15 Mocktail Recipes That Are Totally Refreshing

By Kelly Vaughan
Updated March 24, 2020
Johnny Fogg
Lots of party people want to raise a glass that's buzzy but not boozy—from a mom-to-be at a baby shower to teetotalers who appreciate a well-crafted drink.
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Johnny Fogg

Free of alcohol doesn't mean free of flavor! Virgin versions of classic cocktails like margaritas, sangria, and boozy punches rely on fresh fruit juices and sparkling ciders for a pop. Plus, most of these juices are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants so you can feel good and festive at the same time. Have all the fun sans hangover-inducing booze with effervescent, citrusy concoctions like Sparkling Cider with Cara Cara Orange Punch or tart Ginger-Lime Fizz.

While faux-cocktails are popular for baby showers and family parties, you don't need a special occasion to indulge in these refreshing beverages. Serve them any night of the week. Stock up on an alcohol-free Riesling, the Italian soda Sanbitter that tastes like a virgin version of Campari for a nonalcoholic spritz, or an herbal tonic water like Fever Tree so you can serve gin-free G&Ts (like our Mediterranean Cucumber Tonic).

The best part is that these nonalcoholic drinks not only taste great but they can be made in a snap using your classic bar tools like a cocktail shaker or muddler (and some require no tools at all!). Shake up blackberry purée and white cranberry juice in our holiday-appropriate Cranberry Sparkler or create a frozen Pink Grapefruit Margarita, no tequila or salt in sight. Want a taste of nostalgia? Our Cherry Bomb mocktail is inspired by the little princess herself, Shirley Temple. During the summer months, there's no better time to take advantage of the abundance of fresh watermelon in this bright pink beverage, which gets extra zest from, not frozen lemonade concentrate, but freshly squeezed lemons. Top it all off with eye-catching garnishes like fruit segments, fresh mint leaves, or a classic cherry on top. Infuse your party with family-friendly flavor with these no-fail nonalcoholic drinks.

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Carrot Limeade

Ren Fuller
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We wouldn't be surprised if Peter Cottontail tried to make off with one of these vibrant chillers filled with a blend of carrot and lime juices.  We added a hint of sugar to win over kids and grown-ups alike.

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Mint, Lime, and Ginger Sparkler

Ren Fuller
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A combination of ginger beer and fresh ginger give this thirst-quenching, non-alcoholic spritz its spice. With fresh lime juice and a gorgeous garnish of mint leaves, this is a delicious virgin version of a classic moscow mule.

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Iced Passion-Fruit Green Tea

Ren Fuller
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Minimal ingredients with an impressive result? Sign us up! Green tea and passion-fruit juice marry for a subtle tropical taste.

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Blackberry-Plum Smash With Basil

Ren Fuller
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We love the bright raspberry color of this refreshing cooler. Infused with fresh herbs, citrus, and berries, this not-too-sweet pour is as invigorating as a cannonball in the deep end.

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Grapefruit-Sanbitter Spritz

Johnny Fogg
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Made with the Italian soda Sanbitter, that gives it this drink the same bright red color as an Aperol Spritz, and with a touch of fresh grapefruit juice, this is one sophisticated mocktail. It's refreshing and worldly, Italian vacation not included.

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Mediterranean Cucumber Tonic

Johnny Fogg
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Robust rosemary, crisp cool cucumber, and tart lemon come together in this vibrant booze-free take on the gin and tonic. Fever-Tree Tonic Water is infused with botanical oils for an added layer of complex aromatics. No gin needed!

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Pomegranate-Citrus Juice

EARL CARTER
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Grapefruits, orange, tangerine, and tangelo juice are combined for an extra vibrant citrus flavor. Adding pomegranate juice brings a dose of color, flavor, and antioxidants.

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Pink Grapefruit "Margaritas"

Charles Maraia
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With pink grapefruit juice and pomegranate syrup, this booze-free margarita transports you to warmer climes. Serve in an martini or margarita glass for a sophisticated presentation.

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Ginger-Lime Fizz

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A virgin version of that classic, the Moscow Mule, this sparkling brew is made with a ginger-infused simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and seltzer.

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Sparkling Cider with Cara Cara Orange Punch

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This festive punch made with winter citruses is a fun holiday mocktail, but of course we love it year-round. For a special touch, garnish with candied oranges.

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Blood-Moon Punch

Aaron Dyer
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If you're feeling spooky, then this blood-moon punch will have you howling toward the moon. A vampy, virgin mixture of orange juice, grape juice, seltzer, ginger soda, and lime juice taste eerily delicious.

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Pomegranate Soda

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Who said club soda was boring? A generous splash of pomegranate juice, a touch of sugar, and a maraschino cherry on top create a very enticing bright pink drink!

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Nonalcoholic Michelada

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Inspired by that classic beer cocktail, the Michelada, this mocktail combines kombucha, a popular fermented tea drink, with tomato paste and lime juice for tart refresher.

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Watermelon Lemonade

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Perfect for a kid's party, with this pink drink your summer celebration will be made in the shade.

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Fruity Ice Wreath

Aaron Dyer
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The best and beautiful way to serve a nonalcholic punch for a holiday party is with this icy wreath. It's made of cranberry juice and berries, plus orange and lemon slices—and formed in a bundt pan!

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