If you are a big fan of cocktails, then finding yourself unable or unwilling to drink alcohol can be tricky. There is no denying that there are some utterly delicious cocktails out there, but they all contain alcohol.
So when you give up this type of drink, it can be tricky to know what to order the next time you go out for drinks with your friends.
Luckily for anybody who doesn’t drink alcohol, mocktails exist. Mocktails are essential alcohol-free versions of popular cocktails, and they are often known as “zero-proof” drinks.
These drinks essentially use all the alcohol-free ingredients used in regular cocktails to create drinks that look, feel, and taste fancy without using any alcohol.
If you are reading this guide, then you likely want to find out more about what mocktails are, and how they are made. Read on to find out everything you need to know!
What Is A Mocktail Made Of?
As we have established, a mocktail is essentially just a cocktail that is created without any alcoholic ingredients.
Most cocktails will use at least two different types of alcohol to create a unique flavor, but mocktails don’t include a single drop of alcohol.
Instead, they use mixers and other non-alcoholic drinks to create drinks with flavors that emulate popular flavors of cocktails.
If you are making the conscious choice to stop drinking alcohol, or you find yourself having to stop drinking alcohol, then a mocktail can be a great way to feel like you are treating yourself without drinking.
Mocktails are generally colorful and pretty, just like most cocktails. So they are perfect if you want to give yourself a treat.
A lot of people expect mocktails to be a recent development, but these drinks actually date back to the early days of cocktails. These drinks are created using a combination of sodas, juices, herbs, and syrups to create unique flavors.
Often, these flavors will be very close to their alcoholic counterparts as similar ingredients will be used. The only real difference between a mocktail and a cocktail is one contains alcohol, and the other doesn’t.
Why Is It Called A Mocktail?
Over the years, alcohol-free cocktails have been known by a variety of different names. These drinks have been referred to as “virgin drinks”, “alcohol-free drinks”, and lots more. But in the 2000s, the term “mocktail” really became popular.
Essentially the name “mocktail” is a portmanteau of “mock cocktails”. This term was really popularized during the early to mid-2000s, and since then you will often find the term “mocktail” used on menus in restaurants and bars.
This name has become the accepted way to refer to these drinks, and that is why it is so widely used.
So simply put, mocktails are referred to as mocktails as they are mock versions of regular cocktails.
Famous Mocktail Flavors
There are tons of different types of mocktails out there, and lots of different drinks to choose from. For every flavor of cocktail out there, there is usually an alcohol-free option out there.
But below we’ve listed some of the most famous mocktail flavors that you should consider trying!
Virgin Bloody Mary
This alcohol-free version of a classic Bloody Mary is perfect for anyone who loves savory flavors.
Made using tomato juice, Worcester sauce, celery salt, Tabasco sauce, pepper, and fresh lime juice, it is an interesting flavor. If your usual drink is a Bloody Mary, this is the mocktail to order.
Shirley Temple
Another famous mocktail to check out is the Shirley Temple. This cocktail is made using just grenadine and ginger ale, and it is named after the famous child actress – Shirley Temple. If you want a simple mocktail, this is perfect.
Roy Rogers
The Roy Rogers mocktail was essentially designed as the male version of the Shirley Temple. This drink is made using just Coca-cola and grenadine, so it is a nice, simple mocktail to make.
Abstinence On The Beach
Alternatively, if you want to check out the alcohol-free version of Sex on the Beach, then you should order an “Abstinence on the Beach”.
This mocktail is simply made using peach purée, cranberry juice, and orange juice to create a mocktail that tastes exactly the same as its alcoholic counterpart.
No Tequila Sunrise
You should also check out the “No Tequila Sunrise” which is super easy to make. You need just two ingredients to create this cocktail – orange juice and grenadine -, so be sure to check it out!
Shampagne
Finally, we had to include the alcohol-free version of champagne in this guide (Prefer Prosecco? Find our guide here). Shampagne is simply made using apple juice and ginger beer to create a delicious flavor.
This ingredient combination creates a bubbly drink that looks exactly like champagne and tastes kind of similar too. You should definitely give it a try!
Summary
In short, mocktails are essential alcohol-free versions of regular cocktails. Instead of using spirits, such as gin, rum, or vodka, mocktails will simply use the non-alcoholic ingredients in cocktails, such as juices and mixers.
There are tons of different types of mocktails out there, and this style of drink has been very popular for many years.
So, if you would usually drink cocktails, but you’ve given up alcohol, consider ordering a mocktail instead.
In this guide, we’ve included everything that you need to know about mocktails to get started. Thank you for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mocktails Easy To Make?
Yes, mocktails generally are very easy to make. Most mocktails include just a handful of ingredients, so they can easily be made in no time at all. Generally speaking, mocktails are easier to make than cocktails, so you should be able to make them without any hassle.
Can Kids Drink Mocktails?
Yes, kids can drink mocktails. Mocktails are totally alcohol-free which is why they are suitable for young people and adults alike. If you’re having a pamper party for your child, then a few mocktails could be a great way to elevate their party and make it even fancier.
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
