3 Non-Alcoholic Cocktails You Must Try

As more health-conscious consumers are looking to start their summer off, many are flocking towards low-proof beverages, non-alcoholic cocktails, and mocktails to keep their parties going even when the alcohol is not flowing. No one wants to be a stick in the mud at the party, but people have a whole number of options for why they might be opting out to drink. Whether it’s health issues, sobriety reasons, or just a self-imposed challenge, drinkers are looking for other beverages to enjoy beside liquor. Drinks like sparkling waters, kombucha, and teas are all seeing a resurgence in popularity as today’s generation is drinking far less than their predecessors. Although these are all great beverages the problem is just that, they are only a beverage. They don’t feel special and don’t particularly liven things up when you break out your iced tea. That is where your trusted cocktail shaker comes in.

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Mixing up a cocktail isn’t always about getting yourself a pretty drink that also gets you sloshed. Sometimes having someone make a drink just for you is the important part. Thoughtfully curated, and mixed together with interesting flavor combinations, non-alcoholic cocktails are making their way across bars who want to be more inclusive towards their guest’s drinking habits. 

By creating a memorable drink that anyone can enjoy, people can experience the luxury of a cocktail while avoiding the hangover. Mocktails, of course, can be fun but it’s important to be able to make a drink that someone wants to choose, rather then makes a compromise with. Today Country Wine & Spirits brings you some of our favorite non-alcoholic cocktails that are perfect for any sober friend, designated driver, or health-conscious drinker who is still looking to feel special with a tasty curated cocktail.

First and foremost, get familiar with your mixers, seltzer, ginger beer, specialty syrups, and bitters. Doing so takes your mocktail up a notch, we’re not just making a sad version of your fav cocktails, we’re making delicious beverages that are thoughtful, delicious, and non-alcoholic.

Watermelon Sour

This recipe comes directly from Seedlip, a non-alcoholic spirit that is sweeping bars and homes across the nation! Showcasing their Seedlip Garden 108, this cocktail plays with soft herbs like mint and rosemary to create a refreshing watermelon sip that is perfect for a garden party or summer get-together. Non-alcoholic cocktails allow you to play a lot more with flavors so we encourage at-home bartenders to experiment with making infused syrups and shrubs! For this cocktail you will need 50mL of Seedlip Garden 108, 20mL of Basil and Watermelon Shrub*, and a dash of egg whites.

*Basil & Watermelon Shrub:

1. Take 1 small watermelon, a handful of fresh basil leaves, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of white sugar in a jar.

2. Muddle the ingredients together before leaving overnight.

3. Strain your shrub and enjoy!

Watermelon Sour:

1. Shake Seedlip, Basil & Watermelon Shrub, and a dash of egg whites in a shaker.

2. Fine strain your non-alcoholic cocktail into a glass.

3. Garnish with a basil leaf.

4. Enjoy!

Mr. Howard

Another great cocktail from Seedlip, Mr. Howard takes a more fruity and botanical approach with Seedlip Spice 94. This non-alcoholic spirit blend in flavors like clove, allspice, lemon peel, and other woodsy features like American oak and cascarilla bark. Seedlip Spice 94 works perfectly together with grapefruit juice in this non-alcoholic cocktail to bring you a refreshing beverage that is both aromatic and citrusy. Enjoy on the porch while taking in the evening breeze or enjoy on a picnic in the park with your family. You will need 50mL of Seedlip Spice 94, 30mL of Pink Grapefruit Juice, 20 mL of Lemon juice, and a 15mL of simple sugar syrup.

1. Place all your ingredients in a chilled shaker.

2. Shake your non-alcoholic cocktail until your drink is well blended and chilled.

3. Double strain into a glass and enjoy!

Grapefruit Spritz

For those looking to imbibe in something a bit more simple after a long day at work, the Grapefruit Spritz is a great non-alcoholic cocktail that you can mix up in a flash! All you will need is 2oz of Grapefruit Juice, 1oz of Mint Simple Syrup, and 2oz of sparkling water. For an added kick, give this drink a dash of Scrappy’s Lime Bitters for even more layers of citrus. 

1. Combine both your grapefruit juice, lime bitters, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.

2. Shake to combine before pouring over a tall glass filled with ice.

3. Top off your beverage with sparkling water.

4. Garnish with a grapefruit and lime wedge and enjoy!