universe break out this nonalcoholic drink as soon as the air begins to chill. Rightfully so, as pumpkin puree, brown sugar, autumnal spices and apple cider are the mainstays of this mocktail. It's perfect for fall and winter.
From the Recipe Creator: Our family loves Harry Potter. Inspired by the popular series, I decided to come up with a beverage—pumpkin juice! My kids think it’s surprisingly delicious. I love that it’s healthy, easy to make and a refreshing addition to any fall meal. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 110 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 17mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
30/30

Celebration Punch

Skill Level Beginner
Servings 16 servings (about 1 gallon)
Fizzy, fruity and absolutely gorgeous, this nonalcoholic punch makes any party feel like a celebration. We'll even show you how to make a gorgeous ice ring filled with fresh strawberries, orange juice and beautiful sprigs of mint.
From the Recipe Creator: This pretty fruit punch has just the right amount of sweetness. The ice ring keeps it cool for hours without diluting the flavor. —Marci Carl, Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 140 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

Mocktail Recipes FAQ

What is a mocktail?

A mocktail is a crafted mixed drink that doesn’t contain alcohol. It can be made with all sorts of ingredients, like juice, flavored syrups, sodas or fizzy drinks. It’s usually a spirit-free copy of a classic cocktail, but you can certainly make a unique and original creation.

What is the most popular mocktail?

The most popular mocktail is the classic Shirley Temple. Made with ginger ale, grenadine and maraschino cherries, it’s been a favorite spirit-free drink since the 1930s.

How can I make a cocktail without alcohol?

Nowadays, making a cocktail without alcohol (aka a mocktail) is as easy as a few ingredient swaps. Using nonalcoholic wines and spirits, you can turn any spritz, Bellini or cocktail into a booze-free concoction. But you don’t need nonalcoholic substitutes to craft a really good mocktail, either. Simply mix juices, flavored waters or sodas to create a homemade mocktail. You can also have some fun with flavored simple syrup if you want to get creative.