Written by Susan — Quit drinking at 37 • Sober since 1998 • Sharing what actually works

Written by Susan — Quit drinking at 37 • Sober since 1998 • Sharing what actually works

Easy Mocktail Recipes for Refreshing Alcohol-Free Drinks

Looking for something refreshing to drink without alcohol? These easy mocktail recipes use familiar ingredients—fresh fruit, cucumber, herbs, and sparkling water—with simple steps you can follow at home.

A mocktail is simply a drink made without alcohol. Whether you’re making a pitcher to share or choosing something different for your evening glass, start with a flavor you enjoy and adjust the sweetness to suit you.

Find Your Next Mocktail

Berry Mint Cooler Mocktail

Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries give this cooler its fruity flavor. Gently crushing some of the berries releases their juice, while mint and sparkling water add a fresh, bubbly finish.

Make it with or without a little honey or agave, depending on how sweet your berries are.

Makes: 4 servings
Preparation time: About 10 minutes

Make the Berry Mint Cooler Mocktail →

Citrus Basil Sparkler Mocktail

Orange juice and lemon juice give this sparkler a bright citrus flavor, with fresh basil adding a gentle herbal note. It’s a good choice when you fancy something tangy rather than very sweet.

Serve it over ice with orange or lemon slices, and adjust the lemon juice if you prefer a softer finish.

Makes: 4 small servings or 2 larger servings
Preparation time: About 10 minutes

Make the Citrus Basil Sparkler Mocktail →

Cucumber Lime Fizz Mocktail

Fresh cucumber, lime juice, and sparkling water make a crisp, lightly flavored drink. A little simple syrup softens the tartness, or you can use less for a sharper finish.

Gently crushing the cucumber brings out its flavor. Add cucumber ribbons or a lime wheel if you’d like a garnish.

Makes: 4 servings
Preparation time: About 10 minutes

Make the Cucumber Lime Fizz Mocktail →

Spicy Ginger Apple Mocktail

Sweet apple juice and freshly grated ginger make a simple drink with a warming kick. Start with a little ginger and add more until the flavor suits you.

Serve over ice with thin apple slices. Honey or agave is optional, and you can strain out the ginger for a smoother drink.

Makes: 2 servings
Preparation time: About 10 minutes

Make the Spicy Ginger Apple Mocktail →

Pineapple Coconut Splash Mocktail

Pineapple juice and creamy coconut milk give this mocktail its tropical flavor, with a little lime juice to balance the sweetness.

Shake or whisk the ingredients together and serve over ice. Add a pineapple wedge or cherry if you like, and taste before adding any optional simple syrup.

Makes: 1 generous serving or 2 smaller servings
Preparation time: About 5 minutes

Make the Pineapple Coconut Splash Mocktail →

Delightful Peach Iced Tea Mocktail

Ripe peach slices and chilled tea make a refreshing, gently fruity drink. A little honey or sugar adds sweetness, or you can leave it out if you prefer.

Gently pressing a few peach slices releases their juice. Let the peaches and tea chill together, then serve over ice with fresh mint if you’d like a garnish.

Makes: 4 servings
Preparation time: About 10 minutes, plus brewing and chilling

Make the Peach Iced Tea Mocktail →

Wicked Blackberry Fizz Mocktail

Fresh blackberries, lime juice, and sparkling water make a fruity, lightly tart drink with a rich berry color. A little simple syrup softens the tartness, or you can leave it out if your berries are sweet enough.

Crush and strain the blackberries for a smooth drink, then add the bubbles just before serving. Pair it with little pumpkins for Halloween!

Makes: 2 servings
Preparation time: About 10 minutes

Make the Wicked Blackberry Fizz Mocktail →

Fragrant Lavender Lemonade Mocktail

Fresh lemon juice, lavender syrup, and cold water make a refreshing drink with a delicate floral flavor. Adjust the syrup to your taste, keeping the lavender gentle enough to complement the lemon.

Use prepared lavender syrup for a quick pitcher, or follow the simple homemade syrup instructions. Serve over ice with a lemon slice if you’d like a garnish.

Makes: 4 generous servings or 6 smaller servings
Preparation time: About 5 minutes with prepared syrup; allow extra time for homemade syrup

Make the Lavender Lemonade Mocktail →

Chilled Watermelon Mint Spritz Mocktail

Fresh watermelon, mint, lime juice, and sparkling water make a fruity, lightly fizzy drink. Ripe watermelon provides plenty of natural sweetness, so taste before adding any syrup.

Blend and strain the watermelon for a smooth drink, then gently crush the mint to release its flavor. Add the sparkling water just before serving and finish with a watermelon wedge if you’d like a garnish.

Makes: 4 servings
Preparation time: About 10 minutes

Make the Watermelon Mint Spritz Mocktail →

Make Your Mocktail the Way You Like It

Start with less sweetener than you think you’ll need. You can always add more after tasting, especially when fruit provides some sweetness already.

Chill your ingredients before mixing, and add sparkling water shortly before serving to keep the drink fizzy.

Garnishes are optional. A slice of lime or a few fresh berries can be a nice finishing touch, but you don’t need special glasses or elaborate decorations to enjoy these recipes.

How to Make Simple Syrup for Mocktails

Simple syrup is sugar dissolved in water. It mixes easily into cold drinks, so you can add sweetness without leaving sugar grains at the bottom of your glass. You only need it when a recipe calls for it—or when you want a sweeter drink.

For a small batch, you’ll need:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water

To make it:

1. Put the sugar and water into a small saucepan.
2. Warm gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. There’s no need to bring it to a boil.
3. Let it cool before adding it to your drink.
4. Transfer any leftover syrup to a clean, covered container and refrigerate.

Add a little at a time and taste as you go. The cucumber lime fizz uses simple syrup, while the berry mint cooler and citrus basil sparkler can be made without it.

Frequently Asked Questions