7 easy mocktail recipes to enjoy all year

Whether you’re looking to cut back on calories, amp up your nutrition, or reduce your alcohol intake, mocktails can serve as a refreshing alternative to flavored seltzer. Best of all, these alcohol-free drinks designed to mimic traditional cocktails can be made in your own kitchen in just minutes. With so much fresh produce involved, you’re likely to reap some nutritional benefits. (Just remember that because you’re not consuming cups of whole fruits and veggies, the nutrients are limited.)

The next time you or your guests want to sip on something sparkling or sweet, tap into your inner mixologist and indulge with a good-for-you beverage so delicious you’ll forget there's no alcohol.

“When I want a fizzy drink with a major burst of favor—and few calories—I whip up this sparkling mocktail,” says Katherine Brooking, MS, RD, co-founder of Appetite for Health. “It's inexpensive, perfect any time of the year and you will get a boost of vitamin C from the fresh limes.” Cucumbers have also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

• 3 12-ounce cans of club soda
• 4 limes
• 1 cucumber

Directions:

1. Add the juice of 4 limes to the 3 cans of club soda.
2. Add a thick shaving of cucumber to each drink.

Makes 4 servings

“Sangria can become your new ‘special-tea’ drink by using an herbal tea and a bounty of cut fruit,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, author of Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You From Label to Table. “Not only will you have the refreshing hydration from the herbal tea, but you’ll also have the naturally sweet array of flavors from the fruit.” While you can toss in any of your favorite fruits, Taub-Dix opts for:

• Mangoes for potassium
• Blueberries for potassium, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin A
• Apples, a fruit that contains compounds that may prevent chronic diseases
• Watermelon, since it’s packed with vitamins A, C, and potassium along with lycopene, which has been identified as a possible anticancer agent

 “And of course, the antioxidants in pomegranate juice may help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation,” she adds.

Ingredients:

• 4 tea bags, passion tea flavor or similar
• Slices of fruit, either fresh or frozen

Directions:

1. Boil water and use 4 tea bags per pitcher.
2. Once the tea cools, add in fruit and a splash of pomegranate juice, if desired.

Makes 4 servings

“You can truly veg out with a mocktail made with a base of vegetable juice,” says Taub-Dix. Vegetable juice typically contains a nice variety fruits and veggies, including tomato, carrot, romaine lettuce, beet, parsley, watercress, and spinach. “Then jazz it up by adding a few drops of hot sauce, a stalk of celery, a carrot stick, and some chopped cucumber to add a little kick and to boost fiber content even further.”

Ingredients:

• 1 can vegetable juice
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1 carrot stick
• 1 chopped cucumber
• 2 to 3 drops of hot sauce

Directions:

1. Pour vegetable juice into a glass.
2. Add in hot sauce, the celery stalk, carrot stick, and chopped cucumber.

Makes 1 serving

“Some people may think of this as a seasonal drink, but the flavors instantly transport you to a serene beach in the Caribbean, whatever time of year it is,” says Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, health and nutrition expert for NBC’s TODAY show and best-selling author of From Junk Food to Joy Food. “You’re not missing anything by omitting the rum. Just be sure to include the fancy umbrella for the full experience," she says. "And unlike the traditional version, there is not a drop of added sugar in mine!”

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
• 3/4 cup canned light coconut milk*
• 1 to 2 drops coconut extract
• 3 to 5 ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons shredded, unsweetened coconut (optional)
• 2 wedges fresh pineapple, for garnish

*Because canned coconut milk tends to separate, make sure to shake the can well before you open it.

Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients (except pineapple wedges) to a blender and process until smooth and creamy. To make these even more coconutty and delicious, add the optional 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut before blending.
2. Pour the pina coladas into glasses and garnish each with a pineapple wedge, if desired.

Makes 2 servings

When you want to indulge, this alcohol-free sweet treat is the perfect option. “The drink is made with fresh watermelon puree (think: vitamins C, A, potassium, and more) and other budget-friendly ingredients, like fresh orange and ginger ale,” says Brooking. “I serve this mocktail at parties for both adults and kids. Also, keep in mind that watermelon is not just for summer—it's often available year-round.”

Ingredients

• 1 cup watermelon puree
• 1 teaspoon grenadine syrup
• 1 serving juice from a fresh orange
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 liters of ginger ale
• 2 cups ice cubes

Directions:

1. Blend ingredients in a large beverage container and chill. Serve over ice.

Makes 36 servings

“The star ingredient in this recipe is 100 percent grape juice made with Concord grapes," says Brooking. “Several published studies show that 100 percent grape juice delivers many of the same polyphenols (natural plant nutrients) and heart-health benefits as red wine. Plus, this drink is delicious, easy to make and perfect for any occasion.”

Ingredients:

• 4 cups 100 percent grape juice made with Concord grapes
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, sliced

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a large pitcher.
2. Stir to combine and place in refrigerator to infuse flavors. Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice, if desired.

Makes 4 servings

Bauer explains that this healthier version of the Long Island Iced Tea was created in the Berkshires—“My most favorite place in the world!”—which gives this mocktail its name. “There’s no added sugar in this drink, but you still get plenty of flavor,” she says. “It couldn’t be any simpler, it’s totally delish, and it elevates your glass beyond plain old water.” She feels that this beverage is ideal for a celebration. “Let’s just say it’s “clink-able!”

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon-ginger tea bag
• 1/4 cup 100 percent grapefruit juice
• 1 grapefruit wedge
• 1 sprig mint

Directions:

1. Place the tea bag in 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 5 minutes.
2. Remove tea bag and allow tea to cool in fridge. Once cool, mix in the grapefruit juice. Stir and add ice.
3. Garnish with grapefruit wedge and mint.

Makes 1 serving