So, you’ve decided—or at least considered—going alcohol-free. Whether it be for health reasons or the season of life you’re in, you’ve chosen to live an alcohol-free lifestyle. And for the most part, it’s been pretty great. There are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks out there. And for the times when you do crave the taste of alcoholic beverages, there are some delectable alcohol-free alternatives, such as non-alcoholic wine.
But have you ever considered mixed drinks? Like regular alcoholic mixed drinks, their non-alcoholic counterparts are delicious, relaxing and fun for any occasion. Check out some of the options we came up with below, or add in your own flavors and ideas for a new incredible twist altogether.
1. Mockmosa
First, you have to have breakfast. Instead of a regular old mimosa, try a “mockmosa” with all of the same great flavor and sophistication, but without any of the alcohol. To create the perfect mockmosa, use a sparkling white grape juice that’s dry in flavor, such as brands with little to no sugar or corn syrup. Combine two parts orange juice with three parts of dry sparkling white grape juice for a delicious drink to add to any fancy occasion.
2. Nojito
If you’re a fan of the clean and crisp mint flavor, then try out the “nojito,” a tasty, non-alcoholic twist on the “mojito.” Replace the classic rum with more club soda and just a slight touch of rum extract and brown sugar. First, use 12-14 small mint leaves or 6-8 big ones in a glass, then muddle them. Muddling is an important step in the process because it draws out the flavor. Put pressure on the leaves, then rotate your hand back and forth as you press them into the bottom of the glass or cocktail shaker. Next, add in one ounce of fresh lime juice and two tablespoons of brown sugar. Fill the glass with ice cubes, then combine with a dose of four ounces of club soda or Spite, and ¾ tablespoon of rum extract. Garnish with another mint leaf and you have a relaxing, alcohol-free drink for any time of day.
3. Cuddles on the Beach
Sex on the beach is a little bit too much for us; we prefer cuddling. The most important component of the cuddles on the beach drink is to remove the vodka and replace peach schnapps with peach nectar. Just a few tweaks here and there and you can get a drink as mouthwatering as the original, but without any of the added alcohol. The easiest way to create the best cuddles on the beach is combining three ounces of cranberry juice, three ounces of grapefruit juice and two ounces of peach nectar in a glass. Add in some ice cubes to chill it and garnish with a cute umbrella and you’ll be transported away to the perfect island oasis.
4. Cherry Coketail
Next up: the cherry coketail, for those who prefer something a little bit less fruity. Similar to its alcoholic counterpart the Jack and Coke, the cherry coketail is the ideal beverage to replace a regular old soda, and to enjoy on an afternoon with a juicy hamburger, hot dog or even chocolate. First, add you preferred amount of ice into a rocks glass, then pour in a ½ ounce of maraschino cherry juice or cherry syrup, and ¼ ounce of vanilla extract. Squeeze in just a hint of lime, then top with your favorite cola, diet or regular. The cherry coketail offers a new twist on an age-old classic, but without any added worry of alcohol.
5. Juicy Sangria
Sangria is always a fan favorite cocktail, and now it can be an even better mocktail. Not only does it have the delicious natural sugars from fruit, but with light juices, it’s a healthier version of the old alcoholic combo. In a large pitcher, stir together four cups of cranberry-grape juice, one cup of orange juice and ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice. But of course, don’t forget your fruit! Add in one pear and one apple, diced. Then, refrigerate for at least two hours. Just before serving, stir in three additional cups of carbonated lemon-lime soda and ice for an added twist. Or, if you’re a fan of non-alcoholic wine, try checking out recipes of alcoholic sangria, then replacing the regular wine with its alcohol-free counterpart. You may be surprised at just how delicious the results are.
Creating mixed drinks can be a fun and exciting adventure. For those who live an alcohol-free lifestyle, giving these cocktails up can be a little disappointing. But, it doesn’t have to be! With the right ingredients, mocktails are just as delectable, without any of the negative side effects of alcohol. Try out some of these recipes to see which ones you enjoy most for a delicious addition to your alcohol-free lifestyle.
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